Experience for counseling positions
I have a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology. I cannot get a job in my field because I do not have any hands on experience in counseling or any other mental health experience(except for my own personal experience.) I would really like to have a position in a Medication Assisted Treatment(MATS) facility. As a counselor or a Peer Recovery Specialist. Where do I go to get the training that most positions require. It is generally a minimum of 2 years working in the field. I am willing and ready to apply for any type of certification I may need, however, without the actual hands on training, I am ineligible for most positions. I am also willing to volunteer at a facility that encourages MATS and Peer Support Specialists, but cannot seem to find any volunteer opportunities either. If anyone can steer me in the right direction, I would very much appreciate the help. Thank you.
There are many, many "halfway-houses" that always need help. Some are volunteer, others paid. Many of the larger treatment centers, once hired, may offer training or pay for certification. In the Northeast(NH) there are limited training facilities, but they are there. I would check out ANY halfway house; they are in every city, sometimes it just takes some fancy searching.
Elizabeth, I don't know where you live, but some addiction centers have internships that are paid. Additionally, if you want to be a Peer Counselor, Catholic Family and Child Services (in almost every area), offers these types of positions for Bachelor's level candidates. You would get on-the-job training and be paid! (Although run by the Diocese, you do not have to be Catholic to work there.) You will get more experience in mental health case management there, but there are many clients who have co-occurring disorders, so you would still gain that experience, as well. You might also ask to work for a therapist in private practice who specializes in addictions, using him/her as a mentor and gaining experience in the field. Hope this helps!