How Do I Get Into the Substance Abuse Counseling Field?
Question by Jonnie: How do I get into the substance abuse counseling field?
I am graduating college with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in substance abuse. I have taken counseling classes in order to complete the substance abuse minor, but I don’t know what a good first step is. Anyone in the field have any good advise?
From New Jersey looking to move to California to pursue this career.
Best answer:
Answer by JBenn
Well, I have my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) and I actually have an interview tomorrow for Substance Abuse Counselor. Generally, most private agencies are going to want you to have your master’s or even licensure (LPC in your field I believe, LCSW in mine), but the ticket is going through the state. Department of Corrections is always looking for good substance abuse counselors. Here is your state’s personnel site. If you visit the links provided below, it should kind of lead you in that direction.
State Personnel Website – http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/
Local or State listings – http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/jobs/title_listing.htm
Substance Abuse Counselor Description/Requirements -http://webapps.dop.state.nj.us/jobspec/63115.htm
You will probably have to register in their state system under the jobs that you would like, and with Missouri, you are contacted by letter when job openings are available. Good luck and congratulations!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Billy A. NA Speaker 12 Step recovery Drug Addict – Billy shares at a speaker meeting of Narcotics Anonymous. My FAVORITE NA tape! Enjoy! 🙂 Make sure to like us on facebook 🙂 We’d love to have ya stop in and see us! www.facebook.com What is the Twelve Step Model? How is it a “treatment for alcoholism” or “alcohol abuse?” From Wikipedia: “A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles (accepted by members as ‘spiritual principles,’ based on the approved literature) outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.” As should be blatantly obvious, we are in no way affiliated with NA or any other 12 step program. We are just looking to provide hope to those suffering from alcoholism or addiction.) “Addiction treatment” WORKS! There is addiction help out there and “addiction recovery” is possible. If you are battling “drug addiction” there are people who know EXACTLY what it is like! It is important to note there are several ways for one to address his or her “alcohol abuse treatment.” “Substance abuse” is a very serious condition. Many need inpatient stays or counseling. The importance and purpose of this video, and all our other videos, is to show that recovery IS possible and to give hope to those who are struggling with substance abuse issues. Help IS out there! 🙂 You can follow us on twitter too! www.twitter.com Namaste, friends 🙂