Online Schools for Addiction Counseling: How to Choose

Many factors can influence an individual's choice of an online addictions counseling educational program, such as courses offered, state licensure requirements and practicability of attending the internship. Addiction counseling programs are offered at the graduate certificate, bachelor's and master's levels.

How to Select an Online Addictions Counseling School

State Requirements

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) states that licensure for addictions counselors varies widely depending on the state. Some states may require just a high school diploma, while other states specify a master's and certification. When choosing an addictions program, a student needs to determine if the program conforms to state requirements and is a state-approved program.

Internships

An addictions counseling program may include an internship. Internships cannot be completed online, but must be completed in-person. If students are required to complete internships on-campus, they must consider if it is practical to travel to the school and put in the required hours. Other institutions may ask students to arrange their internship themselves with school approval.

List of Addiction Counseling Programs

Certificate Programs

Applicants to a certificate program must have earned a previous degree at the bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. level. Sometimes a program is directed towards a specific group, i.e. behavior health specialists.
Students need a computer with sufficient memory and hard drive space, Internet access and a compatible browser. They may need a word processing program, speakers and a sound card.

Bachelor's Degrees

Some programs may offer addictions counseling training from a Christian perspective. Others may focus on a specialty area, such as substance abuse. General course topics may include pharmacology, alcohol abuse, mental disorders, developmental psychology, psychotherapy, abnormal behavior, personality theories and an in-person practicum.

Master's Degrees

An online master's in addictions counseling may require the student to complete a residency requirement (i.e. spend a determined amount of time on campus). In addition, most programs include a clinical.
Students need a computer connected to the Internet, e-mail, an anti-virus program, various plug-ins, Adobe Acrobat Reader, an office software suite and speakers with a sound card.
Students gain the knowledge and skills to treat and prevent addictions. Graduates may be eligible to seek licensure or certification, but they should check their state's requirements before starting any program.