What is the Required Education to Become an Addiction Therapist in Kentucky?

If you live in the state of Kentucky and aspire to be an addiction therapist, then you're probably wondering just how much education and schooling you have ahead of you. Unfortunately, there is really no easy answer to that question. There are a wide variety of addiction therapist jobs in Kentucky, and the education you will need to qualify for a particular position will depend on the job itself. While some people think that they can work in the field with only an associate's or two year degree, Kentucky is a very competitive state for addiction therapists and it is not likely that a person with such a lower-level degree would be employed – not when there are so many more qualified individuals seeking these positions. As such, it's usually in your best interest to pursue at least a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Professionals working in the addiction therapy field commonly have bachelor's degrees in psychology, sociology, or physiology. Colleges and universities do not offer degrees in "addiction therapy." However, many do have special programs that allow you to major in a specific field and to have a concentration on addiction and/or substance abuse. Such programs provide you with in depth information on addiction and can be extremely helpful when you go to look for a job in the field.

However, many people develop an interest in addiction therapy as a career long after they have completed their undergraduate degrees. The truth is, however, it's never too late to get started in the field! Even if your bachelor's degree is in something totally unrelated, you can apply for a graduate degree that focuses on counseling, therapy, or general psychology. Many of these programs accept students from a variety of different backgrounds to increase the program's diversity.

Of course, beyond the master's degree, there is the doctorate degree. These two degrees, however, are not required for all or even most positions in the field. The majority of professionals working as some type of addiction therapists spent some time working in the field before obtaining educational degrees beyond the undergraduate degree. So, the very high level education is something you can always possess later on if need be. It is important, after all, to give yourself some time to explore and to find the job that is truly the best fit for you and your own individual skills and weaknesses.

One important thing to remember, however, is that to be an addiction therapist means a lifelong commitment to learning. Most working professionals are expected to attend conferences, seminars, and sometimes even classes on a regular basis to keep up with changes and developments in the psychological world. Professionals also frequently are asked to update their certifications and/or licenses or to obtain new ones as the field changes and grows. If you are not willing to commit yourself to learn new and exciting things often and frequently, this might not be the job for you.