Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training
Start your journey in mental health
Are you passionate about helping people and making a positive impact?
Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training (SAC-IT) is an excellent starting point for individuals passionate about helping others overcome addiction. A Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training is an entry-level professional who provides support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
What You'll Do as a SAC-IT?
SAC-ITs work to understand the complexities of addiction, develop counseling skills, and help clients on their journey to recovery.
1. Support People in Recovery:
- Talk with clients one-on-one or in groups to help them through tough times.
- Offer encouragement and guidance as they work toward recovery.
2. Learn and Grow
- Assist with assessing clients’ needs and creating personalized recovery plans.
- Gain insights into addiction and mental health while learning from experienced professionals.
3. Educate and Advocate
- Teach clients about addiction, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
- Participate in local awareness campaigns to promote healthy choices.
4. Collaborate with a Team
- Work alongside supervisors, doctors, and community groups to support clients.
- Connect clients with resources like housing, jobs, or mental health services.
Why You’ll Love This Role
- You’ll Make a Real Difference: Helping people overcome addiction is life-changing—for them and for you. As a SAC-IT, you’ll guide individuals on their journey to recovery, empowering them to reclaim their lives and build brighter futures.
- Hands-On Experience: You’ll dive into meaningful work right away, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of licensed professionals. This on-the-job training helps you build the confidence and skills you’ll need to succeed.
- Be Part of Something Bigger: By educating and supporting your community, you’ll contribute to the broader mission of improving public health and tackling the challenges of addiction.
- Personal and Professional Growth: This role challenges you to grow emotionally and professionally. You’ll develop essential skills like communication, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork—qualities that will benefit you throughout your career.
What You Need to Get Started
No fancy degrees are required to start as a Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training! However, here’s what will help:
- High School Diploma: Basic requirement.
- Passion for Helping: Be empathetic and ready to make a difference.
- Training: Complete training with Loop Well in substance abuse prevention.
- A Willingness to Learn: Stay open to feedback and keep improving.
Where You’ll Work
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals and clinics
- Community health organizations
- Correctional facilities
- Nonprofit organizations
Why This Career Matters
The fight against substance abuse starts with prevention, and young leaders like you are key to driving change. By educating others and promoting healthy lifestyles, you’re helping create a better future for your community.
Job Growth Rate: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling (which includes Prevention Specialists) to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031 - much faster than the average for all occupations.
FAQs for Aspiring Prevention Specialists
SAC-ITs typically earn $30,000–$40,000 per year, with full SAC licensure opening the door to higher salaries of $45,000–$60,000+.
Yes! Many Prevention Specialists start part-time while completing training or education.
Absolutely! With rising awareness of mental health and substance abuse, there’s a growing need for prevention specialists.
Build confidence in public speaking, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork.
LoopWell’s Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training licensing program addresses the challenges pre-health students face in preparing for a healthcare career while expanding the scope of activities and experiences they can engage in to enhance their professional development. Discover more about our comprehensive 360° support for pre-health students by clicking here.
Click Here for details on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website.
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