How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Massachusetts

Recovery coaches play a vital role in providing essential non-clinical assistance to individuals who are striving to overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting recovery.

As a recovery coach in Massachusetts, your objective is to offer guidance to people undergoing addiction treatment.

Your responsibility is to empower and motivate patients, equipping them with the necessary tools to overcome substance dependency and lead fulfilling lives in recovery.

This article aims to explore the field of recovery coaching, providing insights on how to pursue a rewarding career in this profession.

Job Description of a Professional Recovery Coach in Massachusetts

You should know that recovery coaches do not engage in diagnosing or treating individuals, as their role differs from that of therapists.

The primary focus of a recovery coach is to provide support and guidance to clients, helping them work toward sustainable recovery.

Recovery coaches can work with individuals struggling with various forms of addiction.

The key responsibilities of a recovery coach include:

• Educating clients on essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning, that contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
• Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
• Conducting regular safety and wellness checks to ensure clients’ well-being throughout their recovery journey.
• Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable for their actions and commitments.
• Facilitating access to additional recovery resources, such as support groups, counseling services, or vocational training, based on individual needs.
• Safeguarding client confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA guidelines to maintain their privacy and establish trust.
• Meeting with clients and their families to provide comprehensive support and address any challenges or concerns that may arise.

Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Massachusetts

If you want to become a recovery coach in Massachusetts, here are the steps to take:

1. Obtain a High School Diploma

Having a high school diploma is a fundamental requirement for entering this profession.

Alternatively, you can obtain a GED certificate as an equivalent qualification.

2. Gain Practical Experience:

Practical experience is crucial in developing the necessary skills and competence as a recovery coach.

Contemplate volunteering at recovery centers to get practical experience and further understand the dynamics of the industry.

3. Get certification

You need to attend a recovery coach training program and receive accreditation.

The CCAR Recovery Coach Academy is a well-recognized organization that offers training.

You will need a high school diploma to become a certified recovery coach.

You will also need to complete higher education training offered by a recognized organization.

Candidates must pass the training program of their choice.

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health requires that candidates submit an application and pay a certification fee.

4. Maintain Sobriety

To embark on a career as a recovery coach in Massachusetts, it is mandatory to have achieved a minimum of one year of sobriety.

This requirement ensures that individuals possess personal experience in overcoming addiction before assuming the responsibility of assisting others in their recovery journey.

Practical experience holds significant value in addition to formal training and licensing when aiming to become a qualified recovery coach.

Volunteering at recovery centers and similar organizations provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and further hone the necessary skills in the field.

Moreover, recommendations from professionals in the industry can greatly strengthen your credentials as a recovery coach.

Endorsements and testimonials from counselors, therapists, or supervisors serve as a valuable testament to your competence, dedication, and ability to provide effective support to individuals seeking recovery.

Training and Education Opportunities in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, individuals seeking certification as recovery coaches have a range of options to choose from.

It is important to note that training programs in this state are accredited by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBASCC).

Recovery Coach Academy

The training program offered here has a duration of 5 days.

This program is sponsored by the MA Department of Public Health, the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services & AdCare Educational Institute, Inc.

The cost related to the training is $125.

National Association of Addiction Professionals

Through NAAP, you can earn several certificates:

• National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice
• Recovery to Practice (RTP) Certificate Program
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders & SUD Certificate
• Adolescent Treatment and Recovery Certificate
• Women in Recovery Certificate
• Advances in Technology in the Addiction Profession Certificate
• Addiction Treatment in Military & Veteran Culture Certificate
• Clinical Supervision in the Addiction Profession Certificate

Individuals cannot practice in any of these fields without becoming certified or licensed afterward.

The different programs offered have different requirements to enroll as well as different durations.

Some of them may take place in person while others online.

Furthermore, not all of them have practicum hours included or do not have the same number of practicums.

Salary Outlook for Recovery Coaches in Massachusetts

When choosing a career, it is common to have a curiosity about the financial prospects it entails.

In Massachusetts, recovery coaches can anticipate a projected annual income of $37,369.

However, your income may be affected by your experience, location, and employer.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Professional Recovery Coach by State