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Drug therapists work at rehabilitation centers,
psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics to counsel people who struggle
with drug or alcohol addiction. They facilitate individualized and group therapy
sessions to teach clients how to overcome their problems and live healthy,
productive lives. The education and training requirements to become a drug
therapist vary between regions and employers, though most professionals obtain
college degrees and pass licensing examinations before working directly with
clients. A person who wants to become a drug therapist can find out about
specific requirements in his or her area by researching government Web sites and
inquiring with potential employers.Many accredited two-year community colleges
and four-year universities offer programs designed to prepare students for drug
and alcohol counseling. A person who wants to become a drug therapist can speak
with admissions counselors at different schools to determine the best program
for his or her career goals. Once enrolled in school, a student usually takes
several psychology, biology, and sociology courses to gain a fundamental
understanding of the brain and human behavior. In addition, classes in
communications, statistics, and computer science can help a person gain the
technical skills necessary to become a drug therapist. While attending college,
many undergraduate students apply for internship or assistant positions at local
mental health centers to gain practical experience in the field. An intern has
the chance to learn job skills firsthand from established drug therapists,
counselors, and licensed psychologists. Previous experience can be very
influential to prospective employers when applying for actual drug therapist
jobs in the future. A college graduate can determine the specific licensing
requirements to become a drug therapist in his or her region by speaking with
professors and perusing the appropriate government Web sites. Many regions
require that new drug therapists gain a certain number of supervised working
hours and pass a written exam to earn a license. Internship hours completed
during school often count toward the requisite hours needed. In some regions, a
person can become a drug therapist with a high school diploma and a certificate
from an accredited addictions counselor training program. In order to meet
licensing requirements, he or she might need to take continuing education
classes at a community college or vocational school while working at a mental
health center. Some facilities cover the cost of employees' training courses,
but new workers often have to pay tuition themselves. Most new drug therapists
enjoy pay raises and opportunities for advancement after earning their licenses.
With experience, a professional may be able to obtain an administrative position
within a private rehabilitation center or public clinic. Many therapists who
like their work and have the desire to advance further choose to return to
school and earn advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, or
counseling. |
