The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University follows a curriculum designed to introduce you to evidence-based substance use disorder assessments and treatments. Program graduates qualify to pursue substance abuse counselor certification. With just 12 additional credits, they can also meet the requirements for Virginia’s Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner credential.
How Much Do Addiction Counselors Make
Despite being one of the largest preventable health problems in the U.S, people facing substance misuse and addiction rarely receive the treatment they need. Arizona State University’s master’s in addiction psychology prepares you to provide the necessary counseling and treatment to those struggling with addiction issues. In your courses, you’ll learn how to provide counseling services, oversee clinical programs and execute case management. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this addiction counseling master’s program is designed to blend classroom instruction with practical learning experiences.
- Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the health sciences.
- The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University follows a curriculum designed to introduce you to evidence-based substance use disorder assessments and treatments.
- Online participants in the addiction studies program benefit from a virtual classroom environment, connecting them with other distance learners, faculty, and institutional resources.
- These counselors work to establish trust with their young clients and understand their home, social, and school environments.
Master’s in Addiction Counseling Degree FAQs
According to the BLS, the field features a growing workforce and a higher median annual wage than the median salary for all occupations. The most influential factors in earning potential within a mental health counselor specialty are geographic location and employer. For instance, a substance abuse counselor in New York makes a mean wage of $67,240, while the same position in Pennsylvania has a mean wage of only $44,890. Differences in cost of living are a major contributor to these disparities, but it is worth mentioning. There are both pros and cons to working in private practice, and not every counselor will view the same factors in the same way. Some mental health counselors may thrive as their own boss with all the responsibilities that entails.
Help Others Through Addiction Recovery With an Online Master’s in Counseling
Distance-learning programs tend to offer flexible class times, often during the evenings and on weekends or asynchronously. On this page, we evaluate five reputable U.S. schools offering online master’s in addiction counseling programs. If you’re considering an addiction counselor career, start your search on the right foot with these programs. This online master’s program in counseling blends theoretical knowledge, applied concepts, and clinical research in addiction to fully prepare students to become counselors in substance abuse and recovery. The educational requirements for becoming a substance use counselor vary by state. You should determine the requirements for the state in which you plan to practice before applying to a degree program.
Addiction counselors may treat a broader range of psychological addictions in addition to substances, such as sex addiction or gambling addiction. Most graduate students take out at least some loans to help pay for their programs. Our helpful student loan repayment calculator might help you compare loan offers as you choose between financing options. This form of counseling treats the concerns of married couples, long-term partners, and families living in the same households.
Core Requirements
- While these two degree types can offer similar coursework, some MA programs feature more interdisciplinary approaches, whereas MS programs tend to focus more on technical skills and clinical practice.
- Differences in cost of living are a major contributor to these disparities, but it is worth mentioning.
- Classes cover basic knowledge and skills needed in the addiction counseling field while leaving space for advanced topics in research and leadership.
- To support mental healthcare by acting as a complete resource for students interested in entering or advancing their education in the counseling and psychology fields.
- If you would like to learn more about how to get involved in the helping profession, please visit our Human Services Blog Spot.
Students interested in a premier graduate education should consider Liberty University, a private school located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program is a wise choice for learners seeking flexible study in the field. Our online master in addiction counseling degree program can provide the opportunity for you to obtain substance abuse counseling certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). With 12 additional credit hours of coursework, this meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider (LSATP) in Virginia. In addition, all students in the master’s in addiction counseling program are required to complete the Pre-Practicum and Practicum/Internship.
What Will You Learn in an Addiction Counseling Master’s Program?
Admission Requirements
- Compassion, empathy and patience are additional characteristics that can prove helpful in counseling settings.
- The course addresses advanced theories and models of treating substance abuse addiction clients.
- You will also study some of the causes of addiction and how to help people resolve their unsolved issues that may have led to addiction.
- As an online student, you can arrange to work your clinical hours at a facility close to your home if the school is far away.
- Some substance use counseling master’s programs have optional concentrations to help students specialize in treating a particular substance or demographic group.
- The first option is an in-person program, designed for working professionals with largely evening classes, students can complete this program in just three years.
Licensure for Substance Abuse Counselors
- Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations.
- For licensure, you usually need a master’s degree in addiction counseling, along with substantial clinical experience.
- You might also use your clinical and research skills to fill non-counseling roles in management, policy, and healthcare.