Although requirements vary from state to
state, online substance abuse counseling certificate programs typically
prepare graduates to meet the majority of certification requirements.
Graduates should be prepared to effectively counsel individuals dealing
with substance abuse issues.
Substance abuse counseling certificate programs may be offered as an
addictions counseling or alcohol and drug studies program. Regardless of
the title, it provides graduates with the therapeutic skills and
knowledge needed to assist individuals suffering from drug and
alcohol abuse.
Students learn to provide both prevention and treatment services. They
also prepare to form education and community outreach programs regarding
addiction, as well as facilitate counseling in a group setting. Areas
covered might include compulsive behavior treatment, physiology of
addiction, crisis management, relapse prevention and co-occurring
disorders.
An online certificate program, usually 15 credits in length,
sometimes incorporates campus-based courses. Supervised internship hours
may be required. Students can communicate with professors and fellow
students through instant messaging, message boards and e-mail.
Opportunities can arise to take part in group projects and video
presentations online.
In order to view all online components, computer requirements
commonly include an updated operating system, a DVD drive and plug-ins,
such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Flash Player. Online programs typically
have technical assistance available for students who have issues with
online learning.
List of Common Substance Abuse Counseling Courses
The curriculum for an online certificate in substance abuse
counseling covers a wide range of topics that focus on improving the
patient's quality of life and substance abuse's long term impact.
Counseling Theories Course
Students look at the theories behind counseling a variety of
populations, including families, adolescents and women. The course
covers group processes, co-occurring mental disorders and systems
theory.
Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse Course
This course takes a broad look at alcohol and drug use and abuse,
including relevant historical, social and biopsychosocial factors.
Topics include substance abuse social policy, substance use disorders
and the continuum of care.
Substance Abuse Treatment Course
Instructors teach students all aspects of substance abuse treatment,
from prevention to continuing care. They explore models of drug abuse
treatment, adolescent treatment and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Employment settings for substance abuse counselors include substance
abuse and mental health facilities, hospitals, outpatient care centers
and government agencies. Substance abuse counselors were expected to see
employment growth of 21% from 2008-2018, according to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported substance abuse
counselors had median annual earnings of $37,030 in 2008 (
www.bls.gov).
Certification requirements for substance abuse counselors vary from
state to state, but they typically require a minimum number of
educational and clinical hours. Most online certificate programs meet a
large portion, if not all, of the educational requirements. Credits
earned can sometimes be applied towards a bachelor's, master's or
doctorate degree program, depending on the participants previous
educational experience.
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