How to become a correctional substance abuse counselor

How to become a Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor

Becoming a correctional substance abuse counselor typically involves a combination of formal education, specialized training, and sometimes certification. Here’s a guide to pursuing the career:

Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement for entry-level positions (e.g., substance abuse counselor aide, case manager) in substance abuse counseling. Ideal fields of study, which provide foundational knowledge about human behavior, addiction, mental health, and the criminal justice system, include:

• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Criminal Justice
• Sociology

Some students who aspire to a career in correctional substance abuse counseling choose to complete a major in one of these disciplines and a minor in another. For example, undergrad studies in substance abuse counseling as well as criminal justice provide particularly comprehensive groundwork. In addition to gaining an understanding of addiction theory and treatment, substance abuse assessment, the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and behavior, and case management, students learn the intricacies associated with conducting substance abuse counseling within the structure of the criminal justice system.

Master’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some positions, many correctional substance abuse counselors hold a master’s degree in one of the disciplines referenced above in the Bachelor’s Degree section. A master's is often required for higher-level counseling positions and offers advanced training in therapy techniques, substance abuse treatment, and mental health disorders.

Accreditation
At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, it’s important to attend a program accredited by a recognized body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation ensures that the program meets professional standards and prepares students for licensure.

Clinical Training and Internships
As part of their master’s program, aspiring correctional substance abuse counselors will need to complete a supervised clinical internship or practicum comprised of a specific number of hours, typically 2,000 to 4,000 hours. This hands-on experience involves working directly with diverse populations in correctional facilities (prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers), addiction treatment centers, community health organizations, or mental health facilities.

Develop Key Skills and Attributes
Counseling inmates dealing with substance abuse demands some very specific skills:

• Therapeutic Techniques – Learn and practise therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-Step Facilitation to help clients manage their addiction.
• Crisis Management – Work on skills related to managing challenging or volatile situations, especially in correctional environments where security is a priority.
• Empathy and Communication – Develop strong interpersonal skills, as working with incarcerated individuals requires patience, understanding, and clear communication.
• Understanding of Legal and Ethical Guidelines – Counselors in correctional settings must be familiar with confidentiality laws, ethics, and the correctional system.

Licensure
Following their clinical training, counselors need to obtain licensure in the state or country where they intend to practise. In most cases, this entails passing a licensing exam such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Some jurisdictions may mandate that correctional substance abuse counselors earn the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation.

Continuing Education
The field of substance abuse counseling is continually evolving, and counselors are encouraged to participate in continuing education and networking events to stay up to date with the latest research, treatment methods, and best practices. Many states and organizations require counselors to earn continuing education (CE) credits to maintain their licensure and support professional growth.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for correctional substance abuse counselors that help demonstrate professional expertise. These credentials may be required or strongly preferred by employers:

• Correctional Behavioral Health Certification (CBHC) – Offered by the American Correctional Association (ACA), this certification is targeted at correctional officers, community corrections officers and allied behavioral health staff, who, because of their education, credentials and experience, are associated with the provision of behavioral health services for mentally ill offenders. A minimum of 40 hours of behavioral- and mental health-related training is required for the examination.
• National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Certifications – The NCCHC focuses on improving healthcare and substance abuse treatment within correctional facilities. It offers a wide range of professional certifications, including Certified Correctional Health Professional, Certified Correctional Mental Health, and Certified Correctional Professional – Advanced.
• National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCCAC I) / National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCCAC II) / Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) – These three foundational credentials for addiction counselors are offered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP). Respective minimum academic requirements at each level are a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree.
• International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Prevention, Substance Use Disorder, and Recovery Credentialing – The IC&RC, in association with jurisdictionally specific Member Boards, offers the following credentials: Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC), Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC), Clinical Supervisor (CS), Prevention Specialist (PS), Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP), Peer Recovery-Associate (PR-A), and Peer Recovery (PR). Requirements for each designation include a combination of education, supervised clinical hours, and passing an exam.
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) – Offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the NCC is a general certification for counselors who have earned an accredited Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field, completed a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
• Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) – Also offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this certification is specifically for counselors who wish to demonstrate their expertise in clinical mental health counseling. Requirements include an accredited Master’s Degree in Counseling, a minimum number of supervised clinical hours, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – Offered by the International Trauma Training Institute (ITTI), the CCTP signifies expertise in trauma recovery and can be beneficial for counselors who work with clients affected by abuse, violence, or other forms of trauma. Requirements include specialized training in trauma-informed care and trauma therapy, as well as a specified number of clinical hours working with trauma survivors and passing the CCTP exam.
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Certifications – This association represents marriage and family therapists, including those working in behavioral health counseling who focus on family systems and relationship dynamics. AAMFT offers three different MFT certification badges: Clinical Fellow Designation, Approved Supervisor Designation, Certificate of Leadership.
• Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) – This certification, offered by various organizations, is particularly relevant for counselors who specialize in family therapy and providing support for families of individuals dealing with substance abuse.
• National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) – This certification, offered by the National Certification Board for Behavioral Health Professionals, is an advanced credential focused on the knowledge and skills peer specialists need when supporting others to achieve and maintain recovery from a mental health condition or other behavioral health challenge. Requirements include training, certification courses, and personal experience in recovery.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the substance abuse counseling community:

• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – ASAM is an organization focused on the medical aspects of addiction and evidence-based research, which can be valuable for counselors working with individuals who have severe substance use disorders in correctional settings.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – While not a professional organization per se, NIDA offers extensive research and training on substance abuse treatment. It can be a valuable resource for correctional substance abuse counselors who wish to stay updated on the latest research and evidence-based practices.
• Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC) – SSWLHC offers support and development for social workers in healthcare settings, including those working in correctional facilities where substance abuse treatment is part of overall healthcare.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – SAMHSA is a key federal agency that offers research and treatment guidelines, evidence-based practices, grant opportunities, and resources for integrated mental health and substance use care.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NAMI offers mental health advocacy, support groups and public education, and research and policy updates. While focused on mental illness, it supports professionals working with substance abuse clients and offers insights on how mental illness and substance use intersect.
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) – AMHCA focuses specifically on supporting mental health counselors, offering continuing education and conferences and advocating for policies that support the mental health counseling field.
• American Counseling Association (ACA) – The ACA is a broad professional association for counselors, including those in the substance abuse space. It offers educational resources, ethical guidelines, and networking opportunities for professionals in various counseling fields. ACA has divisions focusing on specific areas, such as mental health counseling, addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, and school counseling.
• American Psychological Association (APA) – APA provides access to research on psychological treatment for addiction and trauma.