(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Chemical Dependency Counseling program at Texas State Technical College emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between peer support and the job that TSTC’s program trains its students for: to be substance abuse disorder counselors.
“Peer support specialists focus on providing emotional support, sharing personal recovery experiences and helping clients navigate community resources to support their recovery journey,” April Hernandez, a TSTC Chemical Dependency Counseling instructor, said. “Substance abuse disorder counselors are responsible for conducting clinical assessments, providing individual and group counseling, and developing treatment plans that address the client’s needs and support long-term recovery goals.”
Hernandez said it is important to distinguish between the two in treatment settings.
“One of the key risks (in peer support) is that clients may feel pressured to follow the same recovery path as the counselor — especially if the counselor shares personal experiences,” she said. “As a substance abuse disorder counselor, you are ethically bound to support multiple pathways to recovery, regardless of your own beliefs or experiences.”
Jamie Thompson, one of TSTC’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program instructors, talked about some of the training that the program provides.
“Through simulations, case studies, practicum placement and supervised clinical hours, our students are trained to conduct assessments, make diagnoses, deliver interventions, and perform tasks that must be carried out by licensed clinical professionals,” she said.
Connie Schaaf is director of alignment and program team lead for TSTC’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program.
“Choosing between peer support or becoming a substance abuse disorder counselor depends on whether you want to help others through personal experiences or if you prefer a structured role that requires advanced education,” she said.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and two certificates of completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling, all fully online.
According to onetonline.org, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earn a median annual salary of $60,630 a year in Texas. The number of these jobs was projected to increase 27% in the state from 2022 to 2032.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.