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What does a Chemical Dependency Counselor do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A chemical dependency counselor is a professional who helps people with substance abuse problems. They work with clients to help them overcome their addiction and live a healthy life.

Chemical Dependency Counselor job duties include:

  • Evaluate patients to determine their level of addiction and need for treatment
  • Develop treatment plans for patients based on their individual needs
  • Provide individual and group counseling sessions to help patients overcome addiction
  • Facilitate family counseling sessions to help families deal with the effects of addiction
  • Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
  • Make referrals to other professionals or programs as needed
  • Maintain accurate patient records
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings
  • Stay up-to-date on developments in the field of addiction treatment

Chemical Dependency Counselor Job Requirements

Most states require chemical dependency counselors to be licensed as an addiction counselor. Specific education requirements vary by state, but most require a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Many states also require counselors to complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience and pass an exam.

Chemical Dependency Counselor Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Nonjudgmental
  • Respectful
  • Accepting
  • Trustworthy
  • Caring
  • Confidential
  • Patient
  • Knowledgeable

Related: Top Chemical Dependency Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Chemical Dependency Counselor

A chemical dependency counselor is a professional who helps people with substance abuse problems. They work with individuals, families, and groups to help them overcome addiction and live healthy lives.

There are many ways to become a chemical dependency counselor. Some counselors have a degree in psychology or social work, while others may have a degree in counseling or a related field. Many states also require counselors to be licensed or certified.

The best way to become a successful counselor is to have a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn. Counselors must be able to empathize with their clients and understand the challenges they face. They also need to be patient and non-judgmental, as well as have excellent communication skills.

If you are interested in becoming a chemical dependency counselor, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can contact your local drug and alcohol treatment center, or look for training programs online or in your community.

Related: Chemical Dependency Counselor Resume Example

Related: Chemical Dependency Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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