A chemical dependency counselor (CDC), also known as a substance abuse counselor (SAC), helps individuals cope with alcohol and drug addiction by teaching them how to live longer, healthier lives drug-free. In a time of crisis; individuals should be confident they are receiving quality care from a competent counseling professional with the appropriate education, training, and experience. While states vary with requirements, a combination of education, training, and the passing of a written exam is necessary to obtain chemical dependency certification to provide addiction services. This ensures individuals suffering from addiction, and their families, can be confident they are receiving quality, competent care.
Personality Traits
Chemical dependency counseling can be quite difficult. Individuals need to be compassionate, empathic, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Strength, confidence, and knowledge are also needed to demonstrate skill and competence. People suffering with addiction are vulnerable and need encouragement. Sensitivity and awareness of their feelings and worldview are necessary. There should be no passing of judgment. Before making a decision to enter this profession, it may be beneficial to talk with someone who works in the field for understanding and self-evaluation.
Experience
In order to receive chemical dependency certification [http://online.unionky.edu/online-programs/chemical-dependency-certification] or to become licensed, counselors must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in alcohol and drug counseling. Credit is given for an Associate's (1000 hours), Bachelor's (2000 hours), and Master's (4000 hours) degrees.
Education
Counselors are required to complete 270 hours of documented education, including a minimum of 6 hours in ethics and HIV/AIDS. This includes seminars, workshops, in-services, and coursework; they must address the 12 core functions of addictions counseling.
Training
Counselors must complete a 300 hour practicum at an alcohol and drug/substance abuse facility. Work should focus on the 12 core functions and TAP 21 competencies with a minimum of 10 hours in each core function. It can be supervised by more than one professional or agency.
Written Exam
Once a candidate has completed all the education, training, and experience requirements, an application (with appropriate fee) can be submitted to the state licensing board or testing corporation. Once approved, the written exam can be taken; if a passing score is attained, certification or licensure will be obtained. An ethics codes or affirmation statement must be signed as well.
Certification or License Renewal
Counselors are required to renew their certification or license every 2-3 years. Counselors are required to complete up to 60 CEU credits (an average of 20 credits per year). This will ensure professionals are kept abreast of the latest counseling methods, treatments, and technologies available in the field now and in the future.
Personality Traits
Chemical dependency counseling can be quite difficult. Individuals need to be compassionate, empathic, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Strength, confidence, and knowledge are also needed to demonstrate skill and competence. People suffering with addiction are vulnerable and need encouragement. Sensitivity and awareness of their feelings and worldview are necessary. There should be no passing of judgment. Before making a decision to enter this profession, it may be beneficial to talk with someone who works in the field for understanding and self-evaluation.
Experience
In order to receive chemical dependency certification [http://online.unionky.edu/online-programs/chemical-dependency-certification] or to become licensed, counselors must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in alcohol and drug counseling. Credit is given for an Associate's (1000 hours), Bachelor's (2000 hours), and Master's (4000 hours) degrees.
Education
Counselors are required to complete 270 hours of documented education, including a minimum of 6 hours in ethics and HIV/AIDS. This includes seminars, workshops, in-services, and coursework; they must address the 12 core functions of addictions counseling.
Training
Counselors must complete a 300 hour practicum at an alcohol and drug/substance abuse facility. Work should focus on the 12 core functions and TAP 21 competencies with a minimum of 10 hours in each core function. It can be supervised by more than one professional or agency.
Written Exam
Once a candidate has completed all the education, training, and experience requirements, an application (with appropriate fee) can be submitted to the state licensing board or testing corporation. Once approved, the written exam can be taken; if a passing score is attained, certification or licensure will be obtained. An ethics codes or affirmation statement must be signed as well.
Certification or License Renewal
Counselors are required to renew their certification or license every 2-3 years. Counselors are required to complete up to 60 CEU credits (an average of 20 credits per year). This will ensure professionals are kept abreast of the latest counseling methods, treatments, and technologies available in the field now and in the future.
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