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Wisconsin's Certifications

Guide to Substance Abuse Counseling Certifications

  • General Usage: Focuses specifically on substance abuse counseling.
  • States Recognized: Illinois, California, New Jersey, among others.

 

  • General Usage: Requires specific education and experience in substance abuse counseling.
  • States Recognized: Minnesota, Nevada.
  • General Usage: Often requires several years of direct substance abuse treatment experience.
  • States Recognized: Florida.
  • General Usage: Federally used to describe professionals authorized to work with Department of Transportation (DOT) employees.
  • Recognition: Across all states.
  • General Usage: Focuses specifically on chemical dependencies, requiring specific coursework in drug and alcohol counseling.
  • States Recognized: Washington.
  • General Usage: An entry-level license that can be obtained with an associate’s degree.
  • States Recognized: Texas.
  • General Usage: Requires a master’s degree and advanced clinical experience in addiction counseling.
  • Recognition: Nationwide but varies by state licensure.
  • General Usage: A title for professionals meeting specific educational and training requirements in addiction counseling.
  • States Recognized: More common in California.

General Usage:

  • Specifically trained and certified to provide counseling for substance use disorders.

Requirements:

    • Education: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
    • Certification: Must pass the Substance Abuse Counselor Certification through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
    • Experience: Requires a specific number of supervised clinical hours working directly with substance abuse clients.
  • Requires more extensive education and clinical experience.
  • Can diagnose and provide treatment for substance use disorders.

In-Training Designations:

      • SAC-IT: For those obtaining the necessary education and supervised experience to become a SAC.
      • CSAC-IT: For those working towards the clinical level of certification.

General Usage: For professionals who have advanced beyond entry-level supervision roles.

Path to ICS Certification:

    • Education: Minimum of Associates degree in a behavioral science field.
    • Certification: Must be certified as a CSAC and fulfill additional ICS requirements.
    • Experience: Significant experience in providing clinical supervision in the substance abuse field.
    • Role: Supervises and trains other counselors, oversees clinical operations, and ensures compliance with state regulations.

Substance abuse counseling is a specialized field with a variety of certifications tailored to different aspects of addiction treatment and support. Understanding the specific requirements and designations can greatly impact career planning and advancement in this field. Below is a detailed overview of various certifications across different states, including Wisconsin.

Peer Recovery Coaching and Peer Support Specialist Roles

Peer Recovery Coaching and Peer Support Specialist positions are vital in the field of mental health and substance use disorder recovery. These professionals leverage their personal recovery experiences to assist others facing similar challenges. Here is a detailed look at some common certifications in these fields and what they generally entail:

Certifications Overview:

  • Focus: Aims to aid individuals using personal experiences with mental health or substance use recovery.
  • Requirements: Completion of specified training hours, an examination, and proven lived experience of recovery.
  •  
  • Focus: Addresses broader support roles across substance use and mental health recovery.
  • Requirements: Involves training programs, competency evaluations via exams, and relevant work or volunteer experience.
  • Focus: Supports individuals in mental health settings.
  • Requirements: Training on specific peer support skills, ethics understanding, and typically a certification test.
  • Focus: Coaches individuals through addiction recovery, incorporating wellness and life skills coaching.
  • Requirements: Specific training on addiction recovery, coaching skills, ethics, and supervised practice.
  • Focus: Nationally recognized certification not limited to state-specific regulations, facilitating broader employment opportunities.
  • Requirements: Extensive peer specialist experience, a rigorous training program, and a national certification exam.
  • Focus: Offers peer support in mental health settings to help others navigate their recovery.
  • Requirements: Training typically includes understanding mental health conditions, recovery processes, and peer support techniques.
  • Focus: Designed for individuals supporting family members affected by substance use or mental health disorders.
  • Requirements: Often requires personal family experience, training in family dynamics, recovery processes, and an exam.
  1. Peer Recovery Coach (PRC)
    • Focus: Uses personal recovery experience to support others battling substance use disorders through non-clinical, supportive assistance, including setting recovery goals, developing recovery plans, and providing motivation.
  2. Peer Recovery Technician (PRT)
    • Focus: Similar to coaches, PRTs provide support in recovery programs but often handle more administrative duties. They work under supervision, assisting with logistics and providing peer support.
  • Focus: Similar to coaches, PRTs provide support in recovery programs but often handle more administrative duties. They work under supervision, assisting with logistics and providing peer support.
  • Focus: Specializes in helping individuals in recovery find and maintain employment, extending beyond general peer support to include career counseling and navigating employment challenges related to past /present substance use.

Training and Certification Providers

Several organizations offer training and certification for peer support roles, including:

Certification

Certification is crucial as it:

  • Validates the specialist’s expertise and experience.
  • Ensures a standard level of competence and ethical behavior.
  • Enhances employment opportunities and professional credibility.
  • Guarantees that those receiving peer support receive high-quality, evidence-based support.

Specific Roles in Peer Recovery Coaching

  • Peer Recovery Coach (PRC): Uses personal recovery experience to support others battling substance use disorders through non-clinical, supportive assistance. This includes setting recovery goals, developing recovery plans, and providing motivation.
  • Peer Recovery Technician (PRT): Similar to coaches, they provide support in recovery programs but often handle more administrative duties. They work under supervision, assisting with logistics and providing peer support.
  • Peer Recovery Employment Coach (PRCE): Specializes in helping individuals in recovery find and maintain employment, extending beyond general peer support to include career counseling and navigating employment challenges related to past substance use.

Certification and Training:

  • Training Providers: Include Recovery Coaching International or local state health departments.
  • Professional Development: Continuous development through workshops, seminars, and training is recommended to stay updated on best practices in supporting recovery and employment.
  • Ethical Standards: All roles require adherence to high ethical standards and confidentiality, crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in peer support relationships.

The LIVED EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCE NETWORK 

LEARN Certified Peer Recovery Coaching 

  • Empowerment Through Experience: Utilize your personal recovery journey to offer hope and guidance.
  • Certified Excellence: Certification through LEARN @Laitinen Academy ensures a comprehensive training program that emphasizes practical skills and ethical standards.
  • Flexible Roles: Engage with clients in various settings, from community centers to private clinics, tailoring support to individual needs.

This overview underscores the diversity within the fields of peer recovery coaching and peer support, highlighting the significant role these professionals play in fostering recovery and resilience in others.

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