New program addresses the growing demand for certified substance abuse counselors in Wisconsin
Substance abuse counseling is a field in high demand. The need for substance abuse counselors has increased rapidly in recent years, driven largely by requirements for substance abuse treatment in Affordable Care Act-compliant insurance policies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in the substance abuse counseling field to grow 31 percent through 2022—much faster than the average rate for all occupations. However, the supply of certified professionals isn’t keeping pace, and traditional educational programs can last up to two years—too long to address today’s growing need.