What Is A Masters In Substance Abuse Counseling Program?

Video Transcript

Host Question: What is a master’s in substance abuse counseling?

Guest Answer: Yes, a masters in substance abuse counseling is an overall clinical mental health counseling degree, but with a specific focus on a substance abuse or addictions counseling. So that’ll have additional coursework around DSM diagnoses of substance abuse, theories behind substance abuse and change, perhaps counseling family members or affected loved ones by the individuals who are navigating addiction. So more of a clinical focus on interventions for addiction. Generally, clinical placement for a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling would be in a addictions focused facility. So, for example, a methadone clinic or someplace within a jail or correctional facility working with clients specifically that are there because of substance abuse related charges or perhaps even an outpatient treatment facility. But usually that direct clinical work is going to be with folks that have struggled with, struggled with substance abuse issues and/or families, loved ones kind of impacted. And then, of course, there’s also quite a demand for this in private practice, because we know that addiction can look a lot of different ways and impacts families and loved ones. And folks in a lot of different ways, including people that are very high functioning, are not in any kind of inpatient treatment, but recognize that they would benefit from mental health support around substance abuse.

Guest Answer: A master’s in substance abuse is a person who works specifically with people who are struggling with substance abuse. It’s pretty self-explanatory. That could also lend itself to a counselor who works with the family of a person who was dealing with substance abuse, as well as the person themselves who is dealing with it. So how to overcome it? That can also encompass job placement. It could encompass rebounding from a bad moment that you had due to your substance abuse.

Guest Answer: A master’s in substance abuse counseling would be where a person is trained to work in a rehab facility or recovery for clients or patients who have issues with substance abuse. And it can range from drugs to alcohol. Generally, with that degree, you need to have certification in alcohol and other drugs. With my degree in school counseling, I could have tacked on a certification to be a drug and alcohol counselor.

Guest Answer: Master’s in substance abuse could be working with people with chemical dependency issues. There are some private practice positions like you could do that, but mostly be non-profit. But I would think or maybe in a system like prison systems are those kind of things.