If you’re interested in helping others by becoming a Substance Use Disorders (SUDS) Counselor, our certificate program offered through UW Flexible Option can help you get the education you need while helping identify strategies to receive the clinical supervision needed to pursue a Wisconsin SUDS license.
Every community in the state has an increasing need for Substance Abuse Counselors to help close the treatment gap. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for substance abuse counselors will grow 22 percent through 2024—much faster than the average for all occupations. Professionals licensed in both mental health and substance abuse counseling are especially in high demand. These professionals can help reduce treatment silos for individuals with dual diagnoses.
In 2022, 48.7 million people in the US aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder within the previous year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder, 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder, and 8.0 million people who had both, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Whether you work in criminal justice, healthcare, or other organizations within your community focused on mental and behavioral health, the SUDS certificate can help you make a difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use.
The SUDS program is self-paced, designed to fit into your life. You can complete this 100% online program in 24 weeks or less. With no live log-on times and no set course deadlines, you can complete the course when it’s convenient for you. Additionally, this is one of the most affordable substance use disorder counseling programs in the state.
One major advantage of completing this certificate is that you will have access to the instructor, Pat Gutierrez, who has many years of experience supervising individuals working toward their certification. You can ask questions during your time in the course and get the answers you need to follow the requirements.
Completing the certificate course is one step towards meeting requirements for the SAC-IT (the Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training, the temporary credential you can apply for prior to becoming a licensed SAC, substance abuse counselor or CSAC, clinical substance abuse counselor). The certificate course will also help you become ready to find an internship to fulfill your supervised hours requirement for the SAC/CSAC. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for a position to fulfill your career goals and requirements.
For more information on the process of becoming a licensed substance use disorders counselor, check out the links below.