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Substance Abuse Counselor Career

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How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
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Job Description

A substance abuse counselor working in adult probation or parole works with probation and parole officers to provide assessment, education, training and other treatment related services for inmates, parolees, offenders on probation and the families of these individuals. A substance abuse counselor will conduct group and individual counseling sessions. Substance abuse counselors will review, assess and implement drug and alcohol screening and treatment programs for offenders. The treatment programs include psychological and physical tests as well as individualized training and curriculum developed by a substance abuse counselor. Substance abuse counselors will schedule and implement drug screenings, the results of which will be sent to their parole or probation officer. Substance abuse counselors will also have input as to whether or not an offender should or should not continue in a drug or alcohol program. Substance abuse counselors will encounter dangerous environments and be exposed to potentially harmful diseases and situations in the course of their job.

Ashford University can help you become a Substance Abuse Counselor with a bachelor's degree in Sociology or Psychology.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

The requirements to become a substance abuse counselor will vary by state and department, but one of the most common requirements for any substance abuse counselor is to have a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or social work. Those interested in working in adult or juvenile probation and parole will likely be required to possess a bachelor degree as well as more than one year of work experience in drug treatment, group and individual counseling or related experience. Most departments will require applicants to pass a background check as well as the necessary state certification requirements including certification as a substance abuse counselor.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary

Our research found that average yearly salaries for juvenile substance abuse counselors is $48,000, a substance abuse counselor $32,000, a drug & alcohol counselor $41,000 and a certified addiction counselors $29,000. The Economic Research Foundation found that salaries for substance abuse counselors ranged from $40,000 to $51,000 yearly. Salary will be impacted by location, education and experience.

University of Phoenix, Ashford University and AIU offer bachelor's degrees in psychology and provide a top tier education. Click Here to learn more about these programs and how they can help you begin a career as a substance abuse counselor.

Bachelor Degree Programs that Will Prepare You for this Career

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In a Hurry? Click Here to request information from all of our Criminal Justice Programs OR Click Here to request information from all of our featured Psychology programs.

University of Phoenix Online:The University of Phoenix Criminal Justice and Psychology bachelor degree programs will help you meet the requirements for a substance abuse counselor career. University of Phoenix offers online and campus based degree options that fit your schedule. University of Phoenix is the largest university in North America. Request free information from their programs today!

BS in Psychology
BS in Criminal Justice

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Everyday Life
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Helping Professions
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in the Workplace
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Preparation for Graduate Schools
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
M.S. in Psychology - General
M.S. in Psychology - Organizational Psychology and Development
M.S. in Psychology - Crisis Management & Response
M.S. in Psychology - Health Psychology
M.S. in Psychology - Organizational Psychology & Nonprofit Management
M.S. in Psychology - Psychology of Culture
M.S. in Psychology - Psychology, Public Administration & Social Change
M.S. in Psychology - Social Psychology

Request information about a Walden University degree program.

Ashford University: Ashford University will provide you with the education you need to become a substance abuse counselor. Start your future in counseling today. Classes enrolling now.

BA Sociology
BA Psychology

Capella University: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers the following master degree programs that can help you advance your career in substance abuse counseling.

MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling
MS Human Services - Mental Health Counseling / CACREP Accredited
MS in Psych - Counseling Psychology
MS in Psych - Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs in Psychology and Counseling

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The school is also an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. The forensic psychology certificate programs can be completed in as little 5 months and the credits can be applied toward a master's degree in forensic psychology. The online master's in forensic psychology can be completed in 20 months and offers two specialization options: Adult Offenders or Juvenile Offenders.

Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology (A Bachelor's degree, in any discipline, is required to enroll.)
Master's in Forensic Psychology
Master's in Forensic Psychology - Adult Offenders
Master's in Forensic Psychology - Juvenile Offenders

University of the Rockies:

Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies