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Clark College - Home of the Penguin Nation

Addiction Counselor Education

About

Addiction Counselors advise individuals who have experienced issues with substance abuse, or other behavioral issues impacting a person’s life. A counselor works alongside their clients and recommends appropriate treatment or support as a patient navigates a path to recovery.

Clark’s Addiction Counselor Education Department (ACED) provides the required knowledge, skills, and prerequisite training mandated by the State of Washington to be certified as an Addictions Counselor. 

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Sarah Blanchette
360-992-2171
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A Community of Support and Learning

Clark's Addiction Counselor Education program includes theories and principles that teach students practical methods to work within in a continuum of care with both patient and external support systems. Students will learn to develop the necessary skills to treat clients in multiple areas, including individual and group counseling settings. In addition to classroom theory, students receive exposure to real-world work settings with participating local agencies. 

Clark also provides training for successful completion of the Washington Chemical Dependency Professional State Exam. Day and evening classes, full or part-time enrollment, and transfer options are available.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities for Addiction Counselors exist in a variety of roles: addictions counselor, abuse counselor, case manager, or prevention specialist. According to the U.S Department of Labor employment projections forecast Addiction Counseling jobs growing at a rate of 14 percent, with a median wage in the Portland-Vancouver metro area estimated at $19.87 per hour.