Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
Substance abuse counselors can get their start with as little as an associate's degree in substance abuse counseling. However, you will most likely not be able to work as an unsupervised counselor without further education. Most substance abuse counselors earned their bachelor's degree in counseling and then specialize their education in substance abuse with a master's degree or a substance abuse counseling certificate program. Master's degrees and counseling certificates are both graduate level programs that can be completed in universities or through accredited online programs. Through an online program, you can earn your substance abuse counseling degree from the comfort of your own home according to your own schedule.
Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Benefits
Substance abuse counseling is a highly rewarding career that directly helps people in need. As a substance abuse counselor you'll face difficult challenges every day but you'll also get to see the positive effects that your influence has on the people you counsel. Because substance abuse counseling is such an important and specialized position, it requires a high level of education both in counseling practices and specifically in substance abuse issues. Once you have become certified as a substance abuse counselor, you can work in a variety of counseling environments helping people overcome their addictions to alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse counseling is a noble profession that can be quite well-paid.
Substance Abuse Counselors Career Path
People who gain certification as substance abuse counselors go on to work as counselors in nonprofit organizations, private rehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. Depending upon the environment in which you work, your salary as a substance abuse counselor can vary widely. The average salary for substance abuse counselors is $40,000 per year. However, salaries can be much higher for substance abuse counselors who work in private rehabilitation centers. Becoming an effective substance abuse counselor takes more than just classroom study. Counselors must also observe other professionals, practice their skills with patients, and keep their knowledge of counseling methods and theories as current as possible.
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Substance abuse counselors are typically required to be certified or licensed by the state in which they practice. In order to become certified as a substance abuse counselor, students must complete graduate level coursework in the field of substance abuse counseling. Typically a student must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field before going on to earn a master's degree or completing a certificate program in substance abuse counseling.
