Question by curious: Substance abuse/addiction counselor: what kind of college education?
I know what career I want–something along the lines of a substance abuse or addiction counselor–but I don’t know what’s the best college path to get there.
I’ve researched a few colleges so far, and it seems I could get a MA in Psychology or Sociology, or a BAS in Human Services (focusing on addiction counseling) and then go further into Psychology…?
I plan on talking to reps at all schools, but of course they’ll only tell me the best course of action at their school. I want a cumulative, honest opinion.
Anyone knowledgeable about this please give me your opinions! Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by Gregg DesElms
People keep coming here and asking about professions which are REGULATED and LICENSED in most states…
…and so only the entity which regulates and licenses can answer their questions. It’s a mystery to me.
Figure out what agency in your state regulates what you want to do; then hunt down its web site like a dog; then read just about every word on it…
…and then you’ll finally know ALL the answers; and then YOU can come here and tell people to do the same.
The only authoritative source of information is that web site. On it, you will find precisely what are the requirements, and precisely what kind of school and education you need; and you’ll likely even find a list of schools which the licensing authority has approved as requisite to its licensure.
It varies from state to state, so no one can answer your questons here in any way that’s actuallly meaningful…
…no matter how hard some might try.
Hope that helps.
What do you think? Answer below!
You have it exactly right. Go for your MA in Psychology, there will be specialized classes for substance abuse and addictions when you get further in the course. Have you taken other psychology classes? Do you have you BA of Science in Psychology already? These are all things to consider. Talk to a college enrollment advisor and tell him exactly what you just said. Tell him how important it is that you know the exact path of courses you need to take and not just the ones that ‘his’ school particularly offers. Like you, many of them have attended college themselves and some are still doing it. If you are honest and down to earth with them, they should be the same way. When you get your answer, look up reviews on the staff at that particular school. People will definately have mentioned the quality of the staff and that will give you a better insight. Also you can try talking to a psychologist(call her on the phone) and ask her receptionist these questions, again be honest and tell her what your main goal is and she will have a definate track of answers for you. You will also make her feel good that you asked and this will establish a future opportunity for internship(on the job training). I used to want to do the same exact thing, so I know what I am talking about. I just want you to be absolutely sure because every school is different. All schools require specific classes and so forth. Make sure that you go to an accredited school, this will also help to secure your future. Good luck and I truly hope this helped.
While in undergrad Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work would all be great options if you do want to work with the Drug/Alcohol population. One thing I would suggest is to try to get a practicum or internship working with this population to make sure this is something that you want to do.
When you go on to get a masters, you could alway get one in Psychology or Counseling, get liscensed as a NCC, and go on to become a Certified Addiction Specialist.
Going for an MSW, you can also opt to specialize in mental health (which falls in line with substance abuse), and also become a Certified Addiction Specialist.
Personally, I think the MSW is more versitile, not because I am in a MSW program, but because I did all the research between the two choices. Also, the reason why I tell you to secure an internship in this field is because I was actually very interested in working as a clinician (therapist) within a drug rehabilitation setting until I interned at one. I still am very interested in the drug and alcohol and mental health field; however I found different opprotunites at a macro-level to help fit my interest.
I hope that helps, and, yes, make sure you visit different schools, and talk to different admission reps to make sure you find your best fit. Good Luck : )
I am sorry I can not give you the answer you want about the best collage for you to go to I am here to tell you how glad I am that you decided to go for this type of degree,The drug problem in the US is out of control we need people such as your self to help the addicted person get and stay clean for life ,I have seen so meany people I know go through this problem so meany times I can no longer count them all.Getting to the addict is the only step that we are able to control and the price of it all is out rages, And I do not mean money wise I mean the death toll alone is too much to bare Get to the addict and the dealer will have no one to sell to I realize this may never happen but drugs are out control for sure,Re hap is a booming business these days and it is taken as a joke when it could not be more serious It takes a lot to get a person off these street an also controlled drugs,doctors do not seem to be very care full about the pills they are dishing out these pills that are being taken are very addicting and they are very hard to get off of I know just off the top of my head, and this is aw full, at least 20 people who take pills and they are addicted, I have been told that it is hard to over come addiction and people are afraid to do so because it keeps them sick and they will rather take the drug instead of getting off oft them. Well we can talk about this for ever I just want to thank you for caring about others because you have to very much if that is what you are going to do Thanks