How to become a psychologist specializing in substance abuse?

i need to know a few things, first, wut is the salary of psychologist who specialize in substance abuse patients? do they usually work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or can they work in private places as well? also, what are some colleges in the united states that i can get a license and degree to work? i guess really i jus need any info u can give about psychologist who work with substanec abuse patients.

Hi,

The best course would be to go to college and major in psychology. This is offered at pretty much any college in the US. To be a licensed therapist (psychologist), you will also need to go to graduate school to get your Master's degree in psychology. There are thousands of schools that offer Master's degrees, so you'll have no problem finding one.

To specialize in substance abuse, the best thing to do would probably be to get certified in addictions counseling or addictions studies. This will vary from state to state, but here in California, we have a state board which certifies you. The program is only one year, and you can do it combined with college so you have a specialty in substance abuse.

Most therapists/psychologists only get the substance abuse training every other therapist gets while in college. It will be up to you to figure out what extra certifications your state offers. I don't know where you live, but you can try a Google search to figure out what your state's certification board is, or if there even is one.

Oh, and the average salary for an addictions counselor is between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. The average salary for a therapist is between $50,000 and $100,000 I'd say, depending on where you work. As a licensed therapist you can work in hospitals, treatment centers, rehabilitation centers, private practice, psych wards, schools, jails, or counseling centers. If you do get a specialty in substance abuse, you will be in much higher demand specifically by hospitals, treatment, and rehabs.

Good luck to you!!!