What Education Is Needed to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
- A bachelor's degree is a nearly universal requirement for those wanting to work as substance-abuse counselors. The best degree path for a career in this field is typically a psychology degree because it can eliminate the need to complete additional prerequisite coursework prior to graduate school or certification training. A degree in social services is another possible degree path that can be useful for a career in this field. A major in one of these fields and a minor in the other can also prove beneficial. Another option is to pursue a program of study at a community college that focuses on human services or alcohol-abuse counseling. Obtaining an associate degree in this field and then a bachelor's degree in psychology afterward is one way to complete general-education requirements at a lower cost and gain additional education in this field.
- In some states like Louisiana and Indiana, a master's degree is necessary to become a substance-abuse counselor. Most states require a master's degree for the counseling profession in general, but some have substance-abuse counseling training for those who do not necessarily have a master's degree. Some states will accept a master's degree in counseling or a human-services field, like social work, for those en route to substance-abuse counseling certification. If you already have obtained a bachelor's degree in another field, it is still possible to get into a master's-degree program in one of these fields, although some prerequisite coursework may be required.
- Most substance-abuse counselors are required to obtain some type of practical training through a practicum or supervised internship. During this practical phase of their education, those training to become substance-abuse counselors generally work closely with another licensed professional in the field who can guide them through the early phase of their career. The number of required hours and length of time it takes to complete a practicum can vary by state, but in general, one year -- or 2,000 hours -- of supervised experience is required.
- Each state has its own certification requirements and generally has its own corresponding certification exam. The areas of required knowledge for each exam are generally provided by the state's regulatory agency that covers the field of counseling and other mental-health professions. Determining what to study can usually be done by visiting the website of the state's certifying agency. Exam-specific requirements and study guides are usually provided for counselors to obtain the proper knowledge for certification.
