How to Find a New York State Certified Substance-Abuse Counselor

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2008 that nearly 75 percent of illicit drug users are employed. However, these drug addicts change jobs often, have high absentee levels and often file for worker's compensation.



New York State provides three types of credentials for alcohol and substance-abuse counselors. Employers who wish to provide a drug-free workplace and individuals may seek treatment from these certified New York professionals.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the credentialing process. New York State's Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services credentials substance-abuse counselors on three levels -- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance-Abuse Counselors (CASAC) work directly with individuals who are abusing drugs; Credentialed Prevention Professionals (CPP) and Credentialed Prevention Specialists (CPS) serve in employment settings to prevent the use of alcohol or controlled substances in the workplace. Choose the professional based on the type of service you need.

• 2

  Compile a list of professionals from a professional directory or database. The Employee Assistance Program-Substance Abuse Program offers listings for abuse counselors in New York and the other 50 states. The U.S. Department of Health also offers a substance-abuse facility locator that contains information about treatment facilities in the 50 states.

• 3

  Gather the names of professionals using referrals from a medical doctor or a medical health plan provider. Ask your primary physician for the names of substance-abuse counselors in your area. Contact your health care provider for a list of substance-abuse counselors.

• 4

  Check the names you have compiled against the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to see which ones are credentialed CASAC, CPP or CPS professionals. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has an online verification search where you can determine whether a professional is listed in the database of credentialed professionals.

• 5

  Choose a professional whose name appears in the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services database and who can offer the type of service your require. Call the professional and confirm that she offers the services sought. Reconfirm that she is credentialed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.