Major Code: 3302
Program Description
Note: Students enrolled in this program MUST submit to and pass drug screening tests – one prior to beginning any practicums and/or clinicals, and one random test during the same semester as any practicum and/or clinicals. Students will sign an agreement for this requirement which will outline the details.
Addiction is the number one public health issue in the United States today. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 22.1 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2010. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in addiction counseling and to enhance the knowledge and skills of those already working in the field. Skills include individual, family and group counseling techniques, as well as assessment, treatment planning, prevention, and other topics related to addiction. This program was designed to prepare students to become an alcohol and drug counselor (ADC) in compliance with the standards set by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP).
Program Learning Outcomes
- Combine interdisciplinary knowledge and skills regarding appropriate interventions in service delivery for adolescents, adults, and families.
- Integrate humanistic principles, values, and attitudes for serving individuals impacted by SMIs, SUDs, and SEDs including trauma and/or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
- Synthesize primary and secondary information, including data gathered from individuals, environmental characteristics, and appropriate literature sources.
- Demonstrate the 12 Core Functions of an addictions counselor according to the latest state and national standards.
- Differentiate between biological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, environmental, and comorbid aspects of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
- Consider a recovery-oriented system of care to develop individualized, strength-based plans that eliminate barriers and build recovery capitol.
Program Assessment
Program Outcomes are assessed in targeted courses on specific assignments, as well as the institution’s General Education Assessment.
Other Information
www.bridgevalley.edu
Careers
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow 31% from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as addiction and mental health counseling services are increasingly covered by insurance policies. The demand for rehabilitation, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors is particularly strong due to the increasingly high rate of recidivism. Additionally, individuals with substance abuse related charges are being court ordered into residential treatment facilities rather than into the correctional system. Graduates can expect to find employment in:
- Private and Non-profit Treatment Facilities
- Correctional Institutions
- Hospitals
- Local and State governments
- Outpatient care centers
- Family services organizations
- Residential facilities
Salary
$25,410 - $60,000
Median annual wage: $38, 520
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