Qualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Substance Abuse Counselor position
Mental health careers are as varied as they are rewarding. This guide describes mental health skills that will make success in your chosen sector even more attainable. While everyoneâs career is different, the following skills for mental health workers are applicable to every profession.
Substance Abuse Counselor In Baltimore Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| Park West Health Systems, Inc | Baltimore, MD |
| Sarah’s House Mental Health Services, LLC | Baltimore, MD |
| PH Center for Behavioral Health & Services | Baltimore, MD |
| The Recovery Center of Maryland | Baltimore, MD |
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Occupational Outlook For Teletherapists
The demand for mental health and substance abuse counselor roles is predicted to rise by 22% by 2028. The median pay is estimated to be around $44,630. These roles, as well as many other addiction-related positions, can be done online or in person.
Demand is expected to grow because more people with drug-related crimes are being given mandatory treatment and counseling as part of their sentencing. Additionally, rates of mental health issues in young people are rising, which will likely lead to a greater need for counselors.
Clients practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic can also stay safe in their homes while using teletherapy services. This may significantly increase the demand for online counselors and motivate states to update telehealth addiction treatment policies to meet the changing needs of clients.
Certified Associate Counselor Alcohol And Drug
CAC AD must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a health and human services counseling field or a related field approved by the Board. You’ll also need to complete an internship, specific coursework, and 2,000 hours of substance abuse counseling experience under a certified supervisor and three years total experience before you can apply to take the NCAC II exam and the Maryland law exam.
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How To Become A Substance Abuse Behavioral Disorder Or Mental Health Counselor About This Section
Most positions require at least a bachelors degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a masters degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a masters degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor.
Renewal And Continuing Education
In Maryland your substance abuse counseling credential must be renewed every two years. In the interim two years you must complete 40 hours of continuing professional education with a minimum of 30 hours in workshops, symposiums, and seminars. 10 hours may be online as long as you have a certificate that shows NAADAC sponsorship. All CPU must be from one of the following Board approved sponsors:
- The American Counseling Association
- The National Board for Certified Counselors
- The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse
- The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
- The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Your continuing education should progress your career in one or more of the following ways:
- Maintain professional competency
- Increase professional skills and knowledge
- Prepare for new roles or responsibilities in the practice of counseling or therapy
- Expand the science of counseling and therapy theory, method, or practice
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Licensed Mental Health And Substance Abuse Counselors Dont Need Extra Credentials To Transition To Online Therapy Jobs Learn Whats Involved To Become A Teletherapist
Telehealth and teletherapy are growing in popularity among patients due to their accessibility and affordability. Fortunately, there are no additional requirements or credentials needed for mental health or substance abuse counselors to transition to the online space.
Teletherapists provide online counseling to patients struggling with substance use disorders or mental health conditions, helping them improve their wellbeing and learn healthy strategies for dealing with life situations. Many communities throughout the U.S. face a lack of mental health care and recovery resources, which makes teletherapy ideal for those who would otherwise be unable to find the help they need.
Addictions Counselor In Columbia Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| Believe, Evolve, and Recover Behavioral Health Services | Baltimore, MD |
| Park West Health Systems, Inc | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Maryland Faculty Physicians | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Maryland Medical Center | Baltimore, MD |
| PH Center for Behavioral Health & Services | Baltimore, MD |
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Addiction Counselor Jobs In Maryland
The Addiction Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being an Addiction Counselor typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent meets the standards for Addiction Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Addiction Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Addiction Counselor‘s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position’s specialty is the main requirement.
Alcohol And Drug Trainee
To become an ADT you must hold at least an Associate’s degree in a health and human services field which includes one credit hour in the ethics of alcohol and drug counseling or an equivalent degree as approved by the Board. You’ll also need the name and credentials of your prospective supervisor before becoming an ADT. Your ADT credential must be renewed every two years and you may hold the credential for a total of six years.
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Addiction Counselor In Baltimore Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| Clinic Management & Development Services, Inc. | Baltimore, MD |
| Believe, Evolve, and Recover Behavioral Health Services | Baltimore, MD |
| Park West Health Systems, Inc | Baltimore, MD |
| Myrtle J Scott Franklin Network LLC | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Maryland Medical Center | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Maryland Faculty Physicians | Baltimore, MD |
The Role Of Online Counselors And Virtual Therapists In Addiction Treatment
In general, online mental health and substance abuse counselors provide resources and knowledge to people struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Their duties may include:
- Providing substance abuse and mental health counseling, including advice and guidance
- Using various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy
- Holding behavioral or medical interventions
- Providing education about mental health and substance use
- Creating prevention strategies
- Helping form and define goals in recovery
Online counselors may work through a clinics telehealth services or they may work through other professional internet platforms. Through these services, they can hold individual and group sessions for people in outpatient care or long-term recovery. They may reach their clients through video conferences, chat rooms, phone calls, text messages or emails.
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What Does An Addiction Counselor In Maryland Do What Is Their Job Role
If your dream is to become a substance abuse counselor in Maryland you’ve chosen an excellent field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the projected job growth for substance abuse counselors in Maryland is expected to be 30 percent in the next 10 years, which is much higher than the national projection of 23 percent. That means you’ll be in high demand once you earn your licensure so now is the perfect time to plan your career.
The average median wage for substance abuse counselors in Maryland is $43,920, which is higher than the national average of $41,070. The highest 10 percent which typically represents those with higher education and more experience is $65,080.
In Maryland you must have an Associate’s degree before you begin training as a substance abuse counselor. Because half of all substance abuse counselors hold a Master’s degree you should make that your long-term goal. Since licensure requires a combination of education and experience with careful planning you can move through the ranks of licensure while in school and apply for the highest license soon after graduating with your Master’s.
Cacrep Accredited Online Certification
Two types of accreditation are recognized in the United States institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation takes the entire institution into account while the specialized focus on professional preparation programs. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is a specialized accreditation that focuses on masters and doctoral degree programs in counseling at colleges and universities worldwide. Only already-accredited institutions are eligible for CACREP review. The review for accreditation will center on programs offering graduate degrees in counseling.
Choosing a CACREP-accredited program ensures that the program meets the highest of quality standards. Many counseling specialties are accredited bythe CACREP, including addiction counseling. Accredited addiction counseling programs prepare individuals to work with those affected by addictive behavior and their families. Addictive behaviors include alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, and anything else that negatively affects your personal or work life by creating addiction behaviors.
CACREP-accredited programs will focus on treatment models and the phases of addiction including prevention, recovery, and relapse prevention. These 60-semester hour programs will include the application of interventions. When students choose a CACREP-accredited program they can be confident that:
Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Address
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Addiction Counselor In Frederick Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| The Crossroads Center of Frederick | Frederick, MD |
| Mountain Manor at Marcies Choice | Frederick, MD |
| The Orenda Center of Wellness | Sabillasville, MD |
How To Become A Substance Abuse Behavioral Disorder Or Mental Health Counselor
Most positions require at least a bachelors degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a masters degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a masters degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor.
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Occupational Employment And Wage Statistics
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.
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What Substance Abuse Behavioral Disorder And Mental Health Counselors Do About This Section
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, mental health issues, or other mental or behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help clients recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.
Addictions Counselor In Gaithersburg Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| The Crossroads Center of Frederick | Frederick, MD |
| Rockville, MD |
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Work Environment About This Section
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors held about 327,500 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors were as follows:
| Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers | 18% |
| Government | 9 |
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including mental health centers, prisons, probation or parole agencies, and juvenile detention facilities. They also work in halfway houses, detox centers, or in employee assistance programs . EAPs are mental health programs provided by some employers to help employees deal with personal problems.
Some addiction counselors work in residential treatment centers, where clients live in the facility for a fixed period of time. Others work with clients in outpatient treatment centers. Some counselors work in private practice, where they may work alone or with a group of counselors or other professionals.
Although rewarding, the work of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is often stressful. Many counselors have to deal with large workloads. They do not always have enough resources to meet the demand for their services. Also, they may have to intervene in crisis situations or work with agitated clients, which can be difficult.
Addiction Counselor In Towson Md Jobs
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| Believe, Evolve, and Recover Behavioral Health Services | Baltimore, MD |
| Park West Health Systems, Inc | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Maryland Medical Center | Baltimore, MD |
| Renewing Me Behavioral Health Solutions | Parkville, MD |
| University of Maryland Faculty Physicians | Baltimore, MD |
| Upward Bounds Behavioral Health Center | Baltimore, MD |
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Licenses Certifications And Registrations
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in private practice must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all states require these counselors to have a masters degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors must pass a state-issued exam and complete continuing education every year. Contact information for your state’s regulating board can be found through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The licensure criteria for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors outside of private practice vary from state to state. For example, not all states require applicants to have a specific degree, but many require them to pass an exam. Contact information for individual states licensing boards can be found through the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network.
All states require mental health counselors to be licensed, after completing a period of postdegree supervised clinical work under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol And Drug Counselor
To become a LCADC you’ll need a master’s degree with 60 semester hours or a Doctorate with 90 semester hours in the human services field. You’ll also need to take specific coursework, three total years of experience, and at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before you can apply to take the Masters Addiction Counseling of the National Board for Certified Counselors and the Maryland law exam.
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