Online degree programs in substance abuse
counseling are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's
levels. Areas of study generally include prevention and treatment,
individual and group counseling and clinical supervision.
Online Associate's Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling Overview
Through an online associate's degree program, students can develop
the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel people suffering from
substance abuse. Major areas of study include human psychology,
understanding
drug abuse
and counseling. These programs are designed to provide a foundation for
a career in the field as well as a path for further study and
specialization.
Many programs require students to retrieve their assignments,
participate in discussions and submit their homework online. Students
should have access to a computer with high-speed Internet connectivity.
Most courses utilize textbooks as well as downloadable presentations and
interactive modules, such as audio and video. Associate-level programs
may be offered completely online; however, they often include a
combination of distance education and on-campus classes as well as
field-practice elements.
Common Online Courses
Associate's degree students explore the core aspects of substance
abuse and patient counseling, such as occupational therapy and practical
application of treatment strategies. Students should be comfortable
working with computers and have a basic knowledge of Internet search.
Introduction to Psychology Course
In this course, students learn the multiple facets of human behavior
and function. Major areas of study include learning, personality,
deviance and pathology and social influences. Human behavior in social,
personal and employment settings are also examined.
Drug Abuse Course
This online course provides an overview of substance abuse in
American society. Topics of discussion include the major factors that
determine drug and alcohol dependency and examination of the chemicals
that are most often abused.
Basic Counseling Skills Course
This course prepares students to use a variety of techniques in
counseling patients diagnosed with substance abuse. Skills, such as
paraphrasing, probing, interpretation and confrontation, are closely
examined.
Requirements for certification or licensure as a
substance abuse counselor
vary by state. Requirements usually entail education (approved courses
or degree) and practical training and clinical work experience, both
under supervision. Individuals with an associate degree are generally
eligible for certification or licensure in most states. Associate degree
applicants must have logged more work experience and contact hours with
clients than applicants with either a bachelor's or master's degree.
Specific information can be found on each state's Department of Health
website. In July 2010, the median annual salary for a substance abuse
counselor with about one year of experience was $26,230-$36,247,
according to
Paysale.com.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling Overview
Bachelor's degree programs allow students to acquire new skills or
enhance their knowledge of the issues surrounding substance abuse
counseling, including how to diagnosis, evaluate, prevent and treat.
Many online programs combine textbook assignments and classroom
discussions with research projects and internships.
Some institutions require bachelor's candidates to complete
prerequisite coursework in a variety of subjects, such as psychology and
interpersonal communications. Many programs are taught completely
online and include downloadable lectures and discussion board
participation; however, some schools require students to take part in
group assignments on-campus. Students also are required to participate
in an internship in a clinical setting under supervision of their
instructor or a facility manager.
Common Online Courses
Students examine complex areas of substance abuse with a particular
focus on individual and group counseling. They also learn how to develop
individualized treatment plans.
Substance Abuse Treatment Course
In this online course, students examine theories and techniques of
substance abuse treatment for individuals and groups. Major areas of
focus include crisis intervention, consultation and client reports and
record keeping.
Substance Abuse and the Family Course
Students examine family dynamics with an emphasis on the effects of
substance addiction on families. Topics of discussion include the impact
of mood-alerting substances and their related behaviors, interventions
and treatment.
Case Management Course
This course presents an analysis of case management in the clinical
setting. Topics of discussion include the roles and responsibilities of
case managers and counselors, counseling skills and treatment planning.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling
generally are equipped to pursue a license as a certified counselor,
which is mandatory in most states. Career options can include counseling
positions in locations, such as hospitals and halfway houses. The
median annual salary for a chemical dependency counselor was $45,759 as
of November 2009 and reported by
Salary.com.
Online Master's Degree in Substance Abuse Counselor Overview
Institutions are increasingly offering students the opportunity to
pursue an online master's degree in substance abuse counseling. Students
generally must complete a set of core classes, which may be available
in both fully online or hybrid formats. A practicum and clinical
internship, both with a set amount of hours, are required by most
schools in order to complete an online master's program.
Applicants typically must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited
college or university. Many classes are conducted online, but students
are typically required to attend on-campus lectures as well as complete
field internships.
Common Online Courses
Master's students examine key issues in substance abuse counseling in
order to enhance their skills in the counseling and treatment of
patients suffering from chemical dependencies.
Issues in Clinical Supervision Course
In this course, students examine the various methods required to
establish effective and appropriate treatment plans. Areas of focus
include consultation and supervision techniques along with reviewing and
modifying professional therapist treatment tactics.
Group Counseling for Addictive Behavior Course
Students are introduced to the group counseling process with
chemically addicted persons. Topics of discussion include theories on
group counseling and best practices in leading a group session.
Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments Course
Students learn how to work with patients that have been diagnosed
with both a substance addiction and a mental disorder. Particular focus
is placed on treatment models and an analysis of research and case
studies as they apply to co-occurring theory.
Those who've successfully completed a master's degree program are
generally able to attain senior- or managerial-level positions in
substance abuse counseling in a variety of settings, including drug and
alcohol treatment centers. In July 2010,
Salary.com reported that
the average annual salary for a substance abuse center director, a
position for which a master's degree is usually required, was $101,121.
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