Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Navy experience in substance-use assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and aftercare directly overlaps with civilian addiction counseling duties.
How to prepare: Compare your education and documented counseling experience with the entry rules for your target state's treatment setting. Requirements vary by state and setting: a bachelor's degree is typical, while private practice requires a state license based on a master's degree, supervised clinical hours, an examination, and annual continuing education.
What the civilian work involves
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- Microsoft Excel
- Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR