Online Master’s In Addiction Counseling Degrees 2021

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Master's in addiction counseling programs prepare graduates to provide direct therapeutic services to clients with substance use and behavior issues. Addiction counseling emphasizes compassion, understanding, acceptance, and accountability. Counselors often provide referrals and collaborate with medical professionals and social workers in designing treatment plans.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $46,240. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 25% between 2019-2029. Graduates with a master's in addiction counseling degree can also pursue roles like social worker and social and community service manager.

This guide ranks the most affordable online master's in addiction counseling degrees. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and scholarship opportunities for addiction counseling students.

FAQ's Surrounding Master's in Addiction Counseling

Why Get a Degree in Addiction Counseling?

A master's in addiction counseling offers many professional and personal benefits, including new skills, job satisfaction, and career advancement.

Courses in Addiction Counseling

Master's in addiction counseling programs cover topics like ethics, clinical skills, pharmacology, and addiction theory. Learners also take courses on assessment and case management. Many master's programs require a thesis or capstone project that cultivates advanced research, analysis, and writing skills.

Some master's programs offer specializations in areas such as adolescent addiction, mental health/dual diagnosis, and clinical addiction counseling. Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several courses commonly found in master's in addiction counseling programs.

• Pharmacology

  Psychopharmacology courses examine neurobiology and evidence-based treatment approaches for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Learners also survey the various behavioral and social effects of substance abuse and behavioral addictions.

• Adolescent Addiction

  Adolescent addiction coursework focuses on the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders among adolescents. Enrollees learn common symptoms, patterns, screening methods, and counseling techniques relevant to young people with addictions.

• Addiction Counseling Theories

  This course surveys addiction theories and treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and 12-step programs. Learners may also study rational emotive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and drug classifications.

• Ethical and Legal Issues in Addiction Treatment

  This course covers legal and ethical guidelines for addiction treatment. Participants reflect on their personal beliefs and biases, and how these influence their treatment approaches. Enrollees also learn about legal and ethical issues related to specific client groups, such as children, couples, and families.

• Practicum Experience

  Addiction counseling master's degrees often include a supervised practicum, usually toward the end of the program. Participants may spend 150-600 hours working at approved sites. This professional experience hones clinical skills and helps fulfill licensure requirements.

Certifications and Licensure for Addiction Counseling

Addiction counselors often need certification or licensure to practice. Common counseling credentials include licensed professional counselor (LPC) and national certified counselor (NCC). Addiction-specific certifications include national certified addictions counselor (NCAC), national certified adolescent addictions counselor (NCAAC), and master addictions counselor (MAC).

Scholarships for Addiction Counseling Students

Master's in addiction counseling students can take advantage of scholarships to help offset the cost of a degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for master's in addiction counseling students.

Most Affordable Online Master's in Addiction Counseling Programs 2021