Substance abuse counselling is a vital component of recovery from addiction. Not only is it essential for the addict to receive help, but it is also critical for those close to him or her. Many organisations offer counselling support to those who are affected by substance abuse, as well as to their family members. Substance abuse counselling is an ongoing process and continuous support is necessary to ensure recovery. This article examines the career options and educational requirements for those interested in this field.
Career opportunities
If you’re interested in helping others, substance abuse counseling may be the perfect job for you. This job can be extremely fulfilling and has solid prospects for advancement, work-life balance, and salary. It’s also a rewarding field to work in, as the average American works into their 60s. To get started in this field, you can enroll in an undergraduate certificate in alcohol and drug abuse counseling from National University. If you’re looking for a more specialized role, you can also work for local community programs and after-school services.
There are many career options in substance abuse counseling, but the most lucrative option is becoming a psychiatrist. This career path requires completing medical school, spending one year as an intern, and three years as a resident. As a psychiatrist, you’ll be tasked with treating people with addictions and treating their underlying mental illnesses, and you’ll administer medications that help the recovering person get back on their feet. Alternatively, you can work in administrative support roles at a rehabilitation center. In these positions, you’ll register new patients and handle financial details for their treatment plans.
Education requirements
There are several options for obtaining a degree to become a substance abuse counselor. A master’s degree is often required for the highest-level positions in the field, but you can also earn a certificate through a community college or a career training school. Many online programs are flexible, allowing you to balance family and work commitments. However, some states require specific coursework. If you’re considering a certificate program, consider the following:
The average salary for a substance abuse counselor was $43,300 in 2017. The lowest ten percent of professionals earned under $27,310, while the highest ten percent earned more than $73,840. The educational requirements to become a substance abuse counselor are relatively straightforward. Certification is the first step, followed by supervised on-the-job experience. However, it takes many hours of training to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.
Earning potential
As one of the fastest growing careers in the country, substance abuse counseling offers a wide range of job opportunities. This career can be found anywhere, as long as you are licensed by your state. In addition, you can work in a variety of treatment settings and develop transferable skills. As a licensed professional counselor, you can earn competitive salaries. A master’s degree in substance abuse counseling can help you command a higher salary.
Depending on where you live, you may not need a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling. However, you can choose to pursue graduate-level coursework if your goal is to be a supervisor. A master’s degree will open many doors and allow you to provide more services to clients. Additionally, having an advanced degree will allow you to work independently, and may lead to more lucrative job opportunities. You can also develop a clientele base by working with physicians and other professionals.
Job outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that job opportunities for substance abuse counselors will increase by 23% between now and 2030. The field is growing faster than average, thanks to the fact that many states now require addicted offenders to undergo treatment. Another contributing factor to the growth of the field is the growing need for treatment for military veterans, with one in 10 servicemen suffering from substance abuse disorders. These counselors will provide preventive treatment and discuss proven coping skills.
The education requirements to become a substance abuse counselor vary by state. In California, applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised training within two years. Other states require additional hours. In addition to the education requirement, prospective substance abuse counselors should also complete supervised practice hours in order to be licensed in their state. In addition to completing the education requirements, substance abuse counselors may also choose to further their training by obtaining a master’s degree.