When drugs or alcohol are involved, addiction therapists are also known as addiction counselors or substance abuse counselors. Getting the right education is the first step toward becoming an addiction therapist. This will differ depending on the type of license or certification desired. Clinical experience is required after completing the educational requirements. The candidate will be able to obtain his or her licensing or certification as an addiction therapist once the clinical experience is completed.
To become an addiction therapist, you must first complete the necessary educational requirements. Because each city’s certification and licensing laws differ, it’s critical to research a location’s specific requirements. While some jurisdictions only require a certificate or associate’s degree for general licensing, the majority of jurisdictions demand at least a bachelor’s degree. Psychology, behavioral science, and related subjects are common areas of study for addiction therapists. Graduate degrees in clinical psychology or mental health counseling are frequently required for advanced certifications.
Clinical internships are frequently provided as part of the educational curriculum for students interested in becoming addiction therapists. During an internship, the student will be assigned to a healthcare facility and will work under the supervision of licensed professionals. Internships vary in length and number of hours required depending on specific laws and educational curriculum requirements for individual programs, but they typically last a year or more. The student’s goal is to be eligible for a license by the end of the degree and internship.
After earning a bachelor’s degree and completing the required clinical hours, students must pass an examination to obtain their license, which allows them to practice independently. Many places require continuing education credits and workshops even after a license has been obtained in order to keep a license in good standing. Advanced certifications in specialized areas are available for students with graduate degrees. The Association for Addiction Professionals, for example, offers several levels of certification, the most basic of which requires a license and at least three years (or 6,000 hours) of substance abuse counseling experience. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers two other certification credentials: National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC).