South Dakota

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


There has never been a greater societal need for substance abuse counselors than there is today. Such counselors work in community addiction centers, hospitals, prisons and other facilities, helping those battling drug and/or alcohol addiction retain sobriety. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts healthy job growth in the field, with an estimated 23 percent growth rate over the next decade. The median pay for substance abuse counselors was $43,300 per year as of May, 2017.


Overview


The South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, known as BAPP, based in Sioux Falls, oversees eligibility and certification requirements for substance abuse counselors in the state. BAPP is a state office operating under the auspices of the South Dakota Department of Social Services.


South Dakota Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


South Dakota offers two levels of counselor: Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). The latter requires a master’s degree in a human services-related field. Once licensed, a LAC may practice privately, which is not an option for the CAC counselor.


Education Requirements


South Dakota does not require CAC level candidates to have earned a degree, but higher education is always helpful in the job market. The minimum CAC educational requirement is one year of fulltime addiction-related coursework from a BAPP-approved institution of higher learning. The 27 hour minimum of this special coursework must include one three-hour course in these subjects:


  • Introductory course in alcohol use and abuse

  • Introductory course on drug use and abuse

  • Alcohol and drug treatment services continuum

  • Group drug and alcohol counseling

  • Individual counseling foundations

  • Family counseling for alcohol/drug abuse issues

  • Addiction professional ethics

  • Diverse populations

  • An elective in substance abuse studies


The LAC candidate must complete a required seven courses, with a minimum of five at the graduate level. These courses include:


  • Addiction counseling techniques and theories

  • Assessment and case management

  • Treatment planning

  • Clinical supervision

  • Multicultural competency

  • Psychopathology or psychopharmacology

  • Professional, legal and ethics standards.


For both CACs and LACs, a minimum of a C grade is required in each course for accreditation.


If a person has a high school education or GED, he or she may begin working as an Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT). ACT credentialing requires hiring as a paid worker or acceptance of a voluntary position. A person may remain an ACT for up to five years, but annual renewal is required.


Residency and Work Requirements


In order to qualify for testing in South Dakota, the applicant must reside and /or work in the state at least 51 percent of the time.


Work experience requirements for accreditation and licensure must include supervised experience requirements specific to substance abuse. The number of required hours depends upon the applicant’s educational level. Those with a high school diploma or GED must complete 8,000 hours; an associate’s degree, 6,000 hours; bachelor’s degree, 4,000 hours and with a master’s degree or higher, 2,000 hours.


Applicants must provide documentation in depth of their 300 minimum hours of supervised practical training, along with proof of the 10-hour minimum for each core activity.


Clinical Supervision Explained


South Dakota’s requirements for work experience require clinical supervision. All clinical supervisors must be a CAC or LAC in good standing. The clinical supervisor evaluates the candidate’s skills and experience, documenting this information for the candidate’s certification or licensure application. Clinical supervision includes at least eight hours of contact with the candidate per month. The clinical supervisor may directly observe the candidate working via videotape or observe live sessions. Face-to-face supervisions must take place when possible, and only half of the required clinical supervisions hours may be performed electronically, such as via email, teleconferencing, video-conferencing and the like.


Clinical supervisors must know all pertinent certification and licensing standards so that candidates are properly supervised. If the candidate has not developed up to a minimally acceptable performance standard, the clinical supervisor cannot recommend certifying or licensing the individual.


(CACREP) or (CORE) Licensure and Certification


When the candidate has completed all educational and work experience requirements, they are eligible to apply for certification or licensure. Request an application packet in writing from the BAPP and pay the application fee. An alternative is downloading the application from the BAPP website, for which there is no charge. For the March testing cycle, applications must be in by January 1, and the deadline is July 1 for the September testing cycle. The BAPP recommends starting the application process at least two months prior to the deadline. For application materials to be considered, they must include the following:


  • Employment information/address.

  • Written job description of current position.

  • Educational and academic data form.

  • Official school transcripts, sent directly to BAPP by the postsecondary institution.

  • Three professional recommendations.

  • Signed professional code of ethics form.

  • Signed Authorization and Release of Information form including a non-felony statement or completion of all felony sentencing requirements.

  • Supervisor's Evaluation and Recommendation form indicating the application meets all competencies.

  • Work History Documentation and Work Experience Verification forms.

  • Documentation of 300 hours of supervised practical training with the minimum of 10 hours in each core activity.

  • Required fee payment.


If the BAPP approves the application, the candidate may then take the written examination necessary to pass to receive certification or 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 Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists


The South Dakota Board of Examiners facilitates licensure of qualified applicants for mental health professionals including Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. South Dakota counseling licenses require a passing score on the National Board for Counselor Certification (NBCC) National Counselor Examination (NCE).

The Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals regulates the specific practice of alcohol and drug professionals. The Board ensures ethical conduct according to accepted South Dakota and national standards in Addiction Counseling.


Address

1351 N. Harrison Ave.

P.O. Box 340

Sioux Falls, SD 57501

Phone

(605) 224-1721


Website Address

https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/examiners.aspx


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health (LPC-MH)

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)


Compound misuse therapy jobs frequently draw in people that are passionate concerning assisting others recoup from injury along with addiction. To be effective in this career, people require analytical skills, interaction capabilities, and likewise understanding of physical and also mental aspects of dependency. To guarantee counselors hold these qualifications, state boards set requirements for licensure in addition to qualification, such as ideal area experience and likewise coursework.


Furthermore, the BLS anticipates a 23% rise in these placements from 2016-2026. This details mirrors the sufficient occupation opportunities for chemical abuse specialists in the state. This review includes info pertaining to precisely just how ahead to be a counselor in South Dakota, including actions for obtaining licensure. The areas listed below additionally checklist professional sources as well as companies that sustain South Dakota treatment experts.


Prospects for counseling licensure in South Dakota have to fulfill academic as well as additionally practicum demands. These experiences ensure scholastic and also reasonable proficiency of dependence, therapy, in addition to healing. The South Dakota specialist board establishes the standards as well as additional demands for happening a counselor in South Dakota. Academic demands vary by credential. The Licensed Addiction Therapist (CAC) credential requires prospects to hold a secondary school diploma or matching.


Prospects can figure out an university's accreditation condition with the college's web site, the UNITED STATE Department of Education information source, or the Council for Higher Education And Knowing Certification (CHEA) internet site. Captivated in pursuing an education and learning in substance misuse therapy? See the following web pages to learn about counseling scholastic programs by level: Prospects for therapy licensure need to end up state-mandated coursework.


IC&RC materials on the net study guides and additionally technique examinations. Approach tests typically include 50 questions and likewise established you back $49. Product misuse counselor candidates have to have actually overseen experience to get licensure CAC and also LAC candidates need to live or function to bulk their time within the South Dakota counselor board's insurance coverage location. This requirement to include paid or past due work experience aiding people with problems connected to medication or alcohol addiction.


Furthermore, not all IC&RC locations supply the same qualifications, so some out-of-state therapists might hold a license that is not equivalent to any type of South Dakota credentials. To seek reciprocity, counselors need to first connect with the state board for the relocation location. Potential customers should then send an application kind to their local board, which delivers the application to IC&RC.


The reciprocity application costs $150. Chemical abuse therapists in South Dakota need to recover their licenses by the end of their birth months, every other year. To recover their certifications, CACs and also LACs need to complete 40 approved hrs of specialist training. People with multiple qualifications should finish 60 hrs. In addition, retired therapists require to make half of the generally required training hours for revival.


The South Dakota counselor board might investigate prospects concerning training hours. CAC and additionally LAC resurgences cost $175 along with $200, specifically. Numerous expert business supply training opportunities, publications, webinars, in addition to work boards. These business aid individuals enhance their capacities in addition to breakthroughing their professions. Professional organizations normally hold workshops, seminars, workshops, as well as workshops associated with addiction and likewise therapy; numerous of these possibilities meet proceeding education requirements for certification and also certification rebirth.


When you think about substance abuse, you usually think of those who are addicted to marijuana or to other drugs. However, there are also many people who use drugs for a variety of different reasons. These may include alcohol addiction, prescription drug abuse, and even illegal substance use. All of these addictions can be treated with help, and they can all be successfully treated with the proper treatment.


The first step to substance abuse is often to develop a dependence on substances. This is done by an individual who is abusing drugs to get high or to escape their everyday stresses and emotional problems. There are various ways to get an individual to feel dependent on drugs. Many times it is simply by engaging in unsafe and illegal activities. Another common way to get someone to become dependent on drugs is to force them to drink a certain amount of alcohol before engaging in dangerous activities.


Substance abuse can take several forms. People who are dealing with addictions will often engage in criminal behavior that includes drug abuse. Others might be trying to break away from their family and may turn to drugs to feel better about themselves. Many people who abuse drugs may feel out of control and unable to make any decisions for themselves. They may resort to using illegal substances in order to feel like they have control over their lives.


When you look into substance abuse counseling careers in South Dakota, you will find that there are plenty of jobs available to those who are interested. If you work at a substance abuse treatment center, you will likely be involved with helping those who are addicted to drugs to deal with the physical and emotional effects of their addictions.


A substance abuse counselor will help an addict learn about medication options, how to set goals and set realistic expectations. This person will also be able to educate their client about the proper health care practices to live a healthy and happy life. You may even be able to offer therapy to someone in need, which will include learning about anger management, hypnotherapy, and even hypnosis.


The most important thing about becoming a substance abuse counselor is to become an advocate. A good counselor can be one of the best advocates possible for someone who is dealing with an addiction. This means you will need to show a person that they have the support they need to get the help they need if they want it.


Once you begin your journey as a substance abuse counselor, you will find that there is plenty of training and education that needs to be completed before you can work in this field. You will need to undergo formal training that covers the areas of law, psychology, and other related fields. Once you have completed these courses, you will then need to go to school for one or more years.


You should expect to work in counseling jobs for many years, sometimes even a lifetime. Your success as a substance abuse counselor will depend on your ability to work well under pressure. Be prepared for a busy schedule, but be sure to keep up with the job and always strive to improve yourself.


If you are considering becoming a substance abuse counselor, you will need to consider your own mental and emotional strengths, as well as your skills as a counselor. If you do not think you are prepared to handle the mental and emotional demands of the job, then you may want to consider other career opportunities.


You must realize that being a substance abuse counselor requires you to make a lot of decisions. You have to decide whether you will work with alcoholics and drug addicts or will you work with individuals who just need help with their problems with respect to substance abuse. and addiction.


Many people have had great success in working with alcoholics and addicts, but are discouraged by the level of resistance they face from other addicts and non-addicts. It is a tough job and there are plenty of other counselors out there who will not accept the job because of their attitude or their lack of knowledge. You must be sure that you are willing to work at this job and willing to put in the extra hours if you want to become a successful counselor.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


Candidates must take the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) written examination.


Written examinations are scheduled twice yearly, in March and September. These examinations are conducted via Computer Based Testing (CBT). A candidate schedules his or her own date, time and testing place within a two-week period, as long as BAPP approves their application and pre-registers the candidate for the exam. If the candidate does not pass their initial written exam, BAPP will set the schedule for retesting. Applicants must submit a letter of intent for re-testing and pay applicable fees. Both the letter of intent and the fee require receipt by the BAPP by January 1 or July 1 before the next testing cycle to take the retest during that cycle. The applicant may retest two times, but only during the next two testing cycles. If the applicant does not pass the test by the third attempt, he or she is required to complete all current requirements for certification or licensure, as well as complete another application and pay applicable fees before taking the exam again.


Renewal and Continuing Education


Certification and licensure is renewed annually, and South Dakota uses the applicant’s birth month as the time for renewal. Currently, the fee for certification renewal is $175.00, while the fee for license renewal is $200.00. BAPP must either receive the renewal by the final day of the applicant’s birth month, or the renewal must show a postmark by that date.


Forty hours of BAPP- approved continuing education, or training as it is referred to in South Dakota, are required for BAPP submission every two years. Those practitioners with dual credentials must submit 60 hours every two years. These continuing education hours are sent to BAPP during the individual’s birth month every other year in even-numbered years.


Receive approval for continuing education or training by submitting the “Request for Approval of Continuing Professional Training” form from the BAPP website. The applicant must also submit documentation describing the event and its subject matter, such as an agenda, brochure, instructor qualifications and other pertinent information. Submit the form for approval a minimum of one month either before or after the date of the event or training.


Reciprocity


BAPP allows the transfer of credentials from addiction or prevention professionals certified by an IC&RC board at a reciprocal level when they relocate to South Dakota. The applicant for reciprocity does not have to fulfill any additional requirements when transferring their reciprocity to South Dakota using this method. Start the reciprocity process by contacting your current credentialing board and request information on reciprocity eligibility. If eligible, ask for a reciprocity application. Once completed, submit the application and a check for $150 made out to the IC&RC to your current board. The current credentialing board will complete a credential verification report and forward all documentation and payment to the IC&RC. When BAPP receives this reciprocity approval notification from the IC&RC, it will send a reciprocity information form asking for address and employment information, along with a request for a signed Professional Code of Ethics form and a signed Authorization and Release of Information form to the applicant. Once the required information is received, BAPP issues a certificate for the equivalent credential. For example, those earning an Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADA) certificate from their former jurisdiction will receive CAC certification.


Should the reciprocity applicant fail to submit complete and accurate responses to BAPP’s information request, or if the applicant has been convicted or pled no contest or guilty to a felony offense within five years of the reciprocity application date, BAPP may deny the request. If someone has a felony record, they must sign releases allowing BAPP to verify the individual’s current status.


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


Along with BAPP, the state also has the South Dakota Association of Addiction & Prevention Professionals (SDAAPP), headquartered in Blunt. The SDAAPP offers bi-annual conferences with opportunities for continuing education, along with advocacy for prevention professionals, counselors and programs. Peer assistance is available for members. SDAAPP also provides information for the public, lawmakers, law enforcement personnel, educators and other professionals.