TPC_Journal Digests_Volume_2_Issue_1

The counseling specialty system has been criticized by arguing that a counseling specialty only defines a practice area. The addiction area is one such area of specialization and the only one focused on a specific DSM-IV-TR disorder class that comes with a separate licensure/credentialing process. The professionalization of addiction counseling strengthened the field and provided a higher-quality of care for those struggling with addiction. However, the authors argue that the licensure/certification process inherent within that professionalization reinforced the notion that addiction falls outside the scope of practice for professional counselors. The authors believe that there is a critical need to recalibrate the licensure/certification process as it pertains to professional counselors and addiction work. Furthermore, the authors believe that the imbedded message in the current licensure/ credentialing process (due to the separate addiction counseling licensure/certification track) is that licensed professional counselors cannot and/or should not do addiction work. For instance, the authors underscore that the original high standards (e.g. upwards of 3,000 hours of clinical A b s t r a c t This article addresses the obstacles of effectively integrating addiction counseling into a nationwide definition of professional counseling scope of practice. The article covers an overview of issues, specific licensure and credentialing frameworks in two U.S. states, and recommendations to effectively bridge the gap between professional and addiction counseling. A ddiction C ounseling L icensure I ssues for L icensed P rofessional C ounselors Keith Morgen Geri Miller LoriAnn S. Stretch TPC Digest TPC Journal Volume 2 Issue 1