Are you interested in pursuing a career in the substance-abuse field? While some states have the same requirements for education, licensure and experience, you will want to contact the state in which you plan to practice to ensure that you have the proper qualifications.
Instructions
Become a Licensed Chemical-Dependency Counselor
1. Contact your state counseling board. The state board regulates the practice of counseling in your state and is a good place to start to find out what you will need in order to become a licensed chemical-dependency counselor. Ask for the guidelines necessary to become licensed.
2. Identify an accredited school to receive your substance-abuse counseling education. Locate an accredited school to ensure that your school courses and internship hours will count toward licensure in your state. Write to potential schools and request information to find out about the program and the opportunities provided. To become a licensed chemical-dependency counselor, you will need a master's degree at a minimum before you can begin working on your counseling residency.
3. Begin your residency hours. You will need to complete a residency in the state in which you plan to practice. Most states require between 3,000 and 4.000 supervised hours in order to become licensed. Residencies can be completed at outpatient treatment centers, hospitals and other locations designed to give you direct client experience in substance-abuse counseling. Your school internship will count toward part of this residency.
4. Take the licensing exam. Each state requires clinicians to pass a licensing exam in order to begin practicing as a counselor. You can get study guides to prepare for these tests and should request information early to begin studying.
5. Pay your licensure fee.
6. Once you have received your license, you can begin practicing unsupervised. Most states require you to pay a license renewal fee monthly and receive continuing-education credits in order to retain your license each year.
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