What Degree is Needed to be an Addiction Therapist in Oklahoma?

If you live in the state of Oklahoma and aspire to become an addiction therapist, it is likely that you have questions about how to go about achieving your goals. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer to this question. The educational path that you will need to follow will depend greatly on what kind of addiction therapist you hope to become, where you wish to work and practice, and many other factors. However, we can provide you with the most common positions held in the addiction therapy field in Oklahoma and the correct way to go about achieving these positions.

The Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselor Certification Board can certify individuals to become certified substance abuse prevention specialists, commonly referred to as CPS. In order to obtain this certification, an individual must possess either an associate's or bachelor's degree and have spent one year or 2000 hours in an experiential learning position that provided him or her with direct exposure to substance abuse prevention. Other requirements include completing a 120 hour practicum dealing with the five core functions of addiction and substance abuse, 150 hours spent in workshops, classes, or seminars focusing on substance abuse prevention, three references, signing and then adhering to the code of ethics set in place by the board, and passing of the International Prevention written exam. This certification is a wonderful environment for those who want to work with non-profit organizations, the school system, or other businesses or companies to help substance abuse from ever becoming a problem in the first place. Instead of working as most professionals in the field and combating substance abuse and addiction after it has already taken root of an individual, CPS professionals tackle the problem before it ever begins by educating others about the dangers of addiction.

Oklahoma residents may also seek licensure or certification in different areas from the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors. One of the most common certifications obtained is that of alcohol and drug counselor. In order to obtain this certification, individuals must possess at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and be able to provide transcripts showcasing coursework in behavioral science and counseling. At least 45 hours of combined coursework in co-occurring disorders, abnormal psychology, or some other special area that pertains to addiction and substance abuse on some level must also be completed. Additionally, a 300 hour practicum, and 2 years or 4000 hours employment n the field are required.

Instead of a certification as an alcohol and drug counselor, some individuals in the state may opt for a licensure. A licensure is more difficult to obtain and thus more prestigious in Oklahoma. It requires at least a master's degree with coursework in behavioral sciences and counseling from a fully accredited college or university, a 300 hour practicum, and at least one year of employment in the field or 2000 hours total – at least half of which must be directly with clients. Furthermore, the individual must sign and abide by the board's code of ethics, have three references, submit a brief "personal philosophy," and have at least 180 hours of continuing education in the field, 90 of which should deal directly with drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Of course, these are just a few of your options when it comes to working as an addiction therapist in Oklahoma; there are many, many more. As you may have noticed, there are positions available for those with all levels of educational backgrounds – from a simple two year associate's degree all the way up to a prestigious master's degree. Whatever career or level of education you aspire to, you should be proud of yourself for your hard work and effort. Also remember that each and every position in this field is valuable and has a positive impact on the lives of others. Therefore, you shouldn't compare yourself to others or ever not feel great about the work that you are doing. Every addiction therapist in the state of Oklahoma and throughout the rest of the world is valuable and very much appreciated, no matter what his or her exact title.