Missouri
What does an Addiction Counselor in Missouri do? What is Their Job Role?
While most substance abuse counselors work with alcohol and drug addiction the field also covers other addiction issues such as gambling and eating disorders. If you're an empathetic person who enjoys helping others this may be the perfect career for you.
Overview
The field of substance abuse counseling is growing; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a projected job growth of 13 percent in Missouri over the next 10 years. The median annual income for counselors is $37,280 and the highest ten percent earned $50,238; both figures are slightly lower than the national average but do not reflect Missouri's lower cost of living as a whole.
Springfield, Missouri has the third highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in the nation with an annual mean wage on par with other metropolitan areas. This infers that the lower overall median wage is due to those employed in rural areas where wages are typically considerably lower.
Missouri is one of the few states that allow an entry level certification with minimal experience and education. That means if you wish you can enter the field while attending school and accrue experience while you earn your education. Although there is no minimum education over 50 percent of substance abuse counselors hold a master's degree or higher so you should make this degree your long-term educational goal.
Missouri Credentialing Levels
Missouri has five credential levels for substance abuse counselors: Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor I and II, Certified Substance Counselor I and II, and Certified Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor. Credentials are awarded by the Missouri Substance Abuse Counselors Certification Board, which is sometimes referred to as the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB). To earn each credential, you must complete specific educational and experience requirements.
Once you have the education and clinical supervised experience you must pass an exam as required by the MCB. When you pass the exam, you will have earned the level title of your credential.
Your credential must be renewed after a specific time frame, and during the period it is valid you must complete certain continuing education requirements before renewal. To navigate the path to licensure you should plan to join one or more professional organizations as soon as you begin your career path as a substance abuse counselor.
Missouri Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors
There are five levels of substance abuse counselor certifications in the state of Missouri, and each has specific requirements before you can earn the credential. Each level must have a high school diploma or GED and must complete a State of Missouri Caregiver Background Screening. Here's a look at each certification:
Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor I (RASAC I)
An RASAC I must submit a counselor development plan, which is a mentoring and clinical supervision agreement. They must also have:
A minimum of 160 hours employment within the past 10 years OR hold a qualifying certificate or associate degree in addiction studies
Three hours face-to-face (not online) ethics training
Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor II (RASAC II)
The RASAC II certification also requires a counselor development plan. If you hold a bachelor’s degree you can enter the field at this level. In addition, you'll need:
2,000 hours (one year full-time) work experience in the past 10 years (1,000 hours with Associate degree)
90 hours of contact education including: nine hours substance abuse ethics and 30 hours related to substance abuse. 30 hours must have been completed in the 12-month period before certification application.
400 hours supervised practicum
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor I (CSAC I)
The CSAC I certification requirements are much more strident. You will need:
Up to 4,000 work experience in the previous 10 years, depending on degree (Master's requires 1,000 hours)
180 hours education including: nine hours of substance abuse ethics, 45 hours substance abuse, 45 hours counseling; 60 hours must be completed in the previous 24 months.
Submit a case study
Present a case presentation method
Complete 1,000 hours of supervised practicum
Pass a written exam
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor II (CSAC II)
The CSAC II must meet the following criteria to become licensed:
6,000 hours employment within past 10 years
270 hours education including: nine hours substance abuse ethics, 45 hours substance abuse training, 45 hours counseling training. 60 of the hours must have been completed within the past 24 months.
1,800 hours of supervised practicum
If not completed at the CSAC I level you must also present a written case study, a case presentation method, and pass a written exam.
Certified Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)
When you reach the CASAC level you are earning the top substance abuse counselor credential in Missouri. You will need:
Master's degree in behavioral science
4,000 hours previous employment
180 hours education, including: nine hours substance abuse ethics, 45 hours counseling, and 45 hours substance abuse training. 60 hours of education must have been completed within the past 24 months.
300 hours supervised practicum
Pass a written exam
In not completed at a lower level you will need to present a written case study and a written presentation method.
Education Requirements
All coursework and degrees must be from institutions that appear in a national directory of accredited programs, so your first step should be to verify your school of choice is accredited. Because the work hours requirement varies depending on your level of education you should choose an applicable degree. The following are examples of degrees accepted to reduce or eliminate your required work hours:
Applied behavioral science
Art therapy
Chemical dependency
Counseling
Criminal justice
Family studies
Human services
Nursing
Psychology
Social work
You should plan your education in tandem with the requirements for each level; for example, since the CSAC I level requires 30 hours of both counseling and substance abuse coursework and the higher levels require 45 hours of each your class load should always work to meet these requirements. Because all levels require nine hours of substance abuse ethics this should be taken in your first or second semester of schooling.
Here are samples topics from the degrees you might take:
Appraisal of individuals
Counseling theory
Diagnosis
Group dynamics
Helping relationship
Human growth and development
Professional orientation
Research methods
Social and cultural foundations
Because each of the four higher levels requires a supervised practicum you should look for internships that qualify so you can begin building that experience. Likewise, any employment or volunteer work you perform should be under clinical supervision if at all possible. Always ask if hours can be applied towards this requirement and make sure hours are logged as required to give you practicum credit.
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 bythe 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.
Committee for Professional Counselors
The Committee for Professional Counselors in Missouri consists of six committee members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. As an arm of the Division of Professional Registration, the committee is responsible for examining licensure candidate qualifications. The Board also investigates complaints lodged against the counseling profession. The committee communicates with established professionals as well as prospective licensees through education programs and professional associations. It is the goal of the committee to inform students and practitioners of changes to pertinent laws or regulations including the newly required Suicide Prevention Training.
Address
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335
Phone
(573) 751-0018
Website Address
https://pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
The result on the member of the family is very significant in addition to it is substantially fulfilling for the chemical abuse therapist to aid settlement and additionally recuperation on this degree. For the chemically dependent person, the chemical abuse therapist can work as a video game transforming influence in their life. By helping them to see plainly their patterns of dependency and also issue avoidance, the chemical abuse specialist can activate a severe modification in awareness.
From helping the customer locate employment to helping the addict integrate with their member of the family, the substance abuse therapist functions as both a coach as well as also a supporter in the life of the chemically dependent person. This can have a profound along with long-lasting influence on the addict which is absolutely nothing except life altering.
Nonetheless, gradually a bachelor's level in Psychology, Sociology, Community Service or a relevant area is required to be considered for a position. Furthermore, it is regularly a good idea to research an international language as multilingual in addition to multilingual prospects are incredibly looked for. Series of Incomes for this Work The average wage on an across the country basis for a product misuse therapist is from: $32,050 to $59,2301 What's Next to Seek this Career?To start you on your course towards ending up being a chemical abuse therapist it is recommended to get a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Job or an appropriate area.
Right here are some organizations in your place that have level programs in the area. Get going today on your fascinating profession as a substance abuse therapist!.
Chemical abuse therapists often operate in location services or various other public facilities. To turn into one, you require specific training in task features. You will additionally require job experience prior to you can attain certification or licensure. At some time at the same time, an examination is normally required. You do not need as much education and learning to find to be a material abuse therapist as you do to believe many various other psychological health features, including Accredited Professional Therapist or psychotherapist.
In numerous territories, you have the selection of discovering treatment methods in addition to addiction-related concepts by means of accepted continuing education and learning as well as learning or academic coursework. A degree can be an belongings, nonetheless. Official education can be around above just taking courses. Practicum or teaching fellowship is a normal demand. The program could put you in several setups where you can make links along with starting to acquire that vital (nonetheless sometimes evasive) experience.
The Dependence Modern modern technology Transfer Center calls formal education and learning important. You can discover extra relating to the various undergraduate education and discovering choices in these 2 write-ups: Levels are offered at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Needs will certainly vary by location as well as likewise work task, yet it is commonly the criterion to hold a bachelor's.
While a bachelor's isn't practically called for to operate in the addiction counseling area, it can reduce the course to licensure. The well-respected International Certification as well as Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) has member boards in many states. In many states, a bachelor's level can change for 2,000 humans resources of job experience, the matching of a full-time year.
Becoming an addictions counselor is a profession that requires a great deal of training, education and training. The certified drug and alcohol counselor schools will require that you go through a rigorous program in order to become a qualified and experienced counselor. You will need to have completed the approved certification program of your state and have an appropriate amount of experience.
If you are currently in the process of finding a counseling school for your graduate studies or for your certificate or associate's degree programs, then there are a few things you will want to take into consideration. The schools must have accreditation and the accreditation is usually based on the national association of professional counselors. The accreditation will not only ensure that your program is legitimate, but it will also ensure that you receive your certification after attending the program. The accreditation also ensures that the counseling school is recognized by the appropriate governing board.
The addiction counselor program at your selected counseling school must be accredited by the state. The program needs to have been approved by a state board and it needs to be in place for two years. You can check the state's board on the internet.
The counseling schools should also have a reputation for excellence. The program should be accredited by the accrediting agency of the counseling schools that you are interested in attending. The accrediting agency is a governing board that sets the standards for the schools that it accredits.
The program should also be approved by your state's board of education. The state board has jurisdiction over any course that is taught in a certified drug and alcohol counseling school. If your state board does not recognize a course, then it will not be accepted into the program.
You may have to complete an internship in order to enroll in the program. Internships can range from one week to two weeks. If your state does not require an internship, then you will not be required to complete it.
It is important that you check with the state board of education to make sure that the program you are considering enrolling in is in good standing. The state board does not allow approved programs to be taught in schools that are not certified. You will also want to check to make sure that the program is not being run by a for profit because that the program is likely to be taught for profit.
The state board of education is there to ensure that the education that you are getting meets the standards of the state and that the training received is up to standard. The state board does not want you to enroll in a program that is not accredited. The state board also does not want you to enroll in an accredited program that does not provide quality education. If you are interested in becoming an addictions counselor, you will want to check with your state board and make sure that the program you are considering has these requirements.
The state board is there to ensure that all of the training that you receive is relevant to the state of your state. If you are interested in becoming an addictions counselor, you will want to make sure that the program you choose will be the right fit for the state that you live in. The state board will also want to make sure that the training you receive is up to state and national standards.
The training that you will need to be successful as an addictions counselor is extensive. You will have to go through many classes in order to become an addictions counselor. You will be taught how to teach about alcohol and drug addiction and the issues that arise from these substances.
The classes will also teach you how to write the forms that are required by the state in which you live. You will also be taught how to write the court ordered forms. If you are going to be working in an assisted living facility, you will have to learn how to get people to admit that they are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You will be taught how to help with counseling and how to get people to admit their problem.
The final class that you will need to complete in order to become an addictions counselor is how to conduct research. You will need to learn how to conduct research to help find out the facts about alcohol and drug treatment and how to administer the treatment that you will provide. This is the class that gives you the training to become an addictions counselor.
Counselor Testing & Examination Process
As previously stated you must have at least a high school diploma or GED to begin earning your credentials. You will need to show proof of this as well as official transcripts of all coursework. In addition, you will need:
State of Missouri Caregiver Background Screening
Three letters of recommendation
Proof of work experience
Verification of practicum hours
Written case study and case presentation method (if required for your credential)
Once your application is processed and approved you'll be notified of the date, time, and location for your written exam (if required). Once you pass the exam your credential will be issued.
Clinical Supervision Explained
Clinical supervision in your required practicum hours means you are working under the direction of a person specifically certified to train others in the field of substance abuse counseling. Your clinical supervisor will be a mentor, coach, counselor, and trainer and will help you learn every aspect of the counseling field as needed. Clinical supervisors help counselors as needed so they can grow in the areas they lack experience in. For example, if you're great on face-to-face counseling clients but lacking in the skills needed to document your cases your clinical supervisor will help bring your documentation skills up to par and not focus as much on your counseling skills.
Renewal and Continuing Education
You will need to renew your credential every two years, and in the interim 24 month you must complete 40 hours of continuing education. 20 of the hours may be online and the remaining 20 must be in person. The following are examples of acceptable continuing education:
Attendance at counseling workshops or seminars
Attendance at verified professional meetings
Post-graduate coursework
Instruction as a faculty member at an accredited institution Instruction of continuing education (up to 4 hours)
Research presentations at professional meetings
Written contributions to professional books, journals, or periodicals
The following continuing education providers are accepted in Missouri:
American Counseling Association
American Medical Association
American Mental Health Counselors Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Regionally accredited colleges and universities
Potential Missouri 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 soon as you enroll in school you should join one or more professional associations. Membership in these organizations can provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and a source for information on the latest news and legislative changes that may affect your career. You'll also find they're a great source for continuing education and other classes, finding information on conferences, workshops, and seminars, and local meetings where you can interact with your peers. Memberships in associations often come with perks such as reduced rates on books and other materials as well as discounts to conferences and other events. Here are a few substance abuse counselor associations you can join in Missouri:
Missouri Addiction Counselors Association (MACA)
The Missouri Association of Addiction Professionals
The Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselors (ACADC)
American Counseling Association of Missouri
Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association