Minnesota

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


If your dream is to become a substance abuse counselor you've chosen an excellent profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects this field to grow 23 percent in the next decade, far faster than the rate for all occupations. According to U.S. News and World Report one of the biggest factors behind this growth is new laws that send substance abusers to counseling programs instead of prison; another factor is the growing opiate abuse problem.


While substance abuse counselors most commonly help people with drug or alcohol abuse they can also address other issues such as tobacco use, eating disorders, and gambling. They may also counsel groups, families, or individuals about prevention programs.


In Minnesota the median annual wage for substance abuse counselors is $46,460. The top 10 percent, which typically represents those with the highest education and most experience, earned $70,840. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area has the fourth largest employment level in the nation, so your job prospects are excellent.


Overview


Minnesota is one of a few states that have only one licensure for substance abuse counselors: the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). You must have at least a bachelor’s degree as well as specific supervised clinical experience before you are eligible to test for this credential.


Substance abuse counselors in Minnesota are overseen by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT). The BBHT recognizes several pathways to licensure to give flexibility to those joining the profession.


Although the basic educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree there are other rigorous educational requirements that must be met such as coursework covering the 12 Core Functions of substance abuse counseling.


Your required experience is called a Practicum and must be performed under a clinical supervisor that is recognized by the state. As soon as you meet all the prerequisites you may test for the licensure as indicated.


Once licensed as a LADC you must renew your credential periodically, and during the time frame before renewal must meet continuing education requirements as set by the BBHT.


Becoming a substance abuse counselor isn't easy, and you should plan to join one or more professional associations as soon as you register for your first classes. Membership in an organization can provide you with the support you'll need while you earn your degree and credential.


Minnesota Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


As previously mentioned Minnesota has only one credential for substance abuse counselors: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). There are two paths to choose from when earning the credential: Method I and Method D. Here's a look at the requirements for each:


Method D-Standard Method

  • Bachelor's degree

  • 18 semester credits (270 hours) of specific alcohol and drug counseling course work covering the 12 Core Functions:

  1. Screening

  2. Intake

  3. Orientation

  4. Case management

  5. Assessment

  6. Treatment planning

  7. Counseling

  8. Client education

  9. Consultation with professionals

  10. Crisis intervention

  11. Record keeping and reports

  12. Referral


Also required in the 270 hours are classes in the following:


  • Transdisciplinary foundations of the profession

  • Pharmacology and dynamics of addiction

  • Co-occurring disorders

  • Multicultural aspects

  • Professional and ethical responsibility

  • 880-hour alcohol and drug counseling practicum: this is a two-semester field placement (internship) usually in chemical dependency where the student works at a licensed agency.

  • Passing score on written comprehensive exam OR Passing score on written and oral exam

Method I

Method I is referred to as the Supervision Alternative and has the same academic and practicum requirements as Method D. The difference is the student will work 2000 hours under clinical supervision within 12 to 36 months and then pass a written exam (rather than the comprehensive exam).


Education Requirements


As previously stated, you must hold a bachelor's degree and complete specific coursework to be eligible to test for the LADC. All coursework must be through an accredited institution. Although your bachelor’s degree does not have to be specific to substance abuse counseling if you attend a program dedicated to the field you will have the advantage of meeting the coursework requirements while earning your degree.


While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for licensure the BLS states over half of all practicing substance abuse counselors hold a master’s degree or higher. You should make this your long-term goal and plan accordingly.


Make sure you coordinate your licensure requirements with your school of choice before enrollment. Verify they offer all the required coursework and practicum as set by the BBHT so you can clearly see your progress as you work towards your degree and licensure.


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 Behavioral Health and Therapy


The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy states that their mission is to “protect the public” by enforcing statutes governing licensees. The Board provides effective licensure practices for qualified candidates as well as monitoring the counseling industry to uphold standards of ethical practice. The Board is responsible for initial and renewal licensure and setting forth rules of conduct. A list of licensees is available through the Board, as well as consumer information regarding the laws and regulations professionals must adhere to. The Minnesota Board reviews established rules periodically and are host to a disciplinary committee with a formal complaint process.


Address

2829 University Ave SE

Suite 210

Minneapolis MN 55414


Phone

(612) 548-2177


Website Address

https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)


I want to transform my job along with wind up being a substance abuse therapist. I presently operate in sales. I plan to consider just one of the most effective on-line psychology universities. No level mills. My bachelor's Grade Point Average was 4.0 with a basic psychology substantial. Can you give me a listing of on the net therapy master's that will assist me come to be an expert or dependency specialist? I would absolutely like an American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledged program.


First, check your state licensing demands after that abide by the ideas listed below to introduce your therapy profession. A drug abuse counselor is an emotional wellness specialist that aids clients coping dependencies. The major duty is to operate with individuals and their family to deal with both mental as well as additionally psychological problems, in addition to market general mental wellness.


They deal with emotional issues, such as clinical depression, reliance and likewise substance abuse, suicidal impulses, tension and also basic troubles with self-esteem and despair. Likewise referred to as alcohol and drug therapy, these professionals work separately with his/her customers or in team therapy sessions relying on the type of treatment needed. The goal is to aid a consumer identify the situations as well as routines that cause regression in addition to block the road to recuperation.


The education and also discovering demands of a dependence therapist rely on controlling boards along with state licensing companies. Some states ask for just an associate's degree in psychology or therapy. A two-year level covers the fundamentals of managing individuals as well as working as an addicts therapist. Subjects may consist of:


  • Principles of Counseling

  • Case Management

  • Family as well as likewise Team Counseling

  • Multicultural Counseling

  • Psychology


An partner's degree can help a personal seeking development right into this task area by certifying them for entry-level setups such as:


  • Human solutions assistants

  • Administrative placements in a halfway house

  • Adolescent Counselor


A bachelor's level in addiction treatment, nonetheless, prepares prospective alcohol as well as medication programs counselors with standard skills and additionally knowledge linked with this area as well as certifies these individuals for greater as well as also much better paying placements.


A medication counseling level at this level covers the adhering to subjects comprehensive:


  • Team in addition to Person Counseling

  • Psychological Assessments in addition to Assessments

  • Diagnosis of Chemical or Behavioral Dependency

  • Addiction Psychology along with Sociology

  • Pharmacology as well as also Psychopharmacology


Though a bachelor's level is thought of enough for therapists in a great deal of states to get qualification, a master's degree in this area is called for in some as well as additionally selected most of states.


Demands for special methods generally contain the verdict of a master's level in therapy. You might likewise require to finish a minimum of 2 years or 3,000 humans resources of monitored scientific experience beyond the master's program. A substance abuse counseling graduate program gets ready pupils with capabilities as well as understanding concerning in-treatment as well as likewise prevention techniques for dependence individuals.


Area of competences or focus for a graduate program essentially abuse treatment contain:


  • Chemical abuse Counselor

  • Alcohol Misuse Counselor

  • Clinical Counseling


Student must select their focus according to their career purposes. Those who plan to operate in scientific and also healthcare-specific setups need to think about a focus in clinical treatment. Those that wish to operate in social work atmospheres require to think about recuperation therapy concentrations.


Pick only regionally certified colleges if you want to get an APA-approved later in your task. To obtain authorization for these programs, prospective students should have at the very the very least a bachelor's level in a therapy or psychology-related field, along with some job experience. A number of programs furthermore need scores from the Graduate Paper Evaluation (GRE). Making a degree in therapy or specialist psychology is just half the fight.


The number of certified drug and alcohol counselor careers is growing in popularity. The number of counselors certified in the field of drug and alcohol abuse are also increasing.


A career in the field of substance abuse counseling offers the opportunity to provide assistance to individuals, families, and communities. Counselors are trained to help those with substance abuse problems. These counselors provide a safe and supportive environment for their clients.


The counselor schools offer a number of counseling degrees. These degrees include: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and PhD in Counselor Education.


Counselors are trained to help individuals, families, and communities that are in need of assistance. Counselors can provide individual or family counseling. Counselors also work with families, schools, and other organizations.


Certified drug and alcohol counselor schools offer the opportunity to earn a degree. These programs offer classes that teach students the basics of the field. The training includes classroom training as well as clinical training.


These education programs help prepare the students for the certified counselor industry. This is an industry that has a number of challenges. Students who earn a degree in counseling are often ready to enter the field upon graduation. The course work is challenging, but a student will be prepared to take on the challenges that face the counseling field.


Certified counselors help those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. They are trained to help their clients deal with the stressors that come with substance abuse. Counselors help individuals deal with the issues associated with their drug or alcohol addiction and move forward.


Counselors can earn a certification through many different programs. A student may enroll in a two-year program that will prepare students for a job or a four-year program that will prepare students for the Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor field. A student can also earn a diploma by completing the program in less time by earning an associate's degree. The training programs are accredited and are approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Counselor Education Programs.


Students should pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor. This profession will allow students to make a difference in the lives of those that they help. Counselors play an important role in the community by providing services to those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.


Counselors who work in the field of substance abuse counseling schools are required to have a number of hours of coursework. They must be licensed and follow the same rules as other licensed counselors. in terms of accreditation.


Counseling students must be licensed before they can become certified counselors. Counselors who work in substance abuse counseling jobs are required to pass a test that verifies their level of skill and knowledge.


A substance abuse counselor who works with adults is not only responsible for educating their clients, but also for providing services to them. A counselor's role is to educate their clients on the risks and effects of substance abuse.


Counselors are able to help their clients through therapy sessions, individual counseling, group counseling, and group counseling. Counselors can also help parents, children, families, and organizations.


A counselor is a role model to others and their role is a powerful one. Counselors who work in the field of substance abuse counseling can help reduce stress, addiction, and substance abuse.


A substance abuse counselor's training will prepare them for their job. The programs are rigorous and require students to complete various modules that cover the different aspects of substance abuse counseling, including prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.


Counseling careers are also available through schools and community colleges. Counselors who work in schools can be found in juvenile and public schools.


A substance abuse counselor who works in a community based organization may work as an outreach counselor, crisis intervention, prevention, and community recovery worker. They can also be a crisis line counsellor and outreach worker. Other counselors who work in a community based environment can work as crisis response team leaders.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


You may download the credential application from the BBHT website. Once you complete the form you will have to have it notarized before you send it to the Board with your application fee. Here's what you'll need to complete the application:


  • All school transcripts must be mailed directly to the BBHT from the institution or institutions.

  • The application fee is $295 and the background check fee is $32 for a total fee of $327

  • Academic Coursework Summary

  • Verification of Completion of Supervision Plan

  • Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practicum

  • Records Waiver Authorization and Release: this waiver will give the BBHT permission to conduct a background check from the following institutions:


  • All colleges and post-secondary educational institutions

  • Police departments

  • Minnesota Certification Board (MCB)

  • International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC)

  • Department of Human Services (DHS)

  • Office of Health Facility Complaints, the Office of Mental Health Practice

  • Division of Driver and Vehicle Services in the Department of Public Safety

  • Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

  • Any other entity maintaining records on you.


After your application is received you will receive a fingerprint information packet via the postal service. Once your application is approved you'll be notified of the exam process. Your testing procedure will depend on which test route you've decided to take. The BBHT accepts the IC&RC written comprehensive exam as well as the NAADAC (NCC-AP-NCAC)

Level 2 written comprehensive exam.


Clinical Supervision Explained


Clinical supervision is the term used to verify your practicum and experience meets the standards of the BBHT. The person or persons overseeing your practicum must have a minimum of three years experience as an LADC and have taken a minimum of 12 hours of training in clinical and ethical supervision. They will be responsible for mentoring, training, counseling, and recommendations for your formal training period. Supervisors must be approved by the BBHT and will be tasked with filling out the Verification of Completion of Supervision Plan in your application packet.


Renewal and Continuing Education


Your LADC credential expires every two years and is subject to renewal after that time period. During the two years you are required to complete at least 40 clock hours of continuing education. The 40 hours must include a minimum of three hours of professional ethics as well as a minimum of nine hours on cultural diversity. The following are accepted population groups for the cultural diversity requirement; other groups may also be accepted.


  • African American

  • Asian American

  • Chicano/Latino

  • Native American

  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  • Disability

  • Men

  • Women

  • Adolescents

  • Elderly

  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans-gender people


The following activities meet the requirement for continuing education clock hours:

Attendance at educational programs of:


  • Annual conferences

  • Lectures

  • Panel discussions

  • Workshops

  • In-service training

  • Seminars

  • Symposia


College or university courses at a regionally accredited school or education program; one semester credit is equal to 15 clock hours.


Home study or online courses from an accredited school or education program that require a you to demonstrate knowledge following completion of the course.


Teaching a course directly relate to the practice of alcohol and drug counseling at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Continuing education hours may be earned only for the first time the course is taught; 10 continuing education hours may be earned for each semester credit hour taught.


Presentations related to alcohol and drug counseling given at:


  • Workshops

  • Seminars

  • Symposia

  • Meetings of professional organizations

  • In-service trainings

  • Postgraduate institutes


A presenter may claim one hour of continuing education for each hour of presentation time as well as development time credit at the rate of three hours for each hour of presentation time.


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 work towards your career in substance abuse counseling you'll find professional associations to be invaluable and you should plan to join one or more as soon as you enroll in school. Membership in organizations will give you a source for mentorship and networking as well as information on the latest news, changes in laws, and other aspects of the counseling field. You'll also have them as a source for continuing education, conferences, seminars, and job boards as your career progresses. Here are a few associations you can join in Minnesota and on the national level:


  • Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery in Chemical Health

  • Minnesota Chapter of the Association for Addiction Professionals

  • Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders (U.M.I.C.A.D)

  • The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (N.A.A.D.A.C.)

  • Minnesota Council of Addiction Studies Education (MnC.A.S.E.)

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (A.S.A.M.)