Georgia

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


The government of the State of Georgia does not license substance abuse counselors. In Georgia, certification is voluntary, and the private credentialing agencies are accepted as authoritative sources of professional credentials. These credentials certify a level of competency based on education, experience, and training. There are two primary organizations in the state that provide certification, credentials, renewals, continuing education requirements, and ethical compliance. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA), and the Georgia Association of Addiction Counselors (GACA).


The ADACBGA is a member board of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. It offers credentials and certification. The board can accept credentials from out of state counselors and promote acceptance of Georgia Counselors outside the state.


The GACA is a Georgia association affiliated with the NAADAC (National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors). It offers entry-level and full professional credentials including teaching and clinical supervision credentials. The association administers tests, monitors quality, and protects the public interest in responsible care and treatment.


Overview


Drug and alcohol abuse counseling is an important tool in the State of Georgia to reduce and prevent drug abuse and alcohol dependency. Like many other parts of the US, Georgia has a rising rate of severe drug usage including overdoses and deaths. They contend with illegal drugs, illegal use of legal drugs, alcohol dependence, and co-occurring mental and physical disorders. Treatment and prevention are the pillars of the Georgia approach to reducing drug abuse and alcohol dependency.


Addiction counselors have a large role and a powerful position relative to the patients and families that rely on their professional skills. Professional ethics, cultural awareness, and social responsibility are part of the counselor role. They must engage clients and families, and they must always act with awareness of the client’s overall situation.


Treatment is the top priority for substance abuse counselors. Prevention is part of the overall mission, and treatment and prevention rely upon communication skills. The counselor must reach recovering addicts, alcohol-dependent persons, families, and the community as a whole to effectively work to reduce alcohol and drug abuse.


Georgia Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


There are two categories of licenses in the state of Georgia. The state has two licensing authorities, and they have separate structures for certification, credentialing, and monitoring professional responsibility.


The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia


The ADACBOG is a non-governmental organization that issues certifications for substance abuse counselors. The board had three main levels for counselors, namely, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I(CADCI), the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II(CADCII), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).


CADC I or The Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) is the most widely held professional counseling credential. Internationally, there are about 20,000 credential-holders in more than 60 countries. The credential has wide acceptance among employers, public bodies, and insurance providers.


CADC II is a more advanced certification and level of practice than CADC l. The level II requires more formal education and 4000 hours of work experience. All CADC certifications require 300 hours of addiction training in the core counseling functions. Training includes group settings, counseling leadership, and observation skills.


CAADC is also a widely held and recognized credential. Currently, there are about 5,000 CAADC professionals. The CAADC certification represents the capacity to treat complex addiction and dependencies. The holder must demonstrate a thorough understanding of substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. These advanced professionals can use the latest evidence-based practice for simultaneous detection and treatment of substance abuse disorders and associated co-occurring mental health disorders.


The Georgia Association of Addiction Counselors


This private voluntary certification group issues credentials and they monitor the quality of counseling.


Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (CACI) is a credential that meets the minimum GACA qualifications in Georgia. These counselors demonstrate a wide range of counselor skills, experience, and supervised training. They must pass the NCE examination. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and show that they are clear of pending matters. Persons with past criminal records or probation must present a clear history for the two years prior to the exam.


Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (CACII) is a certification for addiction counselors who hold a bachelor's degree or higher level of education, and they meet or exceed the level two experience and work requirements.


Counselor-In-Training Certification (CIT) is a temporary, transitional certification. This program helps trainees, and they must complete the training within three years.


Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) is a credential for licensed health professionals and senior counselors who supervise newer addiction counselors and provide clinical supervision. It requires five years of practicing experience, two-years of experience providing clinical supervision.


Education Requirements


Counselor-In-Training Certification (CIT)


This is a temporary credential that permits an applicant to work and learn and gain experience for a full credential. It requires a high school diploma or equivalency.


Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (CACI)


Minimum of HS diploma or GED, 180 contact hours of education in drug abuse and chemical dependency that must also include six hours of ethics education, 18 hours of cultural diversity, and three hours of HIV/AIDS education. A minimum of 100 hours must be within five years of the exam. Applicants can credit up to 90 hours from a college transcript.


Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (CACII)


Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet the level two requirements for 270 hours of drug and alcohol-related education. Twenty-seven hours of cultural diversity training and education. The work experience requirement is 6,000 hours with 144 hours of supervised experience. All work experience must be no more than eight years past, and the candidate must pass the Level I or Level II exam.


Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)


The CSS role is vital to increasing the number of working counselors. It is a credential for clinicians who supervise addiction counselors and meet the requirements of GACA. The credential requires a CACII rating and specific type of experience at a supervision level. It does not have a minimum education requirement except as qualifying as the CACII which requires a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree.


CACREP Accredited Online 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 by the 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 Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists


The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is a committee of 10 appointees. The mission of the Board is to regulate the practice of licensed Georgian:


  • Professional Counselors

  • Social Workers

  • Marriage and Family Therapists


The Board was created to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Georgia’s citizens. The Board enforces education and training standards for licensure in each field of mental health practice. They enforce a set code of ethics, establish and enforce continuing education requirements, and administer any disciplinary action needed.


Address


214 State Capitol

Atlanta, Georgia 30334


Phone


(844) 753-7825


Website Address


http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/43


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Associate Licensed Professional Counselor (LAPC)


Counselors Association offers two addiction counselor accreditations: Qualified Addiction Counselor, Degree I (CACI) and Certified Dependency Therapist, Degree II (CACII). A high institution diploma credential. The candidate needs to also have180 hours of education and learning in substance abuse, alcoholism, and counseling-related subjects.


Job experience accumulated much more than 5 years in the past will certainly not be attributed. The CACI candidate will certainly take the NCC AP exam. The CAC II needs to have a level at the bachelor's degree. Furthermore, the CAC II needs to have 270 hours of education and learning pertinent to the addiction therapy function; 27 need to be in multiculturalism.


The qualification charge ranges from $100 to $200, relying on NAADAC/ GACA subscription conditions. Candidates will certainly be sent out details on evaluation/ re-examination plans. The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Certification Board of Georgia supplies the Certified Alcohol and Medication Counselor I (CADC I), Qualified Alcohol and Medication Therapist II (CADC II), and also Certified Advanced Alcohol and also Drug Therapist (CAADC) credentials.


You will certainly need 270 hrs of education in ICRC/AODA related training courses that are composed of the 12 Core Functions: Screening; Intake; Positioning; Assessment; Therapy Planning; Therapy; Instance Management; Dilemma Treatment; Customer Education And Learning; Recommendation; Records and also Record Keeping; Assessment. You are suggested to have one hour of straight guidance for every single ten hrs of experience.


By Staff Author A drug abuse therapist finishes specialized training to help clients conquer dependency and manage the stress of daily living. Frequently, these therapists operate in conjunction with various other experts to give collective treatment that helps clients reconstruct their lives and also progress with their partnerships. Need for qualified chemical abuse therapists remains to grow in Georgia as well as country wide as courts transform to therapy rehabilitation instead of incarceration for individuals convicted on medicine charges.


In Georgia, the BLS prepares for 24.5% growth, with more than 140 work openings yearly. The average substance abuse therapist gains $47,050 every year in Georgia. When checking out exactly how to end up being a substance abuse counselor in Georgia, consider your degree of education and learning, work experience, as well as specialized training. The state supplies multiple accreditation courses to ensure that people looking for addiction therapy receive premium service from educated specialists.


Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Georgia may not be for everyone. There are plenty of people who will tell you that becoming a substance abuse counselor is something you can do if you want to and no one will stop you but yourself.


So if becoming a substance abuse counselor is something you want to do, you need to know what you need to do and if there is anyone who can help you get there. This article will give you some insight into the steps you need to take in order to be a certified drug and alcohol counselor in Georgia.


Before you even try to become a substance abuse counselor in Georgia, you need to get your GED. It's something that Georgia requires of all licensed professionals.


After you have your GED, you then need to start the process of taking all of your classes to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor in Georgia. These classes include:


Alcohol and Drug Counseling Classes- The class focuses on the causes of alcohol and drug addiction, along with strategies to overcome them. The curriculum is designed to address issues like fear, anxiety, and depression, among others.


Alcoholism and Substance Abuse- This class teaches students how to spot signs of alcoholism and drug and alcohol abuse. Students learn about emotional stability, behavior patterns, coping mechanisms, and other issues involved in substance abuse and alcoholism.


Alcohol and Drug Counselors- This class teaches students how to help clients overcome their dependency on alcohol and drugs. The curriculum involves an overview of alcohol and drug abuse, including how to correctly administer naloxone, or Narcan, the overdose antidote for individuals who are overdosing from alcohol and/or drugs.


Counseling for Drug and Alcohol Problems- This class focuses on working with addicts on their addictions and behavioral issues. The program covers such issues as the motivational factors that can encourage people to use drugs and alcohol and the role of family in relation to addiction.


Substance Abuse Counselor- This is the program that will make you a certified counselor in Georgia. It focuses on working with clients who are alcoholics, opiate addicts, and those who use drugs or alcohol.


Substance Abuse Counselors focus on providing medical assistance to patients. They also have to work closely with their clients in order to help them with treatment options and ways of dealing with stress.


You can become a certified counselor in Georgia by simply completing the required courses and passing the final examination. However, you will need to pass a test before you can sit for the exam.


Although this article gave you an introduction to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Georgia, it does not include everything there is to know about this field. For more information, be sure to check out these links below.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


Applicants can choose to pursue certification with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) or the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA). The Board follows the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium testing style with evidence-based methods and study. The testing domains used by the board include screening, assessment, and client engagement skills. They test knowledge of the best practices for treatment planning, resource referrals, and team-type collaboration.


The association follows the NAADAA model for core competencies and testing. The Association requires an extensive review and approval of applications before testing. The Association requires the NC AP written exam for CSS certifications, and then the applicant may sit for the CSS written exam. Applicants must demonstrate educational attainment in alcohol and drug abuse counseling and knowledge of Professional conduct. They must formally accept the code of Ethical Responsibilities.


Clinical Supervision Explained


Counselors must get certification and training, and they also have the benefits of their education and work experience. Clinical supervision is the finishing process for professional counselors; it is a guided learning process. Paired with a senior supervision level counselor, the supervised counselor gets an immersion in a learning environment. Drug abuse education gets its test in real-life applications in the clinical settings where counselors must interact with patients and their families. The role of the counselor extends to education. In all the roles that the counselor must perform, communications are key. They must be able to form concepts and communicate about them to colleagues, team members, and patients.


In clinical supervision, the primary method is observation and feedback, but the environment is necessary too. The learning environment must encourage new ideas, professional and personal growth, and critical self-assessment. The counselor must develop and strengthen critical thinking skills. The learning cycle for a substance abuse counselor does not end with exams and certification. The professional learning experience is a career-long undertaking that must be self-sustained.


Renewal and Continuing Education


The credentialing authority sets the terms of the credential and the requirements for remaining in good standing.


The GACA Renewal and CEU


The GACA requires 40-hours of continuing education during the two-year term of a credential. The GACA requires 40 hours of continuing education. Twenty (20) hours must be GACA approved classroom work; the balance must have six hours of ethics and the remaining 14 hours can be other counseling or counseling-related subjects. GACA renewal requires 24 hours of clinical supervision by a CCS credential holder. The CACII does not have a supervised hours requirement.

The ADACBGA Renewal and CEU


The Board offers a list of approved CEU courses and workshops that each have a master's level presenter and offer one of the 12 core domains as the primary subject. Renewal requires 40 hours within the two-year term. Six hours of ethics for every applicant, and supervision hours for the CSS level.


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


  • Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA)

  • Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board (ADACBGA) is a member of the IC&RC. It offers certification, testing, training, drug and alcohol education, and continuing education in Georgia.

  • International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC & RC)- The IC&RC is a credential and certification organization that also provided reciprocity between member chapters so that credentials recognized in one state can get acceptance in other member states.