How Do I Become An Addictions Counselor?

by Willette Francis

If you've always had a desire to help others, a career as an addiction worker or counselor might just be for you. The proper education and training, combined with your compassion and understanding nature, will see others through difficult times. As a counselor, you strive to help others make a change for the better and, in return, you are rewarded with the good that you have brought into someone's life.

How do I become a counselor?
Education and training requirements for counselors vary by state and specialty. People that are interested in pursuing a career in counseling have to research their state's counseling requirements. Although educational requirements vary by specialty, a master's degree is necessary for licensing as a counselor. Many publicly employed counselors are required to have a masters degree, while other employers accept a bachelor's degree and certain counseling courses. These courses can be taken at colleges and universities under the education or psychology departments. Areas of counseling include substance abuse, rehabilitation, school (elementary and secondary), marriage and family therapy, community, mental health, gerontological, career, and a host of other areas.

Employers often offer training to new employees and may offer tuition assistance to further your study in the field by attaining a graduate degree. Once education and training is complete, it is time to become licensed. Like education and training, licensure also varies by state, specialty, and employer.

Substance abuse counselors are governed by a different state agency or board and the licensing requirements would be completely different from someone who is interested in being licensed as a school counselor.

Potential counselors also need to be able to inspire people, gain their trust and confidence, and work well independently and with a team.

What will I learn in school in a counseling program?
A master's degree program at a college or university will be under the psychology or education department. For those interested in pursuing a career as an addiction or substance abuse counselor, you would choose a program in counseling psychology. Required courses in a counseling psychology master's program could include theories of counseling and psychology, lifespan development, psychological appraisal and assessment, diversity and cross-cultural psychology, professional issues and ethics, adult psychopathology, substance abuse evaluation & treatment, research and evaluation in psychology, consultation, collaboration, and community partnerships, group counseling and psychotherapy, and a capstone project seminar.

In addition to these courses, students have to complete training sequences and seminars such as practicum field placements in helping relationships and internships. There may also be a number of electives to complete for the program. Elective courses can include career development and counseling, couples and family counseling, evidence-based practice, child and adolescent behavioral disorders and treatment, advanced substance abuse treatment, trauma theory and disorders, and spirituality and psychology. The master's program can be completed in two years with the most amount of coursework being taken in the first year. Before proceeding to a master's degree program in psychology, students will need to complete an undergraduate degree program in psychology or a related field.