In the heart of the nation’s capital, the opioid crisis casts a long shadow over Washington, DC, which ranks third in the country for drug overdose deaths. The district has seen a surge in opioid-related fatalities, with over 700 deaths since the epidemic began in 2014. In 2022 alone, more than 1,200 individuals succumbed to drug overdoses, a grim reflection of the city’s ongoing struggle against substance abuse.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to this crisis, with seizures of fentanyl pills skyrocketing by over 250% in recent years​​. The widespread availability and high potency of fentanyl have made it a lethal threat, responsible for the majority of opioid-related deaths in the area.
As a substance abuse counselor in Washington, DC, you will play a vital role in combating this epidemic. Your work will involve providing critical support and guidance to those struggling with addiction, helping them navigate the path to recovery. Opportunities abound in various settings, from community health centers to specialized treatment programs.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Washington DC
The District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) is responsible for certifying substance abuse counselors in Washington, DC. They offer the following certification levels for front-line counselors based on experience and education:
- Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I)
- Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II)
For most aspiring substance abuse counselors in Washington, DC, the Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) certification serves as the point of entry into the field. That’s what we’ll be covering here in this guide.
1. Earn an Associate Degree or Higher in Substance Abuse Counseling or Any Health or Human Services Focus
2. Document 500 Hours of Work Experience in Addiction Counseling
3. Pass the NAADAC Level I Exam and DC Jurisprudence Exam
4. Apply to Become a Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) through the DC Board of Professional Counseling
Ready to become a substance abuse counselor in Washington, DC? We’ve simplified the certification process into easy-to-follow steps. With our guide, you’ll navigate the requirements with confidence and ease.
1. Earn an Associate Degree or Higher in Substance Abuse Counseling or Any Other Health or Human Services Focus
To begin the journey of becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) in Washington, DC, you must first earn at least an associate degree in a health or human services field. This foundational education will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to address the complexities of addiction counseling.
Your associate degree should be from an accredited institution and must include a minimum of three (3) hours in each of the following:
- Understanding the Dynamics of Human Behavior and Family Systems
- Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
- Recovery Process, Stages of Change, Relapse Prevention, and Treatment Approaches
- Ethics, Rules, and Regulations
- Professional Identity in Substance Abuse Services
- Crisis Intervention
- Cultural Competence in Addiction
- Co-occurring Disorders in Interdisciplinary Treatment
- Diagnostic and Screening Criteria in Addictions
- Psychopharmacology Resources in the Treatment of Addictions
Earning this degree will not only fulfill the educational requirements but also provide a strong foundation for further training and certification in the field of addiction counseling.
2. Document 500 Hours of Supervised Work Experience in Addiction Counseling
After obtaining your associate degree, the next step to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Washington, DC involves completing a period of on-the-job supervision and related work experience. This practical training is essential for gaining hands-on experience and developing the skills necessary for effective addiction counseling.
You will need to complete at least 500 hours of supervised work experience in the field of addiction counseling. This supervision must be conducted by a qualified supervisor who meets the standards set by the District of Columbia Board of Professional Counseling.
The supervised work experience must include a minimum of 40 hours in each of the categories listed in the coursework from the first step.
During this period, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained during your coursework to real-world situations under the guidance of your supervisor. This will help you develop critical skills in client assessment, counseling techniques, treatment planning, and ethical practice.
3. Pass the NAADAC Level I Exam and the DC Jurisprudence Exam
The final step to becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) in Washington, DC is to take and pass the required exams. These exams ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and competencies to practice as a professional addiction counselor.
- National Examination: You must take and pass the NAADAC Level I examination. This national certification exam, administered by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), tests your understanding of addiction counseling principles, practices, and ethics.
- District of Columbia Jurisprudence Examination: In addition to the national exam, you are required to pass the District of Columbia’s jurisprudence examination. This exam assesses your knowledge of local laws, rules, and ethical standards pertinent to the practice of addiction counseling in Washington, DC.
Preparing for these exams involves reviewing the coursework and practical experience you have gained, and it is advisable to utilize available study guides and practice tests provided by NAADAC and the District of Columbia Board of Professional Counseling.
4. Apply to Become a Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) through the DC Board of Professional Counseling
Once you have completed your education, supervised work experience, and passed the necessary exams, the final step is to apply for your certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) in Washington, DC.
First, prepare all required documentation, including your official transcripts showing completion of your associate degree, verification of your supervised work experience signed by your supervisor, and proof of passing the NAADAC Level I examination and the district jurisprudence examination.
Next, obtain the application form from the District of Columbia Board of Professional Counseling’s website. Carefully fill out the form, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
Finally, submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents and the application fee to the Board of Professional Counseling. Make sure to follow any additional instructions provided by the board to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor I, allowing you to begin your professional practice in Washington, DC!
With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification in the District of Columbia
A higher degree and more experience in the substance abuse counseling field opens doors to advanced certifications, leading to better job opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to make a greater impact in your profession. In Washington, DC, you have the option of advancing your Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) certification to the Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II) certification.
Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II):
- A bachelor’s degree in a health or human services field, such as registered nursing, aging studies, criminal justice, health education, or mental health from an accredited institution. The degree must include the following coursework:
- Understanding the dynamics of human behavior and family systems (3 hours)
- Signs and symptoms of substance abuse (3 hours)
- Recovery process, stages of change, relapse prevention, treatment approaches, group dynamics, and other adjunctive treatment recovery support groups, motivational interviewing, and models and theories of addiction (9 hours)
- Ethics, rules, and regulations (3 hours)
- Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services (3 hours)
- Crisis intervention (3 hours)
- Substance abuse counseling treatment planning and research (3 hours)
- Counseling skills for individual and group, motivational interviewing (3 hours)
- Cultural factors and competencies in addiction (3 hours)
- Co-occurring disorders in interdisciplinary treatment (3 hours)
- Diagnostic and screening criteria in addictions (3 hours)
- Psychopharmacology resources in the treatment of addictions (3 hours)
- At least 180 hours of supervised experience. Of these hours, at least 120 must consist of performing at least 10 hours in each of the following tasks with substance abuse clients:
- Screening clients to determine eligibility and appropriateness for admissions into a particular program
- Intake of clients by performing the administrative and initial assessment tasks necessary for admission to a program
- Orientation for new clients to program’s rules, goals, procedures, services, costs, and rights of the client
- Assessment of client’s strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs for the development of a treatment plan
- Treatment planning with the client to identify and rank problems to be addressed, establish goals, and agree on treatment processes
- Counseling the client, utilizing specialized skills in both individual and group approaches to achieve treatment goals and objectives
- Case management activities which bring services, agencies, people, and resources together in a planned framework of action to achieve established goals
- Crisis intervention responses to clients’ needs during acute mental, emotional, or physical distress
- Education of clients by providing information about drug abuse and available services and resources
- Referral of clients to meet identified needs unable to be met by the counselor and assisting the client in effectively utilizing those resources
- Reporting and charting information about the client’s assessment, treatment plan, progress, discharge summaries, and other client-related data
- Consultation with other professionals to assure a comprehensive quality of care for the client
- Pass the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors – National Certification Commission (NAADAC-NCC) Level II examination after satisfying all educational and experiential requirements.
By obtaining the CAC II certification, you can further establish your expertise and dedication to the field of substance abuse counseling, enhancing your ability to provide comprehensive care to those in need and advancing your professional career.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Washington DC
Washington, DC offers a variety of settings where substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact. Facilities such as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington focus on comprehensive services, including substance abuse education and counseling. Other notable organizations include:
- Imind Health LLC: Specializes in intensive outpatient treatment programs.
- Clarvida: Provides roles for substance abuse specialists on ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) or TACT (Team Assertive Community Treatment) teams.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Washington DC
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Washington DC earned a median salary of $60,330 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $42,170 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $97,750.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Washington DC
If you’re looking to become a substance abuse counselor in Washington, D.C., there are some great educational options to help you get started. For instance, the University of the District of Columbia offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling. This program is designed to give you the essential skills and knowledge needed for certification and to start working in the field​.
If you need more flexibility, there are also excellent online programs available. The University of Mary, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling that you can complete entirely online. This is a fantastic option if you need to balance your studies with other commitments, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your home.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.