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Organization Chemical Dependency Professionals of Washington State Washington State Department of Health
Address Alpine Recovery Services
16404 Smokey Pt. Blvd Ste. 109
Arlington, WA 98223		 Town Center 2 
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone # (360) 658-1388 (360) 236-4700
Website http://www.cdpws.net/ Click Here
National Affiliate NAADAC NAADAC

Washington is one of only a few states that isn’t affiliated with IC&RC for substance abuse certification. They do have a presence with prevention certification at http://www.pscbw.com/Pages/default.aspx. Washington also doesn’t seem to offer as many levels or specializations of accreditation. The credentials listed on the state website are Chemical Dependency Professional and Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee. You can see the certification requirements here.

Salaries in Washington are very closely aligned with the national average.

Average Salaries

Welcome to the Washington Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Guide, your comprehensive resource to help you navigate the certification process, understand employment opportunities, and grow your career as a certified substance abuse counselor in Washington state. Whether you’re just starting or seeking to advance your credentials, this guide will provide everything you need to achieve your certification goals.

Why Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Washington?

Washington state has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis and rising rates of alcohol and drug addiction. According to the Washington State Department of Health, there were over 1,200 opioid overdose deaths in 2022 alone. With addiction-related issues continuing to rise, certified substance abuse counselors play a critical role in helping individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.

With a growing demand for addiction counselors, obtaining your certification in Washington opens the door to fulfilling career opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact in your community.

Washington Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Levels

Certification in Washington is governed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Here are the primary certification levels available:

  1. Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP): The standard certification for those looking to work as independent addiction counselors in Washington.
  2. Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDP-T): This entry-level certification is for individuals still working toward meeting the full education and experience requirements for the SUDP credential.

Educational Requirements for SUDP and SUDP-T

To qualify for certification, you must meet specific educational standards based on the certification level you’re pursuing:

  • SUDP-T: Requires a high school diploma or GED and enrollment in an approved substance use disorder education program. Coursework should cover key topics such as:
    • Counseling techniques
    • Chemical dependency and treatment
    • Professional ethics
  • SUDP: Requires an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, counseling, or social work), plus 45 quarter credits or 30 semester credits in substance use disorder counseling from an approved program.

Approved Schools in Washington:

  • Eastern Washington University
  • Seattle University
  • Bellevue College

These schools offer programs tailored to meet Washington’s certification requirements.

Experience Requirements

Clinical experience is essential to achieving full certification:

  • SUDP-T: Requires no prior experience but must complete supervised experience hours while in the trainee position.
  • SUDP: Requires 2,500 hours of supervised experience working directly with individuals with substance use disorders.

Supervised experience must be obtained under the direction of a certified SUDP or other licensed healthcare professional.

Where to Get Experience:

  • Evergreen Recovery Centers in Everett, WA
  • Sound Behavioral Health in Seattle, WA
  • Seattle Counseling Service in Seattle, WA

These centers offer supervised clinical opportunities and internships to help you accumulate your required hours.

Certification Exams

Once you meet the educational and experience requirements, you must pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam to obtain your SUDP certification.

Study Resources:

  • IC&RC Exam Preparation Guides
  • Practice Tests offered through organizations such as NAADAC or Evergreen Certification Programs.

Application Process

To apply for certification, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Application: Visit the Washington Department of Health website to download the application for SUDP or SUDP-T certification.
  2. Submit Documentation: Provide proof of your education, supervised hours, and exam results.
  3. Pay Application Fees: Fees vary depending on the certification level:
    • SUDP: Approximately $100 for the application and initial certification.
    • SUDP-T: Similar fee structure but with lower fees for trainees.
  4. Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted online or via mail to the Washington State Department of Health.

Employment Opportunities in Washington

Washington’s diverse healthcare landscape offers a variety of employment opportunities for substance abuse counselors. Below are some of the top agencies hiring certified professionals in the state:

1. Evergreen Recovery Centers

  • Position: Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • Phone: (425) 259-5842
  • Website: https://evergreenrc.org/
  • Location: 2732 Grand Ave, Everett, WA 98201

2. Sound Behavioral Health

  • Position: Addiction Counselor
  • Phone: (206) 302-2300
  • Website: https://www.sound.health/
  • Location: 6400 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188

3. Seattle Counseling Service

4. Recovery Centers of King County

5. Valley Cities Behavioral Health

  • Position: Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional
  • Phone: (253) 833-7444
  • Website: https://www.valleycities.org/
  • Location: 325 W Gowe St, Kent, WA 98032

Salary Expectations and Career Outlook in Washington

Substance abuse counselors in Washington typically earn between $48,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and certification level. Those with higher-level certifications, such as SUDP, can expect higher salaries and greater career advancement opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to grow significantly in Washington due to ongoing public health efforts and the state’s focus on addiction recovery services.

Continuing Education and Renewal

To maintain your certification, you’ll need to renew every two years:

  • CEU Requirements: You are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 6 hours focused on ethics.
  • CEU Providers in Washington:
    • Washington State Society of Addiction Medicine (WSSAM)
    • NAADAC for online CEU options

Renewal Process:

  1. Complete the required CEUs.
  2. Submit proof of continuing education through the Washington Department of Health website.
  3. Pay the renewal fee, typically around $90 to $150.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does becoming a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington take?
It typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete the required education and experience for SUDP certification, depending on whether you have prior work experience or education.

2. Can I complete my education and certification online?
Several institutions offer online education programs that meet Washington’s certification requirements. However, supervised clinical hours must be completed in person.

3. How much does getting certified as an SUDP in Washington cost?
The total cost, including education, exams, and application fees, typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your program and whether you need to retake exams.

4. Is Washington certification transferable to other states?
Yes, Washington’s certification may be transferable to states participating in IC&RC reciprocity agreements. However, you must check specific state requirements for any additional steps.

5. How do I find a clinical supervisor for my hours?
You can find approved clinical supervisors through the Washington State Department of Health or at local addiction recovery centers like Evergreen Recovery Centers or Sound Behavioral Health.

Additional Resources for Washington Substance Abuse Counselors

Mental Health and Addiction in Washington

Washington continues to battle high rates of substance use disorder, particularly in rural areas where access to treatment is limited. According to the Washington State Health Care Authority, over 90,000 people received substance use treatment services in 2022, with a significant number also experiencing co-occurring mental health disorders. Addiction counselors in Washington play a crucial role in addressing both substance use and mental health challenges, offering comprehensive treatment and support to those in need.

Conclusion

Becoming a certified Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington is a rewarding career path that allows you to significantly impact your community by helping individuals overcome addiction. With an ever-growing demand