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Featured Online Addiction Counseling Programs
What is Substance Abuse Counseling?
West Virginia offers several colleges and universities that offer addiction counseling degree programs. These programs can help students prepare for a career in this field and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to work with individuals struggling with addiction.
Typically, addiction counseling programs will include coursework in psychology, human development, psychopathology, and assessment. Students will also learn about different treatment modalities and how to create individualized treatment plans.
Most addiction counseling programs will require an internship component, which gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience working with clients struggling with addiction. If you're looking for a career in which you can make a difference in the lives of others, you might want to consider becoming an addiction counselor.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Addiction Counseling Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University
Score: 81.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State: $27,360
- Net Price: $12,202
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 24,741
- Undergrad Students: 19,059
- Graduate Students: 5,682
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Marshall University
Score: 74.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State: $20,294
- Net Price: $8,756
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,691
- Undergrad Students: 7,952
- Graduate Students: 2,739
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
West Virginia Northern Community College
Score: 56.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,544
- Out-of-State: $12,728
- Net Price: $3,193
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 1,222
- Undergrad Students: 1,222
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
Score: 51.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,282
- Out-of-State: $11,748
- Net Price: $9,159
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 1,634
- Undergrad Students: 1,634
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $47,500
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Huntington Junior College
Score: 32.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,050
- Out-of-State: $10,050
- Net Price: $9,485
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 147
- Undergrad Students: 147
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $22,200
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Online Addiction Counseling Education in West Virginia
Addiction counseling professionals play an important role in the lives of their patients. However, they must earn a degree before they can start their career. An undergraduate degree in psychology or counseling is a good start. The next step is a master's degree, which can lead to a private practice.
An addiction counselor needs to be compassionate and understanding to deal with patients. This will allow them to establish trust and open communication with them. In addition, they must have a good amount of knowledge about the disease, the causes of addiction, and how to treat it. These qualities will help them build trust and confidence with their patients. Imposing judgment on patients can create a closed atmosphere and make it difficult to conduct effective therapy.
Addiction counseling professionals must also undergo practical training in the field before pursuing a career in this field. Typically, a degree program will include a practicum or internship, where you can complete 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work. These fieldwork experiences can take place in a variety of settings including prisons, drug rehabs, alcohol treatment facilities, and more.
Find Your Online Substance Abuse Counseling Program
Online Associate Degree in Addiction Counseling (AS)
An associate degree in addiction counseling can provide students with the necessary education and training to get started on the road to becoming addiction counselors. However, there are high education requirements to obtain licensure in this state, so you’ll need to continue your education if you decide to become a counselor. One good thing about an associate degree is that it can help you decide if you really want to be an addiction counselor by giving you a basic foundation in psychology and counseling concepts before you start your bachelor’s degree. This type of degree program typically takes two years to complete and can be found at many community colleges and technical schools.
Students who successfully complete an associate degree in addiction counseling will have completed coursework in topics such as human development, psychopathology, crisis intervention, case management, and counseling theories and techniques. Many of the credits you earn should transfer to a bachelor’s degree, especially if you attend a fully accredited school or one that has a transfer agreement with a four-year institution.
Online Bachelors Degree in Addiction Counseling (BS)
If you want to help people overcome addiction and enter recovery, a bachelor's degree in addiction counseling is the most common first step on that career path. This degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to gain entry into a counseling master’s degree and it will help you learn how to counsel individuals and families affected by substance abuse and addiction.
You'll learn about the various types of addictions, how they develop, and the best ways to treat them. You'll also gain an understanding of the psychological and social factors that contribute to addiction and how to create individualized treatment plans and support recovery efforts. With a bachelor's degree in addiction counseling, you'll be almost completely ready to work in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. You may also choose to pursue a career in research or education.
Online Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling (MS)
If you have a passion for helping others and want to work in the field of addiction counseling, obtaining a master’s degree will put you in the right position to earn licensure as a substance abuse counselor in West Virginia. Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that can make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
A master’s degree in addiction counseling will prepare you to work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse and addiction. You will learn how to provide support and guidance to help them recover and lead healthy lives. The curriculum for a master’s degree in this field will include coursework in psychology, treatment methods, ethics, and research. You will also gain experience through internships or practicum placements. After completing your degree, you will be eligible to obtain state licensure as an addiction counselor.
Online PhD Degree in Addiction Counseling (PhD)
A PhD in addiction counseling is a terminal degree that can lead to careers in academia or research. These programs typically take 4-5 years to complete and includes coursework in psychology, counseling, and addiction studies. Students must also complete a dissertation and defend it in front of a panel.
Addiction counseling is a field that is growing rapidly. With the opioid epidemic sweeping the nation, there is a great need for counselors who are specially trained in addiction counseling. A PhD in addiction counseling can prepare students for careers as addiction counselors, researchers, or professors.
Online Addiction Counseling Certifications
After completing an accredited addiction counseling program, many students choose to pursue certification in order to improve their job prospects and increase their earnings potential. There are several different certifications available, each with its own requirements. The most common addiction counseling certification is the National Addiction Counselors Certification Commission (NACC) credential, which requires passing an exam and completing a certain number of continuing education credits.
Other addiction counseling certifications include the Certified Clinical Supervisor designation from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Each of these credentials has different requirements, but all generally require passing an exam and completing additional education or training. Addition counselors may also choose to pursue specialty certifications, such as those offered by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in West Virginia
If you want to help people struggling with addiction, becoming an addiction counseling professional may be the right career path for you. Here are a few steps you can take to become an addiction counseling professional.
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Step 1: Get a degree in addiction counseling or a related field
Addiction counseling is a field that is growing rapidly. With the opioid epidemic sweeping the nation, there is a great need for addiction counselors. Addiction counseling colleges offer programs that can lead to a degree in addiction counseling or a related counseling field. Most addiction counseling programs will include coursework in psychology and human behavior. This will give you a strong foundation on which to build your career as an addiction counselor. You will also likely take courses on drug abuse and addiction, as well as learn about different treatment methods. Just be sure that you gain the education that you must have in order to be a counselor, which is a master’s degree in West Virginia.
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Step 2: Complete an internship or residency program
An internship or residency program is a great way to get started in the field of addiction counseling, not to mention that it is required to gain full licensure. These programs provide hands-on experience working with clients and help students learn the skills necessary to be a successful counselor. Interns and residents will work closely with experienced counselors and learn how to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling services.
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Step 3: Get licensed in your state as an addiction counselor
If you want to become an addiction counselor, you will need to be licensed in your state. The process for getting licensed varies from state to state, but generally includes completing a degree or certificate program in addiction counseling, passing an exam, and completing a certain amount of supervised clinical experience.
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Step 4: Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization, such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), can provide many benefits for addiction counselors. These benefits can include access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education. Additionally, being a member of a professional organization can help show potential employers that you are committed to your career and keeping up with the latest trends in the field.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling?
Addiction counseling is a field that is expected to grow in the coming years. A bachelor's degree in addiction counseling can lead to a career as an addiction counselor, working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction.
Addiction counselors work with clients to help them understand their addiction, develop coping and recovery skills, and make positive changes in their lives. Addiction counselors also work with families of addicts to help them understand and support their loved ones during treatment and recovery.
A bachelor's degree in addiction counseling can also lead to a career as a substance abuse counselor, working with individuals and groups who are struggling with substance abuse issues. Substance abuse counselors help clients identify their triggers for drug use, develop coping mechanisms for dealing with urges to use drugs, and build positive lifestyles that support sobriety.