What does an approved alcohol and drug supervisor need to be?

An approved alcohol and drug supervisor must be a certified professional counselor because this credential signifies that the individual has met specific educational and experiential standards necessary to provide clinical supervision in the field of substance abuse treatment. Certified professional counselors possess the training required to understand the complexities of addiction, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices, making them well-qualified to oversee the work of counselors in this specialized area.

In contrast, while registered nurses, unlicensed therapists, and social workers may have valuable skills and knowledge in healthcare and social services, they do not hold the specific qualifications that are tailored to the role of a supervisor in alcohol and drug counseling as defined by Maryland state law. Only certified professional counselors are recognized for their specialized training and competence in providing supervision within the context of substance abuse treatment.