Substance Abuse Counseling Certificates

Those who wish to work providing counseling services may need to obtain a psychology degree as a first step. Some students may need to complete their master’s degree and doctoral degree before entering the field. Many states also have licensing requirements for those who wish to pursue work in this field. However, those in the field may want to gain additional skills to help those who suffer from substance abuse. In that situation, substance abuse counseling certificates may prove a helpful investment.

What Is a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate?

Those who are working in the mental health field may wish to learn specific skills related to substance use disorder and how to help those who need counseling for it. Often, in substance use disorder, similar treatment methods are applied to patients as they are for other types of mental health disorders. However, the underlying cause and methodology may be different. That means counselors may benefit from specific additional education in substance abuse counseling. That is where these certificates may prove to be helpful.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

A substance abuse counselor typically provides mental health support and therapy to those who suffer from a substance use disorder. This may include drugs or alcohol. These individuals may provide a range of services to those with this type of condition. That could include:

• Evaluation of mental health, physical health, and behavior of a person with a substance use disorder
• Development of treatment plans for those with this condition
• Measuring and assessing treatment plans for each person
• Working hands on with clients to help them overcome the underlying causes of their addiction
• Supporting individuals with a substance use disorder through life challenges
• Providing a range of potential evidence based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral health

What Could a Student Learn in a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program?

Substance abuse counseling certification typically aims to help those who work as a mental health counselor to provide additional services to those who have this disorder. The requirements for these programs may vary state to state. Many of these programs include a mix of coursework as well as education. Students may need to finish skills education to work with those who have addiction. Other programs are more lecture based. Some are available as online counseling certificate programs. Others are simply in person.

The ultimate goal of a substance abuse counseling certificate is often to prepare a licensed counselor to treat those who have a substance use disorder.

Many states have a set number of credit hours required for those earning this type of certificate. This may include specific coursework. Some examples may include case management, law and ethics, and personal and professional growth. Some programs also include a component of hands on therapy with supervision.

Those who wish to help men and women struggling with substance abuse may wish to focus on a counseling program just for the skills needed to do so. Keep in mind that most individuals may need to be licensed professionals or working towards their licensing to complete this certificate program.

Substance abuse graduate certificate programs are ideal for students interested in becoming addiction counselors, a rewarding career that focuses on helping people who are victims of abuse and addiction.

Whether you currently work in the mental health field or you are seeking a career change, a substance abuse counseling certificate program can provide you with the skills needed to offer guidance and treatment to people who are struggling with addictive behaviors.

Just beginning your search?

Consider a Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling or search for online graduate certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Read an extensive overview about Substance Abuse Counseling on our Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling listings page.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earned $63,870 as a median annual salary.

GradSchools.com offers 14 Graduate Schools with Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling