Masters in Addiction / Rehab Counseling (MS)

Rehabilitation counselors help people overcome personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with physical and emotional disabilities stemming from illness, birth defects, accidents, or other causes. Rehabilitation counselors recognize and reduce environmental and attitudinal limitations. They provide education and advocacy services to individuals, families and employers. An addiction/rehabilitation counselor typically holds a Master of Counseling degree.

Steps Towards a Degree in Addiction/Rehab Counseling (MS)

To become an Addiction/Rehabilitation counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Bachelor of Science program in education, psychology or human services.
Earn proper graduate degree (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Master of Counseling degree with a concentration in addiction/rehabilitation counseling.
Obtain proper licensure (requirements vary by state). Typically includes passing an examination, acquiring needed supervised counseling experience and depending on the state, completing required coursework.
Obtain proper certification. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), certifies rehabilitation counselors throughout the United States who meet educational and work experience requirements, pass an exam and complete 100 hours of acceptable continuing education credit every 5 years.

My Earning Potential

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for an Addiction/Rehabilitation counselor might include:

Rehabilitation Counselor – Median Expected Salary: $60,468, according to Salary.com’s most recent report.
Addiction Counselor – Median Expected Salary: $62,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects: Favorable due to job openings outnumbering graduates from counseling programs, particularly in rural areas.
Job Setting: Private practices, community health organizations, day treatment programs, hospitals, offices.

My Degree and What Its Good For

Someone with this degree typically has the opportunity to work with people suffering from addiction and substance abuse. An addiction/rehabilitation counselor may:

Evaluate strengths and limitations of patients.
Provide personal and vocational counseling.
Offer case management support and guidance.
Arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement.

Online Masters in Addiction / Rehab Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University:MS in Addiction Counseling
Post University:MS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
University of Massachusetts: MS in Rehab Counseling

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

The following accredited schools offer online masters in counseling programs in various specialties. You can request information from one or more schools by clicking on the school's link.