Michigan

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


If your life goal is to become a substance abuse counselor in Michigan you've chosen an excellent profession. The need for counselors is growing rapidly due to a combination of reasons: there is less stigma for those asking for addiction help, more counseling options for those incarcerated for drug offenses, and more state programs designed to proactively fight addiction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this field is projected to grow a healthy 16 percent over the next decade, much higher than the national projection for all jobs.


The majority of substance abuse counselors in Michigan work in outpatient care centers, followed by individual and family services. The median annual wage for the state is $43,390, which is average for the nation.


The top 10 percent annual median wage is $70,840 which is considerably higher than the national median of $63,620. Coupled with the lower cost of living in the state this means you'll enjoy a healthy income when you reach the top tier of your profession.


Although Michigan doesn't require a degree for lower certification the educational requirements are strident so it's a good idea to make a master's degree your long-term goal.


Overview


Substance abuse counselor licensure is overseen by the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP), a division of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. There are two credentials you can earn: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). In addition, there is a credential for clinical supervision which is aptly titled Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Each credential requires specific education, experience, and training before you can apply to test for the credential.


Although only the CAADC requires a degree, the education required for the CADC is extensive, so you should plan accordingly. Before you enroll in school you should verify the coursework in your chosen program is included in the requirements and will transfer to a master’s degree program in the future.


In Michigan you'll be required to accrue both work experience and supervision, which is the term used by the MCBAP to indicate on the job training hours. You'll need to meet specific criteria in each in order to qualify to take the certification exams.


You'll apply to sit for the exams through MCBAP; once your application is accepted the test will be administered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IC&RC/AADC). Once certified you will be required to renew your certificate periodically and you'll need to take continuing education coursework in the interim.


Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Michigan will take several years of hard work and dedication, so you should plan to join one or more professional groups as soon as you enroll in school. These associations will help you build a support system that will help you through the difficult process of earning your credentials and becoming a successful counselor.


Michigan Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


As mentioned above, there are two credentials you can earn in Michigan. Here's a look at the requirements for each, as well as the requirements to become a Clinical Supervisor:


Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)


Education:

300 contact hours are required with a minimum 180 hours specific to substance abuse disorders. The remaining 120 hours should be related to either substance use or the IC&RC/ADC Performance Domains:


  • Counseling

  • Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

  • Screening, Assessment, and Engagement

  • Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral


A minimum of six hours must be face-to-face (not online) MCBAP approved coursework in behavioral health professional practice ethics


Experience:

Depending on the level and focus of your degree you'll need up to 6,000 hours of clinical counseling experience at a state licensed program. The experience you'll need is directly prorated to the degree you've earned as follows:


Associate's degree: 1,000 hours credit

Bachelor’s degree: 2,000 hours credit

Master’s degree or higher: 4,000 hours credit


Supervision:

Supervision is the term used in Michigan for clinically supervised training. For a CADC you'll need 300 hours, with 100 hours credit if you hold a Bachelor's degree or higher. Your supervision must be in the IC&RC/ADC Performance Domains above with a minimum of 10 hours in each Domain.


Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)


Education:

you must earn a master's degree or higher in addiction science, counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychology, or social work with a clinical application. 180 of your master’s degree coursework hours must be specific to substance use disorders and six in professional ethics. Coursework in therapeutic methods and clinical theory will not count if not specific to SUD. In addition, your education must be IC&RC AADC Domain topics as above with keyword course title topics of:


  • Alcohol

  • Chemical dependency

  • Co-occurring disorders

  • Drug addiction

  • Drug use

  • Substance abuse

  • Substance use disorder

  • Tobacco


Experience:

you will need 2,000 hours of post-master’s degree clinical counseling experience working with substance abuse disorder clients or co-occurring disorder clients at a state licensed program or an MCBAP approved alternate. This is the equivalent of one-year full-time employment.


Supervision:

100 hours of post-degree supervision specifically in the IC&RC/AADC Performance Domains, with at least 10 hours in each Domain.

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

To be eligible to test for the CCS credential you must already hold one of the following certifications:


  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

  • Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

  • Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP)

  • Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP)

  • Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP)

  • Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Diplomat (CCDP-D)


Education:

30 clinical supervision contact hours including four hours in each of the following CCS Domains:


  • Counselor Development

  • Performance Evaluation and Administration

  • Professional & Ethical Standards

  • Program Development & Quality Assurance


Experience:

10,000 hours clinical counseling in a state licensed program or MCBAP approved alternative, including 4,000 hours clinical supervisor experience


Supervision:

200 hours direct supervision that is specific to the IC&RC/CCS Performance Domains


Education Requirements


As stated above you won't need a degree to test for the CADC but you'll need quite a bit of formal education. Because you do need a master’s degree for the CAADC you should make this degree your long-term goal and plan your education accordingly.


Your first concern before enrollment is to verify your school of choice is a MCBAP approved provider. Then you should make sure the program you've chosen includes the required coursework as outlined above. Because a bachelor’s degree is only 120 hours you can make this your first step toward certification as you complete the 300 hours of required coursework for your CADC; you can then complete your master’s degree requirements within a year or two.


If an internship is part of your educational program, make sure it qualifies as work experience. You should also verify that you have a CCS in place for any paid or voluntary work you complete as part of your classes.


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 Counseling


The Michigan Board of Counseling regulates any professionals rendering clinical counseling services. It is the responsibility of the Board to “promote and protect” the health, safety, and welfare of the Michigan public at large. The Board implements entry-level qualifications and issues professional licenses to qualified candidates. The Board of Counseling is also obligated to enforce disciplinary action when licensees negatively affect the aforementioned health, safety, and/or welfare of the citizens of Michigan.


Address

LARA

Ottawa Building

611 W. Ottawa

P.O. Box 30004

Lansing, MI 48909


Phone

(517) 335-9700


Website Address

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_27536-58876--,00.html


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC)


Choose only regionally recognized colleges if you want to get approved for an APA-approved later in your occupation. To qualify for these programs, potential trainees need to have at the very least a bachelor's level in a therapy or psychology-related area, along with some work experience. Many programs additionally require ratings from the Grad Record Examination (GRE). Gaining a degree in counseling or scientific psychology is only half the battle.


All programs will certainly need supervised internships and the conclusion of an extremely certain kind of online psychology level. The Association for Addiction Professionals ( NAADAC) supplies alcohol and drug therapist qualification for certified professionals wanting to redirect their professions. Programs include:


  • Nicotine Dependence Specialist

  • National Licensed Teen Dependency Counselor

  • National Endorsed Pupil Assistance Professional

  • National Scientific Guidance Endorsement

  • National Supported Co-Occurring Disorders Professional

  • National Peer Healing Assistance Specialist

  • Recover to Method (RTP) Certificate


Conflict Resolution in Recuperation Certificate - The National Board for Certified Counselors ( NBCC) also offers specialized therapy certifications as well as training in locations of addictions as well as clinical psychological health and wellness.


Don't have a background in psychology? Do not stress. Educators, ministers and health care assistants usually cross over into therapy professions. Numerous that hold bachelor's degrees in the liberal arts, viewpoint, religious beliefs, humanities or social scientific research take place to earn a master's in therapy. Take into consideration enlisting in an online drug abuse course to begin your profession transition.


States are producing networks to boost solutions for youngsters with major emotional disturbances and their families. These networks require staffing. The criminal justice system will certainly develop additional need for qualified specialist therapists to treat medicine offenders as an option to jail time. Material abuse professionals that have made a master's level, have professional as well as field experience, and have actually earned customized accreditation or qualification have the very best work prospects in this field.


Person and family members solutions, in addition to non-education as well as medical facility state and also city government facilities (like jails) make up 13 as well as 11 percent of the rest of the available jobs. The typical certified drug abuse counselor wage is around $38,520 as of Might 2012 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


They study how different substances influence the brain, emotional wellness, as well as actions. Compound abuse therapists actively listen to their clients and bear in mind during a session. They link individuals and also their relatives with valuable community resources. Some drug abuse counselors add to chemical abuse prevention and education initiatives. They organize community seminars explaining just how to identify chemical abuse problems or talk at schools to educate students concerning illegal medicines.


Nonetheless, job hrs look different from counselor to counselor. Some of these specialists just accept clients throughout typical service hours. Others may work 2-3 evenings weekly and weekends to fit client timetables. Therapists might get emergency telephone calls from clients beyond their stated service hrs. Individuals with a chemical abuse counseling level get a variety of jobs.


Others focus extra on situation recovery in a healthcare facility setting. Licensing renewal calls for proceeding education and learning, typically through the form of virtual webinars. The Bureau of Labor Stats (BLS), forecasts the need for chemical abuse, behavioral condition, as well as mental wellness counselors to increase 22% in between 2018 and also 2028, a lot faster than other industries.


Getting a job as a drug counselor can be a challenging task. There are many different kinds of counselors available, some of which are highly trained, some of which are less qualified, and some of which have just been trained in the past. Therefore, if you are interested in becoming a counselor, you must be prepared to have a tough time finding a job. The first thing you need to do is decide on your career goals.


If you are interested in becoming a drug counselor, then you need to decide whether you want to be a residential drug counselor or an inpatient drug counselor. If you are interested in becoming an inpatient drug counselor, then you need to be prepared to attend a rehab facility for the duration of the program. This is because your skills will need to be honed in an environment where substance abuse is a serious problem.


You may want to consider getting a certificate, but if you have not attended a high school or university for at least four years, it is not advisable for you to become a drug counselor. You need to have a certain amount of self-esteem, in order to be successful in the job. If you are not confident in your abilities, you will not have the self-esteem that is necessary to be successful in this field.


Another thing that you need to consider is the amount of experience that you have worked in counseling. If you have worked for a few years in the past, then this may be enough for you to get a job as a drug counselor. However, if you have little to no experience, then you will need to look for another career.


Now that you know what kind of training that you need to have, you will need to decide on the type of job that you want to have. You can work as a school counselor or an athletic coach. Both of these options will require you to work with troubled students. However, if you want to have more of a social service role, then working as an outreach worker is a good idea.


The training that you will need to get if you want to become a drug counselor is very specific and you may have to spend four or five years in school learning the proper way to approach different individuals that may need your help. Your job may also include working with teens and helping them to overcome their addictions.


The next thing that you will need to consider is if you are going to be a residential drug counselor or in a residential treatment facility, which is known as a drug abuse and alcohol treatment center. Once you know how you want to become a substance abuse counselor, you can begin to search for jobs in this field. You may want to get certified as a drug counselor and then work in a rehab facility. You may also want to work as an outreach worker to help teens overcome their addictions, so that they do not end up back in a drug or alcohol use situation.


You should consider the fact that getting a job as a substance abuse counselor can be difficult, but if you do your research, you will be able to find a job. You should also make sure that you are committed to working in this field, so that you have the drive and passion for the position.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


To qualify to sit for the exam you must be a resident of the State of Michigan for 51 percent of the year. You can download the documents needed to apply for testing via the MCBAP website and will need to submit the following documentation as well as a $175 application fee:


  • Application form

  • Documentation of Experience Form

  • Supervision Form

  • Documentation of Education Form

  • Education Form for Undocumented Events

  • Testing, Academic Equivalents, and Ethics Training Form

  • Signed Code of Ethics Form


You will receive notification of approval via email from the IC&RC/ADC in four to six weeks and at that time will be notified of your testing time and location. You will be required to pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Drug Counselor written examination before you can earn certification.


Clinical Supervision Explained


Clinical supervision is the area of substance abuse certification that helps others attain their credentials in the field. A CSS is tasked with mentoring, evaluating, and teaching as well as a wide range of other supervisory roles such as:


  • Ensure that supervisees obtain documented informed consent from clients as appropriate.

  • Use and teach various ethical decision-making models

  • Provide timely guidance and consultation to supervisees in situations that present moral, legal, and/or ethical dilemmas

  • Ensure that supervisees maintain accurate, complete, and necessary documentation

  • Understand the reporting process for ethical violations

  • Intervene and take action as necessary when a supervisee’s job performance appears to be a problem


Renewal and Continuing Education


Your credential expires every two year and you'll be required to renew at that time. During that two-year time frame you must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education. At least half of those hours must be in substance use disorders (SUD) and the remaining must be in relation to AADC Performance Domains. You may not take the same course twice in a 12-month period.


Up to 50 percent of your continuing education may be met through the following alternatives:


  • Teaching: up to 12 contact hours for teaching an approved class

  • Publishing in a professional journal: publishing over 4,000 words in a professional journal is equivalent to 12 contact hours

  • Presenting SUD related papers: presenting at a state or national conference related specifically to the field of substance abuse counseling is equal to 12 contact hours


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


As you begin your path to substance abuse certification you should plan to join one or more professional organizations as soon as you enroll in your school of choice. Membership in associations will keep you abreast of the latest news concerning your field as well as provide mentorship, networking opportunities, educational opportunities, and many other benefits as you navigate your career goals. Here are some organizations that will help you become a substance abuse counselor in Michigan:


  • MACMHB – Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards

  • MCA – Michigan Counseling Association

  • MAADAC – Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

  • MPA – Michigan Psychological Association

  • NAADAC – National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

  • NADCP – National Association of Drug Court Professionals

  • MSMS – Michigan State Medical Society

  • ASAM - American Society of Addiction Medicine