The Value of Certification in the Era of Licensure: An Exploratory Study of Professional Identity Development in Alcohol and Drug Professionals. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simons, Lori; Haas, Deborah; Massella, John; Young, Jared; Toth, Paul
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism treatment quarterly. Volume 35:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: alcohol and drug counselors -- professional identity development -- certification -- licensure -- roles and responsibilities; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 613.81
• DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2017.1288485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7324

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A total of 276 certified addiction professionals participated in an electronic survey about professional roles and responsibilities. A multivariate ANOVA was conducted to measure differences in professional responsibility, exposure to and comfort levels for counseling diverse consumers, and counseling approaches for alcohol and drug professionals with a certification, licensed, certification and licensure, and licensure and certification identity. Alcohol and drug professionals with a certification identity facilitated group counseling and used reinforcement techniques more often compared to professionals with a licensure and certification. Alcohol and drug counselors were less comfortable counseling consumers with mental health issues compared to alcohol and drug counselors with advanced training and other addiction professionals. The professional identity development of alcohol and drug counselors differs from professionals who are licensed/certified and other addiction professionals. Implications for state credentialing boards are discussed.