Substance Abuse Counseling in Idaho
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Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees You May Be Interested In
Overview of Substance Use Counseling in Idaho
Idaho is famous for its scenic beauty and all that nature provides, including valuable rocks and minerals, which is why it's known as the Gem State. Yet, despite all of this beauty, many residents struggle with opioid misuse and other forms of addiction. Statistics show that drug overdose deaths have increased from 12.9 per 100,000 people in 2011 to 19 per 100,000 in 2021. Of these, opioid overdose deaths accounted for 67% of the fatalities.
To address this significant public health crisis, the state government has developed a number of initiatives, programs, and services. For example, there are inpatient and outpatient drug rehabilitation programs, sober living programs and aftercare services, and intervention services available. Through treatment centers, people suffering from addiction can gain access to substance use counseling in Idaho. Other initiatives include Naloxone distribution and addiction prevention programs for adolescents and teens.
We have carefully curated a selection of online substance use counseling bachelor's degrees, offering you the flexibility to pursue your degree from anywhere. Additionally, we have a list of the most affordable substance use counseling programs for those on a budget.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Idaho
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Idaho?
Graduates of both in-person and online substance abuse counseling degree programs will find many career options in the state of Idaho.
Those who are looking for a clinical role working directly with clients to provide substance use counseling can become either a Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (CADC) or an Advanced Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ACADC). The CADC certification requires a bachelor's or master's degree, while the ACADC requires a master's degree.
However, bachelor's degree holders are also well qualified for nonclinical roles in the field. For example, you could become a community health worker or health education specialist working for a government-sponsored agency or nonprofit organization. You might find yourself designing and implementing programs, educating the public, or fundraising. These entry-level positions could later lead to higher-level roles as health or community services managers.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Idaho?
In Idaho, the process of becoming a substance use counselor is governed by the Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification, Inc. (IBADCC). Addiction counselors here can pursue several types of substance abuse counseling certification, but the two primary types are the Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (CADC) and the Advanced Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ACADC).
You must have a bachelor's or master's degree in substance abuse counseling, psychology, social work, or something similar to become a CADC. Your transcripts need to show that you've accumulated at least 270 hours of education in assessment, counseling, case management, ethics, and more.
You'll also need several thousand hours of supervised work experience before you can apply for CADC certification. Specifically, you'll need 4,000 hours of supervised experience if you have a bachelor's degree or 2,000 hours if you have a master's degree. Of those hours of work experience, you'll need to show a minimum of 10 hours related to each of the 12 Core Functions.
The ACADC level of certification is only for those who've earned master's degrees with a clinical component in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a similar field. Applicants also need to document 180 hours of education in counseling topics and 2,000 hours of supervised experience with at least 10 hours related to each of the 12 Core Functions.
The final step in becoming certified to provide substance abuse counseling in Idaho is to pass the substance use counseling exam sponsored by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Your counseling certification needs to be renewed annually.
Does Idaho Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
The IBADCC is a member of the IC&RC, which means that licensed and certified addiction counseling professionals from other IC&RC member states may be able to transfer their counseling credentials to Idaho and vice versa. If you'd like to offer in-person or online substance abuse counseling in the state and you've been licensed through the IC&RC, contact the IC&RC to initiate the reciprocity process. The process can be lengthy, so the IC&RC recommends allowing plenty of time to complete the transfer.
How Much Does a Substance Use Counselor Make in Idaho?
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific salary ranges for CADCs and ACADCs in Idaho, it does publish annual wages for all substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the state. Overall, the 1,960 professionals here earn a mean annual salary of $59,370. ProjectionsCentral predicts that the number of substance abuse counseling jobs in Idaho will increase by 19.9% through 2030.