TPC_Journal Digests_Volume_2_Issue_1

work/supervision) now require recalibration that takes into account professionals desiring to work in the addiction profession with graduate counselor training (as opposed to a high school diploma or GED which was historically, for the longest time, the predominant educational background for those working in the addiction profession). Currently, professional counselors entering the addiction counseling profession with a graduate counseling degree may be required to complete additional training requirements dating back to a prior era. However, under today’s standards for a counseling graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) these mandates seem excessive and possibly even redundant. Two remedies for the licensure/credentialing problems are presented. One possible solution is to develop a tiered system of addiction counseling credentials at a national level that takes into account professional experience as well as educational training. The other possible solution covers the standardization of training that addresses the theoretical and practical skills required of an addiction counselor nationwide. The authors believe that there is a critical need to recalibrate the licensure/certification process as it pertains to professional counselors and addiction work. TPC Digest