MS in Addiction / Rehab Counseling

Rehabilitation counselors help people overcome personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with physical and emotional disabilities stemming from illness, birth defects, accidents, or other causes. Rehabilitation counselors recognize and reduce environmental and attitudinal limitations. They provide education and advocacy services to individuals, families and employers. Job settings typically include private practices, community health organizations, day treatment programs, and hospitals.

Steps Towards an MS in Addiction and Rehab Counseling

To become an Addiction/Rehabilitation counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

1. Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Bachelor of Science program in education, psychology or human services.
2. Earn proper graduate degree (requirements vary by state) from an accredited institution like Purdue, Liberty, or Walden University. Typically includes completing an MS degree with a concentration in addiction/rehabilitation counseling.
3. Obtain proper licensure (requirements vary by state). Typically includes passing an examination, acquiring needed supervised counseling experience and depending on the state, completing required coursework.
4. Obtain proper certification. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), certifies rehabilitation counselors throughout the United States who meet educational and work experience requirements, pass an exam and complete 100 hours of acceptable continuing education credit every 5 years. Some employers may prefer counselors to be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as well.

In addition to educational achievement, a rehabilitation counselor should also exhibit strong communication and listening skills, compassion, and patience. Clients may become frustrated or agitated and a good rehabilitation counselor will know how to communicate with them effectively.

My Degree and What Its Good For

Someone with this degree typically has the opportunity to work with people suffering from addiction and substance abuse. An addiction/rehabilitation counselor may:

• Evaluate strengths and limitations of patients.
• Provide personal and vocational counseling.
• Offer case management support and guidance.
• Arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow 20% between 2012 and 2022, fast than the average of all occupations. For more on earning potential, please visit our salary outlook for counselors page.

Online MS in Addiction / Rehab Counseling Degree Programs

• Grand Canyon University: MS in Addiction Counseling
• Liberty University: MS in Addictions and Recovery
• University of the Rockies: MA – Addiction Counseling
• Walden University: Master of Social Work – Addictions

Closely Related Programs

The following degrees are closely related to a master’s degree in addiction and rehab counseling often allowing you to pursue a career in this field or others:

• MS in Clinical Counseling
• MS in Clinical Psychology
• MA in Health & Wellness Psychology
• MS in Mental Health Counseling
• MS in Mental Health Psychology
• MS in Rehabilitation Counseling