Idaho

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


There are specific state-requisitioned guidelines to practice in the state of Idaho as a substance abuse counselor in programs related to behavioral health. The specific titles that fall into this category include clinical social workers, counselors, and clinical specialists in the field of nursing. There are options for degree programs as well as certificates depending on what someone chooses to pursue in order to be recognized for employment in these positions by the state of Idaho.


The Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC) is the primary issuance of certificates in this state. It consists of approximately 60-70 board members who hold titles on the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) which is a global group of nearly 50,000 professionals in this field who gather to discuss and agree upon the standards that should be set within the field of counseling and social work for certifying potential counseling and substance abuse professionals for the sake of public safety.


Overview


Overall, to be certified in the area of substance abuse counseling, an individual must meet requirements that entail observation under professional supervision along with educational minimum standards set by respective substance abuse programs based on their accreditation by the state of Idaho. Many individuals who are in the process of pursuing a certificate or degree in the field of substance abuse counseling can hold the title of Qualified Substance Use Disorders Trainee and work in a clinical setting under supervision from a certified or degreed professional. This leads to the examination process and full licensure.


Sometimes, other state-approved institutional groups like Optum Idaho which is a healthcare service for patients seeking outpatient care in the state of Idaho may ask for some additional certification or professional requirements in order to be listed as a provider with their program.


Even though the state of Idaho only requires certification for substance abuse counselors including the state of Idaho licensing law for professional counseling, many people choose to continue their professional development and pursue a master’s degree in the field as well as licensing.


Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


There are two types of certifications that an individual can pursue in order to earn the title of Qualified Substance Use Disorder Professional. The Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC) has identified these professional positions as follows:


CADC


Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor


ACADC


Advanced Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor


The CADC certification has no degree requirement but adds on more clock hours of supervision in a clinical environment of a minimum of 270 hours. The clinical settings are set by the IC&RC. The state of Idaho has also set differing minimum clinical hours based on the actual clinical environment in which an individual is being supervised (see link below).


If an individual pursues a master’s degree in behavioral science, they can also qualify for the ACADC certificate. This will also include clinical hours.


The degrees are in the area of behavioral science and are as follows:


  • Psychology

  • Social Work

  • Counseling

  • Alcohol/Drug Counseling Studies

  • Sociology


Educationally, requirements set by the IBADCC vary depending upon the institution or organization an individual is registered and studying within the counseling program. This also affects the number of clinical hours that can be earned. The type of educational programs that affect this effects are college programs, seminars, in-service, and a variety of organizational workshops. The IBADCC only allows up to five clinical hours for in-service counseling as credit toward a certificate.


The IBADCC will approve certain hours connected to specific workshops within a prescribed list of organizations. This approved list is through the IC&RC, the Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), and the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare. Additionally, you can seek approval for clinical hours through The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) if this is your specific field of study or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).


All clinical clock hours that are completed need to be verified through a copy of a completion certificate signed and dated by the appropriate supervisors in the clinical setting. This includes any clinical hours done through a university or college clinical course. Each credit hour in that course is equal to 15 clock hours in the field. Sometimes, an official transcript directly from the college or university may have to be included with the certificate of completion. Note that practicum hours are usually considered work experience but not as clinical hours.


CACREP Licensure and Certification IBADCC


Supervisory hours: Credentialing for CADC candidate occurs only after 300 hours of approved supervision is completed. This can be an informal clinical setting or a formal program in a college certification program. As long as the state of Idaho recognizes the entity as one of its approved organizations, it is acceptable for supervisory hour credits. A specific supervisor must also meet the standards set by the state of Idaho. This includes any supervisor who holds a CADC level certificate who must have at least three years of professional experience in counseling in order to be recognized as an approved supervisor.


Work experience: If a CADC candidate does not have a behavioral science degree, then the approved work experience hours are a minimum of 6,000 hours in a clinically-approved environment. If the CADC candidate has a graduate-level behavioral science degree that is verified by the state of Idaho, then this requirement drops to 2,000 hours in the field.

ACADC Educational Requirements


Supervisory hours: ACADC candidates are required to complete 2,000 clinical hours under supervision and practicum hours of at least 300 for this certification. These 300 hours must show a minimum of 10 hours of supervision within each of the 12 Core Functions of alcohol and drug abuse counseling.


Work experience: If the 2,000 hours being submitted are from work experience, they must be with clients that are diagnosed within the 12 Core Functions of alcohol and drug abuse counselors.


Supervisors must meet more stringent qualifications to be considered qualified to assess ACADC candidates. They must show proof of at least 180 hours of education with 30 hours each in the prescribed IC&RC Performance Domains and Tasks.


Definition of Supervision


The general definition of supervision as set forth by IBADCC is being assessed by a recognized professional in the field of substance and abuse counseling who will assess the skill level and development of either a CADC or ACADC candidate on how well they can incorporate their knowledge into real-world clinical environments. This can include multiple supervisors or clinics who specialize in different areas of the 12 Core Functions of alcohol and drug abuse training.


Definition of Work Experience


This can be either full time or part-time employment as well as a paid or volunteer position. Practicum hours associated with a college or certification program can also be considered as work experience. Volunteering at substance abuse meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous does not count as work experience according to the standards set by the IBADCC.


Education Requirements


Both the CADC and ACADC professionals must show proof of at least 6 hours of completion of the Professional and Ethical Responsibilities training that is specific to all substance abuse counseling programs. This requirement is a federal and state law that deals with understanding the needs of a substance abuse client and their overall welfare, a minimum understanding of the professional competence required in the field of substance abuse counseling, and a knowledge of the communication needed between substance abuse professionals and the clinics that they refer their clients to for care.


ISAS Eligibility


Before a candidate can receive their full certification, they are considered an Idaho Student of Addiction Studies (ISAS). The ISAS certification was created by the IBADCC in cooperation with the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, and the Idaho IMS Consortiums which helps the state’s educational department to create more personalized learning curriculums. The “trainee” title allows for a more individualized assessment of the candidate’s level of knowledge and skills development as they work in their field of study. This is not a title that is recognized by the IC&RC in all states, so it does not qualify a candidate to practice anywhere as a certified trainee except in the state of Idaho.


Academic Requirements for ISAS Approval


Each candidate for the ISAS certificate must how a passing grade of “C” or better in the following courses which include clinical time ranging from 15-45 clock hours:


  • Intro to Drug and Society

  • Blood-Borne Pathogen Studies

  • Techniques in Counseling

  • Pharmacology

  • Client Assessment

  • Case Management

  • Ethics

  • Client Screening


The total of credits and clock hours for these courses is as follows: 22 credits and a minimum of 315 clinical hours.


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.


State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists


The Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists exists to regulate mental health practitioners in the state. By regulating licensure and monitoring licensees the Board strives to ensure that standards and ethical practices are followed. The Board oversees licensure, renewals, and inspections of establishments that offer counseling services.


Address


700 West State Street

Boise, ID 83702


Phone


(208) 334-3233


Website Address


https://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/BoardPage.aspx?Bureau=COU


Licensure:


  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Registered Counselor Intern (RI)


Idaho has 2 vital degrees of accreditation for Material Misuse Therapy as well as also a selection of expertise certifications likewise. The initial degree is called the Certified Alcohol as well as additionally Medicine Therapist (CADC) and also the various other major titles are the Advanced Qualified Alcohol/Drug Therapist (ACADC). Listed here you will certainly locate the requirements for each and every degree of certification.


ACADC Accreditation: To earn the Advanced Licensed Alcohol/Drug Therapist (ACADC) credential, a private requirement to have a master's degree in an actions scientific research self-constraint; the program must include a medical part. The certain should have 180 human resources of education and learning that takes care of the calls for IC&RC effectiveness domains, with at least 30 hrs in each of the 5 acknowledged locations.


The specialist has to additionally have 2,000 hours of experience; this demands to include 300 hours of advice in 12 core features. IBADCC notes that professionals recognized by other IC&RC boards may ask for a reciprocity form from IC & RC. Likewise referenced in Idaho administrative code is the NBCC Master Dependency Counselor (MAC) credential.


A student could be identified on the basis of registration in a licensing program, group as an Idaho Pupil in Reliance Study researches, or credentials as a Northwest Indian Alcohol/Drug Specialist Therapist. Staff members of Idaho facilities can anticipate to be fingerprinted before beginning their job. Prospects require to recognize that state plans have transformed at above one considering recent times.


Chemical abuse specialists assist individuals as well as locations fight dependence, particularly alcohol as well as likewise medication addiction. Their work includes analysis, clinical diagnosis, treatment, as well as likewise therapy. Eventually, substance abuse therapists help individuals via actual, life-altering problems. Like lots of states, Idaho needs added counseling experts. The Bureau of Labor Stats (BLS) reported that Idaho used 1,540 substance abuse, behavior conditions, along with mental wellness counselors in 2018.


Substance abuse counselors assist people and areas fight dependency, specifically alcohol as well as medicine dependence. Their work includes evaluation, medical diagnosis, therapy, as well as therapy. Ultimately, chemical abuse specialists aid individuals with genuine, life-changing concerns. Like numerous states, Idaho calls for a great deal more therapy professionals. The Bureau of Labor Data (BLS) reported that Idaho utilized 1,540 substance abuse, habits problems, along with psychological health specialists in 2018.


To become a drug and alcohol counselor in Idaho is not as difficult as you may think. As a matter of fact, it is relatively easy for those who have the interest, knowledge, and preparation to succeed. Here are some tips that can help you in your quest to become a professional in this field.


If you are thinking about how to become a drug and alcohol counselor in Idaho, it will be important to know how to write an effective resume. You will need to make certain that your information is accurate and that your resume is able to show your strengths as well as your weaknesses. This may sound quite intimidating, but if you take the time to think about your qualifications, you will find that the job is not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, all that is required of you is that you have a college degree in social work or related area or have an Associate Degree in Social Work or related field.


When you start looking at the ways that you can become a drug counselor in Idaho, you will find that there are many choices. It will help if you spend some time researching the different schools and programs so that you will be able to determine which is best for you. For example, it will be important for you to realize that in order to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Idaho, you will need to have completed a clinical psychology, nursing, or educational psychology degree.


On the other hand, you can also specialize in substance abuse and substance dependence, working with individuals who have either a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or a history of alcohol abuse. In fact, it is likely that some employers would prefer that you have a higher level of training than the state minimum requirements. Therefore, before you apply for any job positions, it will be important for you to determine the type of certification and training that you require.


As a matter of fact, another thing that you will want to keep in mind when you are looking at how to become a drug counselor in Idaho is that there is a certain amount of licensing requirements that must be met in order to work in this field. These licensing requirements differ from state to state, but the minimum requirements for each state vary.


For example, in some states, the licensing requirements will depend on the amount of years that you have spent in counseling, while in other states, the minimum requirement is one year. Keep in mind that each state has different requirements, so you will want to contact each state's licensing board in order to learn more about how to become a drug and alcohol counselor in Idaho.


In addition to requirements that may be different from state to state, it will be important for you to keep in mind that becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor in Idaho requires a minimum of twenty-five supervised hours of work in a residential treatment center or a hospital. Many times, employers may look more favorably on those who have had these twenty-five hours of supervised experience because they can provide valuable insight and help those who are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. In addition, you should know that there are a number of drug and alcohol counselors who are not certified in this field.


Of course, when you begin to consider how to become a drug and alcohol counselor in Idaho, you should first determine whether or not you have a problem with alcohol and drug abuse. It is important for you to understand that people who have issues with alcohol and drugs are at a higher risk for developing the addiction itself. Therefore, if you have an alcohol and drug abuse problem, it is important for you to talk to your doctor and consider other options for treatment.


It will be important for you to remember that there are a number of treatment options available to those who suffer from alcohol and drug problems. In fact, there are a number of therapies that you can choose from when you consider how to become a drug and alcohol counselor in Idaho. Therefore, before you begin looking for a new job position, it will be important for you to find out which therapy will work best for you.


Also, before you begin looking for a new job, it will be important for you to decide what type of facility or location you will be looking to use a "peer-backup plan" in. One of the main reasons why people become alcohol and drug counselors in the first place is to help those who are suffering from this illness get back on their feet. or help someone get back on track.


(CACREP) or (CORE) Licensure and Certification


Each of the CADC and ACADC candidates can find the complete application process in the IBADCC handbook. Each certificate requirement is presented in separate guidelines in the handbook. The application fee for either certification is a total of $315 for the application and examination fee. Study guides and practice exams are available through the IC&RC for both types of certifications.


Because the IBADCC is a non-profit organization which is a member of the IC&RC, the final certifications must be ordered through them. The IC&RC does not mail completed professional certificates. A CADC or ACADC candidate can only do the testing for professional certification after their application has been approved and not before. Once a candidate passes the certification exam, they must renew their certificate every two years.


Renewal and Continuing Education


If an individual is renewing their application based on holding a certificate already, then the renewal applications must have a postmark that shows a date before the certificate has expired in the state of Idaho. Expired certificates will incur a grace-period fee which lasts for up to 60 days. After this, a certificate is considered to have lapsed and the individual cannot practice in the state of Idaho until the certificate is properly renewed.


Other Accepted Addiction Counseling Certifications for Application Approval


  • The state of Idaho has accepted the Master Addiction Counselor (NBCC) certification (only for renewal applicants)

  • Current approval from the Northwest Indian Alcohol/Drug Certification Board


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


In Idaho, there are several organizations that can help and support addiction counselors. You can find the State of Idaho minimum supervision requirements, testing locations and much more on the IBADCC website, and additional information at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.