The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the job field to grow at a very fast 18% rate through 2032. These counselors assess and treat individuals of all ages for mental health concerns that include anxiety, depression, and grief. This takes at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling to earn, and some states require a master’s in counseling. Your undergraduate program doesn’t need to in substance use counseling — candidates come from a variety of educational backgrounds.
What’s the Difference Between Addiction Counseling and Substance Use Counseling?
After becoming licensed, you can pursue work in a clinical setting to provide counseling services for people with chemical dependency or other addictions. If your goal is to become a clinically licensed substance abuse disorder counselor, an online master’s degree in addiction counseling can help you get there. Explore our 2024 list of substance abuse counselings to find the best program for you. It’s fairly common to specialize your practice within the substance use counseling field. For example, you might work with certain populations, such as adolescents or older adults.
Best Accredited Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling Programs
Graduates may find careers in human resources, case management, or care coordination. Substance Abuse Counseling online degree is a cutting-edge, research-oriented program that offers proven practical course content and is designed to help you learn how to become a qualified clinician. There is an epidemic of substance abuse addiction and overdose deaths in the United States. Substance abuse counseling is a high-demand profession that can make a real difference in your community. Counselors are needed to help people who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions learn to modify their behavior to lead them on the road to eventual recovery.
What are the admission requirements for addiction counseling programs?
If you’ve earned a traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree, there are many ways to build a career around helping people in your community. If you have the compassion, empathy, and determination this field requires, take your first step in helping people heal by learning more about our certificate and bachelor’s programs. Addiction counselors work in different settings, including private practices, schools, and prisons. They help individuals understand their addictions and implement recovery programs.
Will this program provide any hands-on experience?
An online bachelor’s in addiction counseling teaches how to assess addictive behaviors and create treatment plans. Students also learn how to provide individual and group counseling and connect clients with helpful community resources. Yes, if you are an IC&RC-certified substance use counselor from another state, you may be able to transfer your credential to the comparable level of certification in Pennsylvania.
Each of these programs can help prepare you to change lives through counseling. Helping others through addiction and recovery can be challenging but many find it rewarding, and your involvement may mean the difference between life and death for people in need. Enrollees study different models of sobriety maintenance and relapse prevention in this course. Professors often cover sociocultural triggers, behavior modification techniques, public health, and risk-informed decision-making.
- You may also need to earn practicum hours, especially for licensure tracks.
- This program prepares students to work in family support, social services, and prison systems.
- Your curriculum for an online bachelor degree in addiction counseling will teach you how to guide patients to maintain their sobriety and lead you to a successful career in substance abuse counseling.
- Faculty typically lead undergraduates through lessons on the neurochemistry of substance use, counseling theories and techniques, and professional ethics.
- With a personal approach to education, the success of every student is valued.
Central Michigan University Central Michigan University Central Michigan University Central Michigan University
Assess faculty credentials, checking their expertise and ability to provide quality instruction. Also, evaluate the scheduling options, weighing the pros and cons of part-time versus full-time study to align with your personal and professional commitments effectively. Once you’ve decided on a specialization, you can research schools and programs to help you meet your career goals.
Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
AC uses the Canvas learning management system for its 100% online asynchronous courses. Online students have access to a bookstore, library, career services, and writing center. The learning management system at WU is Canvas, where students study 100% online through synchronous and asynchronous courses. There’s an online help desk to assist students with technical issues and e-tutoring services. CelcticOnline is the learning management system remote students use to complete their 100% online, flexible coursework on a full- or part-time basis.