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Career in Psychology

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By jackieclegg25
Words 508
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Psychology as a Career

There are many career paths to choose from regarding psychology; the one I am most interested in is an LCADC. This stands for Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Many people who choose this area of psychology do not start off pursuing it. Schooling goes far beyond just a Bachelor’s degree; a Master’s degree is necessary (NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF ADDICTION SERVICES). The Master’s degree needs to be in counseling or addictions; an MA in Psychological Counseling—Addiction Studies Track. This also requires 33 credits in approved Masters Level courses. Along with a Master’s degree, one would need to complete 270 hours of approved coursework in alcohol and drug education classes from a State approved school or facility. There are strict rules which govern the coursework and all guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey. Along with these courses, there are internship hours which must be fulfilled. All hours must be supervised by an LCADC who is approved by the state and consist of 3,000 general hours as well as 300 direct supervision hours. Lengthy applications must be sent to the state, showing all hours logged in and signed off by a licensed professional Another important part of obtaining an LCADC in the State of New Jersey is to attend 30 self-help meetings. These meetings must be 5 Narcotics Anonymous, 5 Alcoholics Anonymous, 5 Al-Anon Meetings and 5 other self-help meetings of your choosing. Attending these meetings allows the person to get a first-hand look at how difficult recovery is for an addict and/or their loved ones. It gives insight and allows the future LCADC to empathize with those they will eventually come to help. Having taken the required Addictions courses at Ocean County College, I know firsthand all of the information which is required to just pass these 4 courses. If a person is planning on using these classes to become an LCADC, there are many more years of schooling to either follow or have been taken beforehand. An LCADC is not only there to counselor those with an addiction, rather they are also able to diagnosis and provide a plan of treatment. An LCADC holds a clinical certification, therefore they can fight for patients’ rights with insurance companies, and making sure the proper treatment is given for the correct length of time. Seeking a career as an LCADC is not an easy or short process, however, in the end, if this is what you are called to do and have a passion for, it is well worth it. To be able to help just one person recover from the disease of addiction is worth it.

Works Cited

n.d. NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF ADDICTION SERVICES. <http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/workforce/LCADC%20CADC%20FAQs.pdf>.
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF ADDICTION SERVICES. n.d. <http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/workforce/LCADC%20CADC%20FAQs.pdf>.

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