The mental health and substance use treatment sectors are rapidly expanding, and the role of Peer Support Specialists (PSS) is becoming increasingly vital. These professionals draw on their lived experiences with mental health or substance use challenges to support others on their recovery journeys. In California, the demand for peer support services continues to rise...
Category: Mental Health and Counseling Studies
Becoming a Certified Counselor in California: A Comprehensive Guide
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.
5 Common Signs You Might Need Drug and Alcohol Counseling
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...
How to Get Started with a Career in Drug Counseling
Explore a career in drug counseling with rising demand. Learn about the role, meet state requirements, get certified through programs like InterCoast Colleges, and gain clinical experience. Contact us to jumpstart your career.
5 Reasons Why Addiction and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand
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...
Balancing the Scales: Mindfulness and Self-Care for Substance Use Disorder Counselors
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...
A Glimpse into the World of Alcohol and Drug Counseling: An Interview with Evangelia Kafcalas
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...
The Connection Between Mental Health Disorders and Addiction
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...
Is Drug and Alcohol Counseling a Good Career Choice?
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 11.7% of people over 12 use illegal drugs. Furthermore, reports show that 60.2% of Americans have substance use disorders. Unfortunately, drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States. If you are considering drug and alcohol counseling as a career to assist those suffering from...
7 Tips for Starting Your Education in Addiction Counseling
Imagine a job where you change not just one person’s life but multiple people’s lives for the better. Drug abuse has a ripple effect that spreads widely from the addict to their friends and family to their coworkers and beyond. When you help someone overcome drug addiction, you contribute positively to that ripple effect. An...










