Are you passionate about helping others and interested in becoming a certified counselor in California? Our comprehensive guide provides you with valuable information on the necessary steps to embark on this fulfilling career path. Explore the requirements, training programs, and licensing process that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals in need. Start your journey towards making a positive impact as a certified counselor in California today.

Did you know that well over 21 million people suffer from addiction in this country? Yet, only about 10% of Americans dealing with addiction get the help they need. Drug and alcohol counseling is readily available to those who could benefit from it most. But unfortunately, people aren’t always able to spot the signs that suggest they need treatment for drug addiction or alcohol addiction until it’s too late. Do you suspect you might need to spend time speaking with a drug and alcohol counselor? You should keep a close eye out for these signs. They’ll show that you should...

Are you considering a career as a drug counselor? With a projected increase in demand for alcohol and drug counseling professionals, it's an opportune time to enter this field. To embark on this rewarding path, you need to take the right approach. Begin by learning about the responsibilities and challenges of a drug counselor, and ensure it aligns with your passion. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements in your state, as they can vary. Obtain a drug counseling certificate, like the one offered by InterCoast Colleges, to gain essential knowledge and skills. Consider pursuing further education, as ongoing learning is crucial in this evolving field. Gain clinical experience and work towards obtaining a license. Lastly, get certified through reputable organizations like The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. InterCoast Colleges can assist you in jumpstarting your career in drug counseling. Please feel free to reach out to us today for more information.

Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are negatively impacted by substance abuse. Similarly, around 53% of substance abusers suffer from serious mental illness. Substance abuse and mental illness are complicated. They’re personal and often invisible diseases with legal and social implications. Keep reading to understand how addiction and mental health are related. The Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Health It’s often said that mental health and addiction are comorbid – but what does that mean? Put simply; it means that multiple health conditions coexist and are frequently found together. These conditions can interact and influence each other or...

Insights from Judy Redman, M.Ed., MBA, CADC III, CACCS, CATC-V As an experienced Substance Use Disorder Counselor and educator, I have seen firsthand how challenging and rewarding the profession can be. Long hours and emotionally draining work are often the norm, but taking care of oneself is as important as helping clients. In my over 25 years of experience in the field, I have learned that practicing mindfulness and self-care is essential for maintaining balance and improving the quality of the care we provide to those struggling with addiction. In this article, I will share valuable insights and actionable steps...

A recent YouTube video interview conducted by Christopher Rush, Regional Director of Operations at Intercoast Colleges, offers a glimpse into the world of alcohol and drug counseling through the experiences of Evangelia Kafkalis. As a former graduate and valedictorian of Intercoast College, Evangelia has dedicated a decade of her life to counseling and has recently taken on the clinical coordinator role. In this engaging conversation, she discusses her role, the future of the field, and the qualities needed for success in alcohol and drug counseling. This article summarizes the key takeaways from the video interview for those interested in learning...

Research from the past ten years shows that almost half of all people getting treated for prescription painkiller abuse have some kind of mental health diagnosis. In particular, young people tend to fall into drug abuse due to stressors common around that time and fluctuating hormones.  But how exactly are mental health disorders and substance addiction connected? Do mental health problems cause substance abuse, or is it the other way around? Here’s some important information about the link between mental health and drug and alcohol addiction. How Mental Health Disorders Affect Addiction First, it’s important to understand how mental health...