Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Specialties: Human Services Counselors, Human Services Generalists.
What does an Alcohol and Drug Counselor do?
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Counselors help people deal with chemical
abuse and dependency.
- They use a variety of therapies from behavior modification to
interpersonal techniques.
- They may administer and evaluate initial tests to help in diagnosis and
the progress of the client.
- They maintain records and oversee living arrangements for clients.
- They work closely with other professionals, such as Medical Social
Workers and Psychologists and may make referrals.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information for Human Services Workers
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net Occupation Report
Typical Employers:
Employers may include:
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community mental health
centers
- Health care agencies
- The Veterans' Administration
- Federal, state and
local government agencies
- Private consulting agencies
- Employee-assistance
programs of large companies
- Correctional institutions
- Private health
maintenance organizations
- Private health care centers, and religious
organizations
Preparation:
Preparation involves extensive professional training. Usually a master's
degree is required. Course work required may include behavioral sciences,
psychology, counseling, social psychology, sociology, and other closely related
fields. Some jobs in this field may require only a bachelor's degree to be
hired. Most workers receive on-the-job training.
Educational Program(s):
- Counseling
- Psychology
- Social Service
- Sociology