Arkansas

What does an Addiction Counselor in Arkansas do? What is Their Job Role?


Helping people overcome their addictions and manage stress in healthier ways is the number one goal of the substance abuse counselor. Counselors start by evaluating an addicted person's physical and mental behaviors, which is the first step in writing an appropriate treatment plan.


But, prospective counselors must go through a lot more than completing a college education and calling it a day. Requirements will differ from state to state, and as such, you'll need to do a little background research before diving into a career as a substance abuse counselor in the state of Arkansas.


Overview


Substance abuse counselors work with people suffering from addictions to drugs and/or alcohol, and in some cases, behavioral issues and eating disorders. Counselors might work in hospitals, group homes, or rehabilitation centers and focus on evaluating clients' mental and physical health, as well as their addictive behaviors.


Upon evaluation, substance abuse counselors help the client put together a plan to get clean and stay clean. Counselors put together a complete recovery plan, as well as identify the roadblocks and behaviors that stand in the way of staying on their course of treatments.


Counselors don't just work with the person dealing with alcoholism or drug abuse, they also help the family cope with their loved one's addiction and help them develop the strategies needed to deal with the client's problem and support them through the challenges ahead.


In addition to working with patients and their loved ones, counselors will work together with other professionals such as social workers and psychiatrists, as well as courts ordering some offenders go to treatment instead of prison.


Overall, the profession is on an upward trajectory. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 22% percent growth in job opportunities between the years 2016 and 2026. As more people seek treatment for addiction, they will also need additional supportive services, creating a demand for counselors to work in detox centers, halfway houses and mental health centers.


Supervised Practice Requirements


In the state of Arkansas, candidates must work under supervision for three or more years earning their Master's degree. While this may seem like a big commitment, the goal here is to ensure that the counselor in training knows the ins and outs of their profession before striking out on their own. In those three plus years, the candidate will learn how to deal with all kinds of people and problems.


In order for these supervised hours to count toward earning an independent license, the supervising counselor must be licensed and approved by the Arkansas board.


It's also worth pointing out that internships do not count toward this requirement.


If three years of supervised practice sounds like a lot to you, there is a workaround. Prospective counselors may substitute 30 credit hours of post-Master's degree coursework in counseling for one year of supervised work. Coursework substitutions may account for two out of three years of required supervised practice. Finally, out of those 3,200 hours of supervised work, 1,600 of those must be completed by working directly with clients.


Education Required for Practice


There are three tiers of licensure for substance abuse counselors in Arkansas—a technician, an associate-level counselor, and an independent counselor.


Associate’s

At the technician level, you’ll need an associate’s degree in a behavioral science, social work, or sociology. Technicians work hands-on with clients, but their career is done under the supervision of a Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Counselor (LADAC).

Bachelor’s

With a bachelor’s degree—again, in a behavioral science, you’re eligible to become a Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Counselor (LAADAC). The extra education comes with an increase in pay from the technician level, but you’ll still need to work with supervision.


Masters

Finally, if you wish to become a Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Counselor, you’ll need to get your Master’s degree in a behavioral science field.


The key differences between the three tiers is the pay grade that comes with each education level. In Arkansas, the median pay for a technician is around $29k per year. An LAADAC can expect to earn a bit more—around $45k, while the LADAC sees another bump--$55k annually.


Counselors at all levels can expect to work with clients on a hands-on basis—helping patients cope with addictive behaviors and carve a path forward in overcoming addiction.


That said, obtaining a master’s degree will open more doors professionally. Lower level counselors must work under supervision while the LADAC has the ability to work independently.


(CACREP) or (CORE) Licensure and Certification


Two types of accreditation are recognized in the United States; institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation takes the entire institution into account while the specialized focus on professional preparation programs. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accreditation that focuses on master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling at colleges and universities worldwide. Only already-accredited institutions are eligible for CACREP review. The review for accreditation will center on programs offering graduate degrees in counseling.


Choosing a CACREP-accredited program ensures that the program meets the highest of quality standards. Many counseling specialties are accredited bythe CACREP, including addiction counseling. Accredited addiction counseling programs prepare individuals to work with those affected by addictive behavior and their families. Addictive behaviors include alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, and anything else that negatively affects your personal or work life by creating addiction behaviors.


CACREP-accredited programs will focus on treatment models and the phases of addiction including prevention, recovery, and relapse prevention. These 60-semester hour programs will include the application of interventions. When students choose a CACREP-accredited program they can be confident that:


  • the program meets or exceeds national standards

  • the program will focus on professional counseling rather than psychology or education

  • the program has an excellent reputation

  • CACREP graduates statistically receive higher scores on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

  • the requirements for licensure will be met.


Board of Examiners in Counseling


The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling oversees the quality of mental health care provided to Arkansas’ citizens. The Board is responsible for oversight of both Licensed Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. The Arkansas Board also researches applicants’ credentials and monitors new licensees for their first three years in practice. The Board of Examiners enforces any disciplinary action including suspension or revocation of licensure. Their mission is to “protect the public” and ensure the quality of the state’s mental health services.


Address

101 East Capitol

Suite 202

Little Rock, Arkansas 72201


Phone

(501) 683-5800


Website Address

https://abec.statesolutions.us/


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)


Arkansas Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


Licensing is done through the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC). This organization is a governmental entity, created by Arkansas statute.


Prospective counselors may look into the process further--Act 443 of 2009 lays out all the criteria substance abuse counselors must meet before they are eligible for their license. It also describes many exemptions where licensing may not be required.


One such example is, professionals who work with governmental agencies.


That said, if you're going the "traditional route" and plan on working with clients in a clinical setting, your best bet is getting your credential.


There are three levels of state licensing or certification:


  • Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Counselor (LADAC)

  • Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Counselor (LAADAC)

  • Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Technician (CADAT)


A Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Counselor must hold a master's degree in a related field. Generally speaking, this degree may be in psychology, marriage and family studies, or other mental health or behavioral sciences. A Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Counselor, by contrast, only needs a bachelor's degree. Still that degree must be in a related area.


The LADAC and LAADAC candidates must meet similar criteria. Both licenses require the completion of 270 hours of approved education. And for those hours to be accepted, coursework must directly pertain to drug and alcohol counseling, research, or theory.


Both levels require that the candidate works for 6,000 supervised hours before they are eligible for their license. As we mentioned above, the supervised practice must be documented by a board-certified supervisor. Recorded by a registered clinical supervisor; a list of supervisors is available on the Board site.


At the technician level, which requires the least amount of education, one must still meet a specific experience requirement before they are eligible for their credential. CADATs have a more limited scope of practice.


The licensing act states that a technician cannot achieve counselor status without meeting the stated requirements. That said, a person can't rise through the ranks from technician to LADAC without first seeking higher education.


Finally, the board requires that all prospective licensees be at least 21 years of age.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


After completing your work requirements and your degree, you must take two examinations. There's a written exam and an oral exam. You may take the written test with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). From there, you may submit passing results to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC).


The oral exam must be taken with the ABEC directly and may be scheduled after the NBCC test.


About National Credentials


Beyond meeting the Arkansas state requirements, counselors can enhance their employment prospects by getting national certification. The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals issues three levels of certification.


The first is National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1 (NCAC 1). You'll get the NCAC 1 after completing 6000 counseling hours or three years of supervised work. The NCAC II requires the candidate to hold a bachelor's degree, have completed 10,000 hours or five years of supervised practice.


At the advanced level, there's the Master Addiction Counselor or MAC. As you might imagine, the MAC requires a master's degree relevant in a related area and 6,000 hours or three years of supervised practice.


Individuals furthermore gain credentials to show their professional understanding. Chemical abuse specialists benefit from coming to be a qualified alcohol as well as substance abuse counselor. Get a Doctoral Degree Individuals that plan to complete research in the chemical abuse treatment field or begin their very own personal method can gain a doctorate in compound abuse therapy.


Trainees finish an argumentation job related to compound misuse treatment. Numerous students make their doctorate while working total time. Typically, a postgraduate degree requires 120 credit history along with taking 4-6 years to finish. Possible trainees interested in pursuing substance abuse therapy ought to make a listing of the top-notches they mean to locate in a program.


Individuals who value cost usually take economic assistance right into consideration. Some universities with high tuition offer considerably far more monetary aid to pupils. Third-party scholarships along with the government similarly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Individuals prepared to pay even more for smaller sized program measurements typically consider unique colleges over state organizations. Program style makes an influence on pupil fulfillment.


This sort of program allows students to see pre-recorded lectures as well as hold discussions with peers online. Potential pupils need to ensure that a program's educational program associates their job goals. A chemical abuse therapist program educates pupils concerning different viewpoints in the field. Master's programs require 35-50 financial obligations relying on the university in addition to take 2-4 years to finish.


If you are interested in learning how to be a drug counselor in Arkansas, you will need to attend drug and alcohol counseling school. But which one should you choose?


In this article, we'll explore a few of the best schools to choose from when deciding on a school for your addiction counseling career. There are several schools that offer coursework in substance abuse counseling in general. It's best to go to an accredited school that offers certification programs as well as real-world experience, which is what you will gain at a good accredited school.


Unfortunately, some drug counselor schools do not offer a diploma or certificate program, so they may only offer training for non-certified certified drug counselors. The ability to go to school on your own time in an outpatient setting also counts a lot.


One of the best drug counselor schools in Arkansas is University Counseling & Psychological Services. It offers online courses, which allow students to take their classes at their own convenience.


The University of Arkansas offers several online training programs for the BSW, CCSW, BSWP, and CCAP certifications, as well as the MCAST. They have a one-year certification program for the CCSW, which is called "Finding Your Way Out of Substance Abuse".


Robert J. Lewis and Associates, Inc. offers an online Master of Arts in Counselor Education program. Students will learn about principles of substance abuse and counseling, as well as strategies for living with addiction. Courses include issues related to addiction and mental health, personality disorders, etc.


Ithaca College offers a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling, as well as a Master of Arts in Counselor Education. Students can expect to be trained in substance abuse education, family services, treatment, and counseling principles.


The Greenville Health Services, Inc. offers the Certified Counselor in Recovery (CARE) program, which offers the student a certification in substance abuse counseling school. With the CARE certification, the student becomes eligible for state licensure after they have successfully completed all of the requirements set by the state.


The Perry School Counseling & Alcohol Program offers the CARE certification, which is a 16-week online program that is designed to teach students the skills they need to become licensed counselors. Perry School Counseling offers an online bachelor's degree program for adults that will allow students to earn their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.


The Greenville Health Services also offers two short courses, which are approved by the State of Arkansas. They are "Client-Centered Care: Integration of Evidence Based Treatments" Helping Drug and Alcohol Addiction Patients Heal"


When choosing among the drug and alcohol counselor schools in Arkansas, it's important to know the level of accreditation that each institution holds. Each one has to follow certain standards that are important, but there is no one that sets those standards.


By going to an accredited school, you'll be able to provide proper care for patients, as well as learn how to better interact with them. The programs offered at these schools offer excellent training in different aspects of substance abuse, drug abuse, mental health, and other related fields.


Continuing Education


The Arkansas State Board requires 40 credit hours per year of continuing education credits. In this case, six of those hours must focus on ethics, 20 must be taken in person, and 20 must relate directly to substance abuse counseling.


Finally, getting involved with a professional association like the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals opens up the opportunity to enroll in continuing education courses, get discounts on classes, insurance packages, and training.


Drug counselor education varies by state, so looking toward nationally recognized programs ensures you’re staying up-to-date on industry standards.


Getting national or international credentials makes you more marketable to prospective employers. It may also make it easier to get licensed in another state if you move at some point.


Potential Counselor Career Path Options


  • Addiction Counselor

  • Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor

  • Behavioral Health Specialist

  • Certified Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counselor

  • Chemical Dependency Counselor

  • Mental Health Counselor

  • School Counselor

  • Substance Abuse Counselor


Associations & Organizations


Of course, to jump start the process, you’ll need to get acquainted with a handful of organizations. Here’s a quick look:


  • Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board—The ASACB is responsible for providing counselor certification to all Arkansas applicants. The website functions as a resource for applicants ready to take the exams or start their practice hours.

  • State of Arkansas Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors—The state board responsible for overseeing

  • National Association for Addiction Professionals—This organization is both a professional association, meaning you can take classes and receive benefits through the NAADAC, and is responsible for issuing the national exam.


As you can see, becoming a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas is a considerable commitment. Prospective candidates should be prepared to spend several years learning their craft, as well as complete continuing education on an annual basis.


Still, if you’re looking for a career that stands to make a real difference, becoming a substance abuse counselor is a fantastic way to improve clients’ lives, and better the greater society.