Professional addiction counseling

Professional addiction counseling requires specific competencies and ethical guidelines; however, many clinical mental health counselors may interact with clients who report use of substances and admit to symptoms of substance use disorders. Review NAADAC code of ethics, NAADAC certification requirements, SAMSHA addiction competencies and your particular state requirements for certified and/or licensed addiction professionals. Referring to this information, discuss any specific requirements for addiction counseling for your state and considerations for working with clients who have symptoms of a substance use disorder. Discuss benefits and risks for clinical mental health counselors providing substance use disorder counseling without addiction counseling certification and/or license.