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There are several different classifications of addiction treatment staff. To be a licensed or certified substance abuse counselor, the therapist must possess a Bachelor's or a Master's degree and have experience in addiction and substance abuse treatment.
According to the U.S. department of Labor:
"Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. They counsel individuals to help them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Counseling can be done on an individual basis, but is frequently done in a group setting and can include crisis counseling, daily or weekly counseling, or drop-in counseling supports. Counselors are trained to assist in developing personalized recovery programs that help to establish healthy behaviors and provide coping strategies. Often, these counselors also will work with family members who are affected by the addictions of their loved ones. Some counselors conduct programs and community outreach aimed at preventing addiction and educating the public. Counselors must be able to recognize how addiction affects the entire person and those around him or her."
Beyond the Master's degree, a licensed counselor can also have the following credentials:
There is a significant difference in training and expertise of a therapist who has a Master's degree and certification and a person who has a certification alone. The quality of the therapist is dependent upon his or her knowledge and ability to empathize, be compassionate, challenge appropriately, support and guide the addict through a confusing, self-reflective, early recovery time. It should be noted that a person with a CAAP-1 requires no academic degree followed by a CAAP-2, requires an AA degree. (The associates degree requires two years of college and is not the same as a B.A. which requires four years of college).
Licensed or certified substance abuse counselors can work independently, in an outpatient clinic, or as a member of a multidisciplinary team in an addiction treatment center.
Quality treatment is generally dependent upon the treatment philosophy, the qualifications of the clinical staff, medical staff, program dynamics, the use of best practices, inclusion of 12 Step workshops, as well as the facility's ability to address specific demographic needs.
Addiction treatment grounded in best practices with a multidisciplinary team of addiction certified doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and Master's level therapists and clinicians can offer the patient the most comprehensive addiction treatment available. This multidisciplinary team approach generally relies upon a variety of therapeutic modalities. While certified addiction physicians and psychiatrist can address physical health problems and emotional trauma, substance abuse counselors generally lead the individual and group therapy sessions. Because of this specialization between fields, a better educated and trained staff allow for a more in depth the therapeutic experience.
The complexity of addiction necessitates an intuitive, creative, caring, therapist. Dedication to the patient's personal growth forms the foundation for good substance abuse counseling. Many times, counselors themselves are recovering.
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