Virginia

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


When you graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in mental health and counseling, you’ll be required to study for, and take a state-approved exam to be licensed as a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP).


To enter this field, you’ll have to complete your university education and receive your degree—this is mandatory for anyone who plans to work in a substance abuse field or treatment facility.


Overview


Every substance abuse counselor is required to be licensed in the state of Virginia. If you are a recent graduate, evidence of completing university requirements with an official transcript suffices until you take your licensure exam.


Every substance abuse counselor is required to receive a specific number of clinical supervision hours. A clinical practitioner in your office or a nearby office will provide your supervision, which you are required to document for your license.


Every substance abuse counselor is required to receive a specific number of clinical supervision hours. A clinical practitioner in your office or a nearby office will provide your supervision, which you are required to document for your license.


Virginia Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


While the term, “substance abuse counselor” was used in the Overview, Virginia counselors are identified by several different terms. These include the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) and the Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP).


Each category has to meet different educational, licensing and renewal requirements. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be required to complete a certain number of practice hours and clinical supervision hours. Counselors with master’s degrees will have different requirements than do those with bachelor’s degrees.


If you move to Virginia from another state, and you practiced as a counselor in that other state, you’ll have to pass the NCCAP Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) before you apply for licensure as a LSATP here. If you are a counselor who already holds an unrestricted Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license from Virginia, you are waived from taking this exam.


Request your official transcript from your university. If you already have a Virginia license as a LPC or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), you don’t have to do this.


Be ready to provide proof of having at least 24 of the past 60 months of post-licensure clinical practice. This must be in a direct clinical substance abuse treatment capacity. You may also have evidence of clinical supervision of these services—you will have to provide documentation of supervised experience which meets the requirements of the state in which you were first licensed. A certified copy of your original application provides this proof. Again, if you hold a Virginia license for LPC, LMFT, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP), you won’t have to provide this documentation.


Education Requirements


Virginia substance abuse counselors who hold bachelor’s degrees are required to complete 400 clock hours of substance abuse education from an accredited college or university. If you didn’t go to college, then you should have attended workshops or seminars meeting requirements in subsection B:


  • 220 hours of didactic training in substance abuse counseling. You should have at least 10 clock hours in:

  • Understanding dynamics of human behavior;

  • Treatment approaches;

  • Signs and symptoms of substance abuse;

  • Continuum of care and case management skills;

  • Recovery process and relapse prevention methods;

  • Ethics

  • Professional identity in providing substance abuse services;

  • Crisis intervention


Accumulate at least 20 hours in:

  • Substance abuse counseling, treatment planning and substance abuse research;

  • Group counseling


Also required:


  • Orientation of new clients to a program’s rules, procedures, goals, services, costs and rights of the client;

  • Screening clients in determining eligibility and fit for a particular program;

  • Intake of clients, performing administrative and first assessment tasks needed for admission to a program;

  • Assessment of client strengths, need, problems and weaknesses so development of a treatment plan can begin;

  • Treatment planning with client to identify and number-rank the problems to be treated, develop goals and come to agreement on treatment processes;

  • Counseling client by using specialized skills in individual and group approaches to meet established treatment goals;

  • Case management activities (looping in other services, people, agencies and resources in a wrap-around treatment plan to meet goals);

  • Crisis intervention responses to address acute emotional, mental and physical distress;

  • Educating clients by giving information about drug abuse and the services and resources available;

  • Referral of clients in order to meet their identified needs by counselor and aiding client in making use of appropriate resources;

  • Reporting and charting client information from assessment and through treatment, progress and discharge summaries, along with client-related data;

  • Consulting with other professionals to ensure high quality, comprehensive care for each client.


Each task must be performed for at least eight hours under a supervisor. These should be verified as one part of the counselor's application by their supervisor.


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 Virginia Board of Counseling exists to regulate the mental health industry as well as to stay abreast of community and professional needs. The Board inspects mental health professionals to ensure that licensees practice in conformance within state regulations. The Board of Counseling also enacts and enforces qualifications for licensure and regulations for the practice of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. They operate according to regulations established by the Virginia Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.


Address

Perimeter Center

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Henrico Virginia 23233-1463


Phone

(804) 367-4610


Website Address

https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling/


Licensure:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)


Virginia's drug abuse counselors are credentialed by the Virginia Board of Counseling. There are several levels of credentialing: Certified Drug abuse Therapy Specialist, Licensed Compound Misuse Counselor, as well as Certified Chemical Abuse Counselor Aide. The credential one at some point happens to be approved for depending on whether one has a degree and also, if so, at what degree.


The final step is passing the Evaluation for Master Addictions Counselors (EMAC). The exam was developed by the National Board for Qualified Therapists (NBCC). Resources are readily available on the NBCC site. An LSATP prospect pays $50 to subscribe to the guidance agreement and also $140 later for application as well as likewise licensure. The $120 test price is paid to the NBCC.


The student needs to develop 2,000 human resources of experience. This must contain at the minimum 100 hrs of advice; as long as 50 might happen in a group arrangement. A possibility will definitely take the Qualified Drug abuse Counselor Assessment by means of the NBCC. The Board will absolutely engage permission to the NBCC. Presently, the candidate will definitely get enrollment info; a research study summary will definitely similarly be provided.


The therapist aide application charge is $90. Prospects require to get in right into a supervision arrangement and also submit it with the Board. Supervisors need to fall under amongst the professional classifications laid out in application products. An in-state Drug abuse Therapy Practitioner or Drug abuse Counselor possibility at first joins assistance, afterwards demands analysis as well as likewise licensure at a later stage.


There are 2 degrees of certification in Virginia for Drug Abuse Therapists. One degree is for training purposes and is described as the Qualified Substance Misuse Specialist Assistant (CSAC-A). The complete degree of accreditation is recognized as the Qualified Material Abuse Therapist (CSAC) Pass a criminal history check. You require to have a Senior high school Diploma or GED.


You should authorize the state Code of Ethics. You will call for to finish 220 human resources of didactic training. This training needs to consist of 10 hrs in each of the following: Characteristics of Human Actions, Symptoms important Abuse, Treatment approaches, Continuum of Treatment in addition to Instance Management Abilities, Recovery procedure and also relapse avoidance styles, Values, Specialist Identification, Scenario treatment.


You must have 100 hrs of direct face to face support with at least 2 humans resources of supervision every week. Pass the Accredited Compound Abuse Counselor Evaluation. You can discover the vital kinds ahead to be a CSAC below.


Material misuse counselors generate treatment prepared for consumers coping compound use troubles. They function very closely with customers to sustain the healing procedure as well as deal counseling solutions. Over 12,500 drug abuse as well as emotional wellness counselors task in Virginia. Virginia substance misuse counselors need to hold a licensed drug abuse counselor credential from the state's Board of Counselors to work out.


Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Virginia is one of the more popular career paths a certified social worker or mental health specialist can pursue. These counselors will help clients learn to deal with substance abuse of alcohol and drugs. They work closely with other mental health providers to help their clients improve their ability to cope and function in the real world. While these counselors are primarily involved in the areas of substance abuse, they are also trained in several other areas of mental health care, including behavioral therapy and family therapy.


The requirements for becoming a certified substance abuse counselors in Virginia vary from state to state. To get started in this line of work, a certified social worker must receive an education and training at an accredited institution of higher learning. The training is usually on-going and takes two years. Then, upon completion of his education, the counselor must pass a written exam from the state board of social work and be licensed by that board.


After certification as a substance abuse counselor in Virginia, the counselor must complete continuing education classes in order to maintain certification. This is typically done every five years, but it varies from state to state.


In some states, an individual who is a certified counselor must complete a specialized internship before they can become certified again. This internship may last one week, two weeks, or even longer, depending on the state's requirements. The internships are usually conducted by a mental health agency or an alcohol and drug treatment center, and they are designed to give the counselor the hands-on experience that he needs to learn how to treat substance abusers in a professional manner.


Counselors who are certified in substance abuse need to meet a set amount of training and experience before they can take the licensing exam. Some states require that counselors are certified for at least four years before they can take the exam. If you wish to take the state licensing exam before you have completed four years of training, you should contact the state board to see if they have a list of approved schools and programs.


The training and experience that counselors who wish to pursue this career must have included both classroom instruction and clinical training. Clients who have completed either type of training have completed their education and training and are qualified to practice their skills in a clinical setting.


A substance abuse counselor in Virginia is responsible for helping people overcome their addictions to alcohol and drugs and substance abuse. In addition to their clinical training, counselors should have a strong understanding of family therapy and how to help addicts interact with their family members and their own peers. This knowledge will allow them to better educate patients on how to manage their stress and to identify issues within their lives that may lead to substance abuse.


Working as a counselor in Virginia means working to provide quality services to clients. It also means helping to reduce the negative effects of substance abuse on society.


A counselor working in the substance abuse field in Virginia has a special responsibility to provide clients with the support and treatment that they need. They will work closely with the client to determine what kind of intervention methods and support are necessary to help the client overcome their substance abuse problem. In some cases, the counselor may have to work directly with the person to help him or her overcome substance abuse.


Counselor responsibilities in Virginia also involve making sure that the client gets the assistance that he or she needs to avoid returning to substance abuse. Counselors will make sure that the client takes medication, gets medical and emotional support, attends group therapy sessions, and attends group meetings. When a client is ready to enter a clinical setting, a counselor helps him or her to meet with a therapist to get to know his or her own support system.


Counseling also involves ensuring that the client receives treatment and support through all phases of his or her recovery. Counselors should make sure that the client makes regular appointments with a psychiatrist and/or a mental health professional. They should also meet with the patient regularly to help him or her with problems that may come up while on the road to recovery. They will also help the patient to create a recovery plan that involves meeting with his or her doctor and getting treatment from an appropriate psychotherapist, support group leader, and/or therapist.


Working as a substance abuse counselor in Virginia means dealing with the addict on a daily basis. It also means being in the office a minimum of three times a week to ensure that the client receives care and support and is not left untreated.


Counselor Testing & Examination Process


Virginia’s Board of Counseling Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners underwent a change which became effective on Aug. 24, 2016. Applicants now must take and pass the approved national exam within two years of Board approval. LSATPs who were previously approved and licensed before this change took place must now pass a subsequent exam on or before August 24, 2018, in order to retain licensure.


Exams are given on demand, with testing sites available in major cities throughout the United States.


Certified Substance Abuse Counselors are required to pass the NCAC-1 exam to obtain their CSAC certification, The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) provides the exam, along with the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). This exam is also given on demand, in large cities throughout the U.S.


Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistants (CSAC-A) are supposed to take the Virginia State Constructed CSAC-A exam. After being approved to take this exam, it will be mailed to you. It’s an open-book test. You should refer to the Regulations Governing the Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Counseling Assistants as you take your exam. When you finish the test, return it by fax, mail or email to the Board of Counselors for processing.


Clinical Supervision Explained


All Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners, Certified Substance Abuse Counselors and Certified Substance Abuse Counseling Assistants are required to undergo regular clinical supervision. It’s a part of the requirements for renewal of the counselor’s license to practice.


Specifically, an applicant for initial licensing should be able to document 2,000 hours of supervised experience in providing clinical substance abuse counseling services.


This supervised experience should consist of at least one hour and a maximum of four hours weekly of supervised activity between the clinical supervisor and their applicant. This should total 100 hours that can be documented within required professional experience. Up to one-half of supervision hours can consist of group work. One hour of supervised group work will be the equivalent of one hour of supervision during individual counseling or client work.


The Virginia Board of Counseling requires all applicants to document their successful completion of clinical supervision, noting this on the Verification of Supervision Form when they are filling out their form.


Renewal and Continuing Education


The requirements of the Virginia Board of Counseling are straightforward. It has no pre-approval process for continuing education requirements. Instead, counselors are directed to go to the “continuing competency activity criteria” to answer any questions regarding CE courses they are considering taking. LSATPs should go to Section 18 VAC 115-60-116.


Every counselor should have obtained all required continuing education hours before June 30th. Every counselor will be required to verify that they have met the continuing competency requirements.


The window for beginning to receive continuing education hours begins on July 1 of every calendar year. They must complete their CE hours by June 30th of that licensure year. The hours they have received for the current licensure year are applied to that calendar year. If the counselor has any additional hours beyond the minimum requirement, they cannot carry those hours forward to an upcoming renewal year.


Every substance abuse counselor is required to take a CE course in ethics every year. They should document at least two hours of course participation in CE courses that focus on ethics and standards of practice. CE courses that cover laws governing behavioral professionals should also be taken.


Those substance abuse counselors who have just obtained their initial licensure are exempt from taking the full 20 hours of CE courses. This includes LPCs, LSATPs and LMFTs. This applies only for the first renewal period after obtaining the first license to practice. Those LMFTs, LPCs and LSATPs who were licensed by endorsement must take the full 20 continuing education hours in the first calendar year after obtaining their first licenses.


CSACs, CSAC-As and CRPs don’t have to document continuing education hours toward the renewal of their license renewals. All they have to do is take the courses and send their paperwork minus the documentation of continuing education.


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


In Virginia, substance abuse counselors (CSAC, CSAC-A, CRP, LPC, LMFT and LSATP) can turn to the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals, or VAAP. This association used to be called the Virginia Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.


VAAP works to advance the practice of alcoholism and drug counseling by emphasizing its professional Code of Ethics of the association. It is working to adopt a high level of competency, which helps to ensure that clients receive only the highest quality of care and counseling, so they can address their addictions and issues related to their use of substances or alcohol.


By emphasizing ethics and a high level of counseling competency, every counselor in Virginia becomes a part of the solution that addresses and combats substance abuse.