What are the Different Types of Licenses for AC and SAC?

Whether you’re a professional or a student interested in a career in substance abuse and/or addiction counseling, it’s likely you’ve realized that there are numerous titles within the field. In fact, almost every state calls their addiction specialists by a different name. It’s probably also become apparent that title differences don’t always denote a variance in position responsibilities. Generally speaking, addiction counselors, substance abuse counselors, and alcohol and drug counselors are all certified to, and responsible for, providing the same core services:

Screening
Intake
Orientation
Assessment, Evaluation, and Intervention
Referral
Treatment Planning
Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Patient Education
Case Management
Reporting and Record Keeping
Consultation with Other Professionals

Different Titles and What They Mean

If most addiction professionals offer patients the same kind of services, why are there so many titles? While all who possess and maintain their credentials can usually conduct patient assessments, diagnosis, evaluations, and treatments, as well as provide individual and group counseling sessions, certification type matters. A professional’s title helps distinguish the kind of care he or she offers.

Common terms you should be familiar with include:

Counselor

Counselor is often used as an umbrella term for substance abuse and addiction professionals. Those with this designation are not always required to possess advanced degrees and can work in a variety of settings. They may be social workers, medical professionals, or religious leaders with some knowledge of substance abuse and an understanding of how to provide support to patients struggling with addiction. Treatment plans often focus on attaining and maintaining sobriety, as well as identifying and avoiding potential relapse triggers. Common working environments include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and support groups.

Therapist

While sometimes interchangeable with counselor, therapist is a more frequently regulated and protected term. Those with this designation are often required to have a master’s degree or PhD in psychology, psychiatry, or a related field. They usually have specific training in techniques intended to address not only substance abuse and addiction, but the overall mental and emotional health of their patients. Treatment plans frequently focus on the root of a person’s addiction and/or co-occurring issues, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Common working environments include private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health charities.

Other common terms seen in the field include specialist and master. These often denote specialized addiction treatment skills gained through more targeted education and work experience.

It’s important to realize that the meanings of these terms may differ slightly from state to state or even be used interchangeably within the profession. Some professionals with the designation of counselor do, in fact, have a master’s or doctoral degree and have completed training that qualifies them to perform more in-depth patient treatment and clinical research. Likewise, some states do not regulate the designation of therapist. In these cases, the term may be used to refer to individuals who lack higher-level certification and/or have little formal education in the field. You will need to research these terms in relation to your specific state to gain a better understanding of the credentialing opportunities available to you.

Professional titles that require special credentialing are, however, legally regulated by each state’s practice laws. Individuals who practice without official certification or provide substance abuse and addiction treatment services under a false title without board approval will be held responsible in the court of law.

Whether therapy addicts or those that fear they will certainly become addicts, a drug abuse counselor works together with their customer to help get over dependencies in addition to becoming self-sufficient. The substance abuse specialist might additionally work really carefully with the household of the client as chemical abuse definitely influences the taken pleasure in ones of the chemically dependent person.

See to it the program will additionally set you around to satisfy all the examinations as well as state requirements for the state you live in. Learn what the called for assessment is for the state in which you wish to work out. Each state normally has various evaluations and some states require qualification with The National Counselor Exam NCE for to end up being an Accredited Dependence and also Drug Abuse Counselor.

Depending upon what specialized you select, frequently speak with your state to comprehend what credentials you will certainly require to exercise to more end up being a Substance abuse Counselor also called an Addiction Professional. Each state will absolutely have needs to preserve your credentials as an exercising specialist. You will be required to talk to your state worrying re-certification which might be required in between 3 as well as additionally one decade, all depending on the state.

Compound misuse counselors are unable to advise medicine or give professional or emotional treatment. Rather they work together with the client in a campaign in addition to mentoring capability. The chemical abuse therapist becomes a vital number in the life of the addict. From aiding the customer to see plainly the psychological structures of their reliance to assisting with much more ordinary jobs such as aiding the client locate or keep a job, the drug abuse counselor operates with the customer to aid them come to be self-sufficient in life.

Some techniques they improve their community include: Increase in location safety and security and also safety and security by helping addicts recuperate Decrease in criminal task prices Decrease generally appropriate hospitalizations Much much safer roads Decline in domestic violence rates The family members of a substance abuser is frequently loaded with difficulty, broken heart and also psychological injury.

The impact on the family is very substantial and it is significantly pleasing for the chemical abuse specialist to help settle and also heal on this level. For the chemically reliant person, the product abuse therapist can serve as a computer game changing influence in their life. By aiding them to see clearly their patterns of dependence as well as additionally concern evasion, the chemical abuse specialist can cause a severe adjustment in awareness.

Dependency therapists help people conquer dependency on medicines, alcohol, along with harmful behaviors like gambling. Therapists act when clients are normally at their least expensive factors in their battle with addiction. A licensed alcohol and also drug counselor may likewise take care of the member of the family of addicts to aid the recuperation procedure. These professionals might run in outpatient facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, halfway houses, or medical facilities.

Individuals may also be attracted to this specialty due to the fact that they can make a genuine distinction at the office each day. With relation to 115 individuals in the nation passing away from opioid overdose every day, the demand for these specialized therapists is rising dramatically. Actually, the Bureau of Labor Data (BLS) estimates that the work growth around will certainly reach 23% by 2026.

Relying on the state company, as well as setting one seeks, an expert might call for a master's level to end up being a dependence specialist. In some cases, a counselor could exercise with a bachelor's level and likewise subsequent qualification rather. The typical yearly wage for this setting is $44,160, however components like location as well as likewise field can alter this number significantly.

It is very vital for students to get in touch with their state boards to figure out the precise credentials for every level. The minimal demand for entry-level placements is frequently a bachelor's level. These therapists can handle clients however normally have lots of restraints on the series of their task. For instance, an undergraduate-level addiction counselor can not enter into exclusive technique, and likewise they normally function under a graduate-level supervisor after getting licensed.

There are different types of licenses for addiction counselors. The basic level of the licenses is based on the degree of education, training, experience and training hours. A higher degree of the licenses requires more training hours, more hours of study or training programs and sometimes additional licensing requirements in some states.

The first one of the types of licenses for addiction counselors is the Registered Counselor License. This type of license can be obtained through a college or by taking a special test that covers the topic of addiction counseling. The test includes a sample test, a written exam and a clinical practice portion. All these elements are intended to give the counselor's an idea of what they will have to face when working with people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. On completion of all the required requirements, the counselors receive the license.

The next type of licenses for addiction counselors is the Online Certificate Course in Addiction Counseling. The exam in this course covers the same topics as the course at a college and requires more preparation time. It is a prerequisite to take a licensing exam for counselors who wish to apply for the National Council for Accreditation of Counselors (NCCA).

An Alternative Licensure for Counselors Training Program can be acquired by counselors who choose to attend a school that offers a full time course instead of the online certificate program. These courses are offered in residential centers or even in community settings with support groups and mentoring.

The Master's Degree is the highest type of license for addiction counselors. The Master's Degree is also an advanced form of the two earlier forms, and it requires more training hours, more study and more clinical practice. The Master's Degree will usually require a one-year program in substance abuse or alcoholism at a university or community college.

The doctoral or doctorate degree is also an option for those who want to advance in their careers in the field of addiction counselor. These degrees involve more research and clinical practice.

Another level of licenses for addiction counselors is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Both the LSW and the LMFT have to meet requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the American Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

As you can see, there are many licenses for addiction counselors. However, keep in mind that not all licenses are equal. Each license has its own set of rules and requirements, and may be awarded for a particular area of practice and training, or it may have to do with specific types of treatment such as family or marriage therapy or addiction treatment.

There are also different types of schools and programs available to teach these licenses. For example, there are accredited colleges for the LSW and the LMFT, and there are many community colleges that offer education programs in both of these programs.

When it comes to different types of licenses for addiction counselors, it is best to do some research before choosing a program. In fact, you should visit the school to see if they are accredited. You will also want to check to see how many years they have been around and whether the program has had success rates. in the area of treatment or recovery and in keeping people away from drug or alcohol abuse.

Finally, make sure the program you choose is accredited by a third party organization such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. {CAHEP). This will ensure that your counseling and therapy options will be appropriate for you, your family and your recovery.

Once you find the right program, you will be on your way to a life of satisfaction and happiness. The license you earn will help to build your career as an addiction counselor and help others through your work. If you find the right program, you may even find yourself in demand as a counselor in your area.

Nationally Recognized Titles for Professionals

Additionally, organizations like the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium / Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Inc. (IC&RC) offer a number of professional certifications. While these credentials don’t replace those required by your state, they are nationally standardized and do indicate a certain level of training, education, and experience.

Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

NAADAC is the largest professional organization for those who work with substance abuse and addiction patients. It has over 10,000 members and represents over 100,000 addiction professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad. The association has gained great credulity over the years by providing reliable resources and training opportunities to addiction counselors, therapists, educators, and other healthcare professionals. NAADAC has 47 state affiliates that utilize their materials and established standards during the certification process. The association also offers professional credentials through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP), which is an independently managed branch of the organization. Since 1991, over 21,000 credentials have been awarded with the following designations:

National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC I)

This certification is intended for professionals in addiction-related positions who want to demonstrate the skills they’ve gained during supervised work experiences.

National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC II)

This certification is intended for professionals in addiction-related positions who want to demonstrate the specialized treatment skills they’ve gained during supervised work experiences, as well as undergraduate-level course work.

Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)

Nicotine Dependence Specialist (NDS)

This certification is intended for professionals who wish to attain a foundational knowledge of tobacco addiction and develop skills that will enhance counseling strategies when working with tobacco addicts.

National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor (NCAAC)

This certification is intended for professionals who complete a series of standard competencies and demonstrate an understanding of clinical best-practices used to treat adolescents who are struggling with substance abuse disorders.

National Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)

This certification is intended for peer recovery professionals seeking recognition for their work within a particular field.

International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium / Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Inc. (IC&RC)

IC&RC is an international organization that provides resources, examinations, and credentials for substance abuse and/or addiction recovery professionals. It consists of over 50,000 professionals worldwide and is dedicated to protecting patients by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence in the field. All of the resources provided are research and evidence-based with an extensive peer-review process. Like NAADAC, IC&RC works exclusively with various state boards, which are independently operated but share the organizations standards and values. Candidates interested in IC&RC credentials must go through their specific state for consideration, but the following designations are available:

Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC)

Recognized as the gold standard for addiction-related credentials worldwide, over 20,000 professionals hold this title. This certification is intended for professionals who provide addiction services in a wide variety of settings.

Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC)

This advanced certification is intended for professionals who provide addiction services in a wide variety of settings and have a master’s degree or higher in a behavioral health field.

Clinical Supervisor (CS)

This certification is intended for experienced professionals who plan to teach, coach, mentor, and evaluate other substance abuse and addiction professionals.

Prevention Specialist (PS)

This certification is intended for professionals who ensure addiction programs remain true to their promise to encourage public safety and well-being.

Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)

This certification is intended for professionals who provide addiction counseling services to those within the criminal justice system. In addition to counseling skills, these professionals must demonstrate a clear understanding of the criminal justice systems and those within it.

Peer Recovery (PR)

This certification is intended for individuals with a personal history of addiction and/or mental illness who provide quality recovery support services.

The Movement Toward Inclusivity

While titles still maintain significance, the substance abuse and addiction field as a whole has made moves toward inclusivity over the years. NAADAC, for example, was originally founded as the National Association of Alcoholism Counselors and Trainers (NAACT) in 1972. The organization changed its name in 1982 to the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) to unite professionals working to assist addiction patients. The name changed even more in 2001, when the NAADAC became the Association for Addiction Professionals. These alterations were made specifically to reflect the increasingly varied titles and positions held by substance abuse service professionals, including counselors, administrators, social workers, specialists, masters, and therapists.