Substance Misuse Counselor
Careers
Also called: Addictions Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor
Job Outlook in Vermont
High Demand
What you might do
Substance Misuse Counselors work with people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions. They counsel patients and work in the community to prevent addiction.
If you’re interested in this field but would like to work to prevent substance misuse, you might consider becoming a Substance Misuse Prevention Specialist.
Where you might work
Mental health center, halfway house, doctor’s office, private practice, hospital, residential treatment center.
Related Links
My Next Move: Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
O*Net Online: Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Vermont Addiction Professionals Association (VAPA)
Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
Education Required
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) usually hold a master’s degree (2 years after a 4-year bachelor’s degree); but there are many different jobs in substance misuse counseling, such as the Apprentice Addiction Professional position, which in Vermont only requires an associate’s degree (2 years).
Where to Study
Community College of Vermont
Vermont State University - Johnson
Vermont State University - Williston
Central Connecticut State University
Connecticut State Community College
Goodwin University
Western Connecticut State University
Central Maine Community College
Eastern Maine Community College
University of Maine at Augusta
University of Southern Maine
- Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration (MS)
- Counseling - Rehabilitation Concentration (MS)
Washington County Community College
Anna Maria College
Berkshire Community College
Bristol Community College
Cape Cod Community College
Framingham State University
Greenfield Community College
Middlesex Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College
North Shore Community College
Northern Essex Community College
Quincy College
Regis College
Springfield College
Springfield Technical Community College
Worcester State University
Keene State College
Manchester Community College
Nashua Community College
NHTI, Concord's Community College
D'Youville University
Hudson Valley Community College
SUNY Erie
SUNY Westchester Community College
Johnson & Wales University
Rhode Island College
D'Youville University (NY)
Southern New Hampshire University
University of New Hampshire
- Behavioral Science: Addictions Studies Option (AS)
- Applied Psychology: Addictions Studies Option (BS)
- Human Services: Addictions Studies Option (BS)
- Substance Use Disorders Graduate Certificate
University of Southern Maine
For more information, contact your regional AHEC:
Northern Vermont AHEC
www.nvtahec.org
802-748-2506
Southern Vermont AHEC
www.svtahec.org
802-885-2126
