RBHWC

Vermont Rural Behavioral Health Workforce Center

Home Vermont Alcohol and Drug Counselor Tracks Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification

  •  

    Prerequisite

    • Be 18 years of age or older
    • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

  • Step 1

    Complete substance use disorder education

    • Completed at least 270 hours of substance use disorder education (through documented workshops, seminars, or college/university courses), which must include: Substance use disorder counseling/treatment: (36 hours)Co-morbid medical disorders: (6 hours)Medication assisted treatment (MAT) and Psychopharmaceuticals: (6 hours)Professional and ethical responsibilities: NAADAC Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regulations (42 CFR Part 2) (6 hours)Additional Training (216 Hours) including: Human developmentMulti-cultural/diversityEngagement strategies/motivational interviewingSubstance use screeningDSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteriaCase management and service coordinationNeurobiology of addiction and substance use dependenceClinical assessment and treatment planningRelapse preventionCo-occurring disordersTrauma

  • Step 2

    Complete supervised work experience

    • Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience

  • Step 3

    Submit application

  • Step 4

    Pass the examination

  • Earn Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification

    • Finish
      For renewal:The renewal deadline will be January 31st on odd years; you must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education and will have a renewal fee of $260. Initial licenses issued 90 days or less from the profession's renewal date will be granted through the next full two-year period.Initial licenses issued 91 days or more before the profession's renewal date will be required to renew the license for the upcoming renewal

Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

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