Massachusetts

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


If your life goal is to become a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts you've chosen a great field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a Massachusetts job growth of 20 percent over the next 10 years so you'll be in high demand once you finish your education and training.


The annual median pay for counselors in your state is $41,920 which is about par with the national rate. The highest ten percent annual median wage is $72, 790 and is considerably higher than the national average. Although you don't need a master’s degree to become a licensed substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts a full 50 percent of hold that degree, so you should make that your long-term education goal in order to become competitive in your field. Around 25 percent of counselors hold a bachelor’s degree; only five percent hold an associate degree and another five percent have doctorate degrees.


The U.S. Department of Labor reports the highest paid substance abuse counselors work in the Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford area. The majority of counselors work in either outpatient care centers or substance abuse facilities with the top paying jobs being in junior colleges and scientific research and development services.


Overview


Credentials for substance abuse counselors require a combination of education, experiences, and testing. Massachusetts is one of the few states that doesn't require a bachelor’s degree for beginning licensure, so you can be eligible to sit for the first licensing exam with a minimal amount of training and experience.


There are three levels of certification: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant (LADC Assistant), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I). Although only the LADC I requires a master's or doctorate degree all three require specific training and work experience. Your education must meet accreditation standards as well as cover certain areas of coursework.


Licensure for substance abuse counselors is overseen by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), which is a department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state government. The BSAS will screen your application to determine eligibility before you may take each license exam, which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).


The BSAS sets forth the criteria for your supervised clinical training and experience and your supervisor must log your hours for validation to the Board when you apply for testing. Once you receive your credential it will be subject to periodic renewal, and you'll need to take continuing education coursework in the interim.


Because of the strident training, educational and testing requirements you should plan to join one or more professional organizations as soon as you enroll in your school program. This will allow you to build your network as you train and afford many resources as you advance your career.


Massachusetts Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors

As mentioned earlier, in Massachusetts you can enter the field of substance abuse counseling before you earn your degree as long as you have the required experience and minimal amount of coursework. Here's a look at the three credentials you can earn in Massachusetts:


Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant Requirements


A licensed LADC-Assistant may provide addiction recovery service under the direct supervision of a clinical administrator. Here are the minimum requirements for the credential:


  • Proof of high school diploma or GED

  • 2000 hours (one year full-time) of work experience in the drug or alcohol abuse field within the past 10 years

  • At least 50 hours of college coursework at an approved school, with 10 hours in each of the following subjects:


  1. Assessment

  2. Counseling

  3. Case management

  4. Client, family and community education

  5. Professional responsibility/ethics

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Pass the LADC-Assistant exam

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I)


The LADC I is the only credential that requires a degree and also the only credential that will allow you to work unsupervised. Here are the requirements:


  • Master's or Doctorate in behavioral sciences

  • Minimum of 270 hours of training, same as LADC II

  • 300 hours of supervised practicum, Same as LADC II

  • 6,000 hours of clinically supervised drug and alcohol counseling experience

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Pass LADC I exam

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II)


An LADC II may practice drug and alcohol counseling under direct clinical supervision. Here are the requirements to earn the credential:


  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • At least 270 hours of coursework at an approved school, including:


  • 110 hours knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse

  • 75 hours counseling including assessment, case management, clinical evaluation, and treatment planning

  • 75 hours related education

  • 10 hours professional issues such as ethics


300 hours supervised practicum in substance abuse counseling with a minimum 12 hours in each Core Function:


  • Assessment

  • Case management

  • Client education

  • Consultation with other professionals

  • Crisis intervention

  • Counseling

  • Intake

  • Orientation

  • Referrals

  • Reports and record keeping

  • Screening

  • Treatment planning


Candidates must also accrue 6,000 hours of supervised drug and alcohol counseling work experience (4,000 hours with a bachelor’s degree), obtain three letters of recommendation and pass the LADC II exam.


Education Requirements


The most important thing to remember when beginning your education is to verify your school of choice is approved by the BSAS. The main recognized certifying bodies are:


  • ICRC

  • MBSACC

  • NAADAC


If you're unsure about your school's status you should verify before enrolling to be sure you're entering an approved program.


Although a degree isn't required to become a certified counselor it is required to work independently, and since half of substance abuse counselors hold a master’s degree or higher that should be your long-term goal. Plan your college entry to reflect this fact and make sure the courses you take are accepted by your future master’s degree program in Behavioral science. Note that the LADC II work experience requirements are reduced by 2000 hours if you hold a bachelor’s degree and schedule your coursework and experience hours accordingly.


When you enter a graduate program make sure your internship requirement qualifies for either your work experience or your supervised practicum requirements. Be sure to verify your clinical supervisor is qualified to oversee and log your work experience 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.


Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professionals


The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions regulates several fields in the counseling industry. They issue licenses to qualified candidates utilizing contracted test vendors to provide licensing exams. It is the responsibility of this board to investigate complaints and administer any necessary discipline to professionals. The fields regulated by this Board include Behavioral Analysis, Educational Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling.


Address

1000 Washington Street

Suite 710

Boston, MA 02118


Phone

(617) 727-3080


Website Address

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions


Licensure:

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)


In some cases, a dependency counselor may in addition execute programs or educational sessions that instruct not simply their customers, nevertheless furthermore family members in addition to pals of people concerning dependence, behavior problems, coping strategies, indications of addiction, as well as exactly how to remain clear of dangerous routines. Mental health specialists operate in a variety of atmospheres and also settings as well as with a varied group of individuals.


Dependency counseling as well as medicine therapy is provided as a whole in healthcare centers like state, neighborhood, and also private healthcare facilities or in special techniques. Prisons, probation as well as likewise parole companies, detoxification centers, midway homes, along with teen uneasiness centers are similarly usual work environments for substance abuse therapists. Psychological wellness therapists similarly work very closely with various other wellness professionals, such as psychoanalysts, psychologists, scientific social workers, mental registered nurses as well as also establishment specialists.


Job recaps might vary yet capabilities like active listening, social perceptiveness, important reasoning, in addition to deductive reasoning are all vital to success and also protection as a counselor. Certain job jobs can consist of: keeping customer records writing records along with evaluations interviewing and also examining clients collaborating with numerous other professionals to examine clients as well as additional individuals. There are four actions ahead to be a chemical abuse counselor: Make an accredited; Job as a therapist and also obtain kept track of professional method humans resources; Pass a felony as well as additionally child misuse background check; Pass an across the country or state licensing or accreditation examination post-degree.


The education demands of an addiction therapist count on controlling boards and also state licensing agencies. Some states require just an affiliate's degree in psychology or therapy. A two-year level covers the essentials of dealing with people and additionally operating as an addicts treatment therapist. Subjects may contain:


  • Concepts of Counseling

  • Case Management

  • Family and also Team Counseling

  • Multicultural Counseling

  • Psychology


An partner's degree can assist a personal seeking development right into this profession area by certifying them for entry-level positionings such as: Human services assistants; Administrative settings in a midway house; Adolescent Counselor. A bachelor's level in addiction treatment, however, prepares possible alcohol along with medication programs therapists with essential skills as well as experience pertaining to this location and additionally licenses these people for greater and likewise far much better paying placements.


A medication therapy degree at this degree covers the list below subjects thorough:


  • Group and also Private Counseling

  • Psychological Assessments as well as Assessments

  • Diagnosis of Chemical or Behavioral Dependency

  • Addiction Psychology and additionally Sociology

  • Pharmacology in addition to Psychopharmacology


Though a bachelor's degree is considered adequate for specialists in numerous states to acquire accreditation, a master's level in this area is required in some and favored in a great deal of states.


Needs for special technique normally consist of the verdict of a master's level in counseling. You might furthermore require to end up a minimum of two years or 3,000 human resources of monitored medical experience past the master's program. A material misuse therapy graduate program equips trainees with skills as well as expertise distressing in-treatment as well as avoidance methods for dependence clients.


Experiences or focus for a graduate program in substance misuse counseling include:


  • Chemical abuse Counselor

  • Alcohol Abuse Counselor

  • Clinical Counseling


Student ought to select their emphasis according to their line of work goals. Those who plan to operate in clinical along with healthcare-specific settings must consider a focus in clinical treatment. Those who desire to operate in community service ambiences need to take into consideration recovery therapy concentrations.


If you are interested in becoming a drug and alcohol counselor then you are not alone. The number of people who suffer from substance abuse is on the rise, and the number of counselors who work in these treatment centers is also on the rise.


There are many reasons that you would want to become a drug and alcohol counselor, but the most important is the need for such a career to help other people overcome their drug and alcohol addictions. Here are the different career paths that are available to you when you want to become a substance abuse counselor:


  • An alcohol and drug counselor is a psychologist who is trained in both the medical and psychological fields. A substance abuse counselor specializes in helping people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. They will counsel people on how to stop using drugs and alcohol and to prevent them from relapsing on their previous bad habits.


  • A mental health counselor is someone who is trained in both the medical and psychological fields. The main function of a mental health counselor is to help addicts to deal with their mental health problems. The counselor will help to get the addict to realize that their problems are not as serious as they first thought.


  • A substance abuse counselor can also work in a school. School counselors are in charge of helping school children, particularly the youth, who are suffering from drug and alcohol addictions. These counselors will work with the kids in the school and in their families to help them overcome their addictions.


  • A substance abuse counselor can also work in a prison. A prison counselor helps to counsel inmates and those who have recently been released from prison on how to deal with their addictions. They will also help people who are in jail in terms of keeping their alcohol and drug addictions under control so that they do not harm themselves or others.


If you are interested in working as a drug and alcohol counselor then it is important that you take the time to do some research on what positions are available. In particular, you want to make sure that the position that you are interested in has the education that you need to become a good counselor. You also want to make sure that the school that you are interested in attending has a good reputation.


If you take the time to do your research and find out what positions are available then you will be in a position to be a good counselor and to help others who need your help. You will also be able to find a job that will pay well.


If you need help finding counselor positions then you may want to look online for online job search. There are several websites that will give you a list of schools that have job opportunities for counselors and counselor positions.


You should not rush into a decision if you do not know which school is the best school for you to attend. If you are interested in becoming a counselor then you should consider attending a school that has a good reputation. You will also want to find out if the school has a good reputation in the school counselor area.


You may be able to find the school that you want by visiting the website of the school you are interested in attending. If you have questions about what programs the school offers then you may want to send a letter to the school. It is important that you do your research before you commit to a school because if you are not happy with the school you should not commit to it.


You may also want to look into other schools that are located near your school. You will find that some schools offer the same programs and will also offer a higher level of education than your previous school offered.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


Massachusetts substance abuse counselor candidates must download the online application, print, and fill out in ink. You will submit your application and other documents via the postal service. Here is what you'll need to complete the application:


  • Copy of either a birth certificate, driver’s license or passport as proof of age (over 118 years) and U.S. citizenship

  • Passport-type photo

  • Signed affidavit stating you will abide by the Code of Ethical Principles

  • Sealed education transcript/s

  • Verification of experience hours

  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from your most recent supervisors

Make sure you keep a copy of your application for your records. It will take around four weeks to receive your approval to sit for the exam, and the approval will be from the NBCC. Exams are scheduled during the first two weeks of the month in Boston, Framingham, and Holyoke.


It will take about four weeks for you to receive your approval from the NBCC. You will have a six-month window in which to schedule your exam. Exams are usually scheduled on weekdays during the first two full weeks of the month; some sites also have Saturday hours.


You may schedule in Massachusetts at the Boston, Framingham, or Holyoke sites. You can, if you prefer, schedule at a testing center in another state. You can arrange your exam by calling AMP at 888-519-9901 or visiting www.goAMP.com. You may address questions to the NBCC by emailing examinations@nbcc.org.


If you've already taken the exam, your scores are valid for five years. They are valid longer if you are currently licensed elsewhere (http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/docs/dpl/boards/mh/mhc-app.pdf).


The Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association offers review sessions for the licensing exam.


Clinical Supervision Explained


Clinical supervision means the person overseeing your work has fulfilled the requirements set forth by the Board and is a LADC I. Your clinical supervisor will regularly evaluate and critique your work, utilize intensive case review methods and discussions, and indirectly observe your clinical practice.


Clinical Supervision means an ongoing, regularly occurring process of examination, critique, and improvement of a counselor’s skills provided by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor I, that involves one to one or small group in structure and utilizes the methods of intensive case review and discussion, and direct and indirect observation of clinical practice.


Your clinical supervisor or supervisors will be required to maintain a log of your experience and training hours; this log will be provided to the Board at the time you apply to sit for each of the licensing exams.


Renewal and Continuing Education


Your certification will expire on the first day of October in even numbered years. During the two years your license is valid you will be required to complete 40 hours of continuing education, half of which can be online or home study. All continuing education must be provided by a Board approved institution and must be in one or more of the following core areas:


  • Counselor Core Functions

  • Pharmacology and psychopharmacology of alcohol and drugs

  • Addiction process

  • Treatment models and methods

  • Interdisciplinary approaches to treatment

  • Professional Standards of Practice


The Board has specific guidelines for continuing education credit; for example, one higher education credit hour is equal to 15 hours of you continuing education fulfillment.


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


Professional associations and organizations will play an important part in your career as a substance abuse counselor. Because the field has a high rate of professional burnout it's important that you begin to develop a support system as soon as you enroll in your educational program.


Professional associations can provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational resources as well as keeping you updated on the latest news and laws affecting your profession. Here are some organizations that will help you with your career as a substance abuse counselor:


  • Massachusetts Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors (MAADAC)

  • Massachusetts chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

  • The Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH)

  • Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

  • The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)