Designed to help the counselor - therapist interested in becoming a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) in the State of Washington

Becoming a CDP:
Chemical Dependency Professional
Required Education and Training
In Washington State
 

CDP Question: I am a CDP (chemical dependency professional) with years of experience in chemical dependency programs.  Why can't I use my CDP in marketing my private practice?

The Washington State law regulating CDP counselors reads:

When the state legislature created the Chemical Dependency Professional credential, there was a restriction placed on it. The CDP can only be used in conjunction with a licensed chemical dependency provider (treatment program). I think all those chemical dependency programs around the state were afraid that their employees would all run out and start their private practices in competition and urged the restriction.

There isn't anything else like it in the counseling field.  On one hand, it seems dumb and on the other it makes sense.  Until recently, there was no degree requirement to counsel in the CD field (to encourage employment of recovering persons).  All too many  CDPs are not prepared by experience or education to provide chemical dependency counseling outside the structure and supervision of a treatment facility.

So, only if you are a Washington State licensed chemical dependency PROVIDER (facility) or in conjunction with your work in such a licensed program can you use the CDP acronym or title.  Evidently there is no way to legally use the CDP in your private practice marketing--website, stationery, advertising, or business cards--nor use the title Chemical Dependency Profession.

Contact the quality assurance office for additional information or clarification.  [ Send an email to Health Profession Quality Assurance. ]

It appears that counselors in private practice can advertise saying that they have extensive experience in chemical dependency counseling--just don't use CDP title or acronym.

Question: I have a masters degree in mental health counseling.  What do I need to do to become a Chemical Dependency Professional?

The Washington State Department of Health CDP Program is THE informational resource for understanding what it takes to become a certified Chemical Dependency Professional in Washington State. Their website contains contact information, free downloads, and lists the general requirements applied to persons entering the field.

You are going to be required to take a number of chemical dependency related courses.  These are offered at community colleges which offer an Associate of Arts degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling.  These are freshman and sophomore  level courses, so the class work is not as difficult as graduate work, but the approach is markedly different than the mental health approach to addiction and the knowledge is absolutely essential to working in a chemical dependency treatment program.

This is also one of those rare situations when being a recovering alcoholic or drug addict can be beneficial.  And the hours spent in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, NA meetings or CODA (Co-Dependents Anonymous) meetings, or Al-Anon (for family & friends of alcoholics/addict) meetings can greatly help develop the depth of your understanding and promote your acceptance by future patients.

Obtaining the CDP requires passing a national examination and completing 2,500 hours of supervised internship.  Candidates with a Masters Degree only need to do 1,500 hours of internship.  The requirements for an approved supervisor are different that those for mental health counselor supervisors and require that the supervisor be a CDP.

In the regular program, after the first 1,500 hours interns often become paid employees--though at a lower pay rate than fully qualified CDPs.  Just guessing, but with the shortage of CDPs, persons with masters degrees should be able to negotiate for a salary of some kind.  But please don't take my word for it.  Before entering the substance abuse education track, go out and interview at least three potential employers (CD treatment programs) to find out actual market conditions in that geographic area.

Also note that the CDP designation, Chemical Dependency Professional Certification, can only be used while working as a an employee of an approved agency--not by persons in private practice.

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