(1) Applicants for counselor certification must meet one of the following three education requirements, and must provide information regarding the chemical dependency treatment setting in which the 1000 hours supervised chemical dependency counseling experience will be completed, as well as the name of the certified counselor approved to supervise chemical dependency counseling experience. Applicants must provide certified transcripts or certificates of completion as proof of successful completion of one of the following education programs:
(a) a baccalaureate degree in alcohol and drug studies, psychology, social work, counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; or
(b) an associate of arts or applied science degree in alcohol and drug studies, chemical dependency or substance abuse from an accredited college or university; or
(c) graduation from a formal chemical dependency counselor training program which is at least one year in duration and has been approved by the department or recognized under the laws of another state. The formal training program must include 400 hours of classroom preparation and 1600 hours of documented clinical training. Applicants must submit a certificate of graduation with application, as well as a description of the curriculum and training provided.
(2) All education requirements must include 270 contact hours of specific chemical dependency or counseling courses. These are contact hours that may be obtained through academic course work, approved workshop training or approved home study courses. The 270 hours must include minimum hours in each of the following areas:
(a) chemical dependency assessment and
patient placement (must include chemical
dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing,
diagnosis, referrals and patient placement); 30 hours
(b) counseling; 45 hours
(c) pharmacology (must include drug
classification, effects, detoxification and withdrawal) ; 12 hours
(d) ethics (ethics for addiction counselors) ; 6 hours
(e) alcohol and drug studies; 30 hours
(f) treatment planning and documentation 15 hours
(g) multicultural competency - knowledge
of and sensitive to the cultural factors and
needs of diverse populations and demonstrate
competency in applying culturally relevant skills. 12 hours