Canadian Addiction Rehab Alcohol Rehab Program & Addiction Counseling - Pat | Page 11

Is Your Addiction Counselor
Qualified to Treat You?
• Education
– Before they can become a licensed addiction counselor, a person must
have an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or a graduate degree. Since there isn’t
a specific degree path that is needed to become an abuse counselor,
there would be a difference in the subjects and courses that many
counselors will study. Most of them will have studied the subjects of
sociology, psychology, and others related to mental health and
wellbeing.
• Certification
– Certification isn’t always required though it is usually recommended in
the case of potential addiction counselors. While state law will dictate
the need for certification, some counselors will also look for additional
certification. If your counselor has, then you might be looking at
someone with a good set of skills and the right level of motivation to
help their patients.
• Experience
– Don’t worry that you would be handed off to a green addiction counselor.
Even though, each counselor will gain more experience the longer they
practice, novices will receive training. They will be allowed to learn and
acquire the necessary skills before they are deemed ready to listen to
patients.