New Focus on Drug Treatment Means More Counseling Jobs |
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June 19, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Alcohol and drug abuse in America is no joke. America's brief flirtation with prohibition nearly a century ago only underscores the length of the epidemic of abuse that refuses to go away despite political and public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and increased studies of the damage it causes to individuals, families, and the workplace. What has changed is the increase of residential treatment programs and college-based counseling training for professionals who staff jobs at in-patient facilities and out-patient clinics.
The Growing Need for Substance-Abuse Counselors
Campus-based and online college counseling certificate programs are more popular than ever, and long-term projections show that plenty of jobs await graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) points out that there is growing community interest in supporting criminal diversion programs, where substance abusers with a myriad of violations can now seek substance-abuse counseling in lieu of doing hard time. That means more jobs for people holding treatment counseling certificates.
Training and Certificates for Substance-Abuse Counseling
According to BLS research, there were 76,000 professional substance abuse counselors working across the country in 2004, and counseling jobs are predicted to "grow faster than the average for all occupations" beyond the end of the decade.
While a bachelor's degree is the fundamental entry requirement for many counseling training and certificate programs in mental health, drug and alcohol-abuse counselors often begin training--along with taking concurrent part-time treatment jobs--with only an associate's degree.
State Requirements for Counselors
Most states have their own licensing requirements which combine on-the-job internships with counseling training. For instance, in California you'll need to pass the examination and licensing requirements for a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor. Across the country, treatment jobs often go to trained counselors with National Certified Addiction Counselor designations.
Many states observe reciprocity for counseling certificates earned elsewhere. Look carefully at state requirements before leaping into coursework to make sure your counseling training will lead to a job where you hope to practice.
Source
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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