An Alcohol and Drug Counselor Training Program: Hazelden Foundation's Trainee Characteristics and Outcomes

Abstract

Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minnesota has a year-long chemical dependency counselor training program which graduates twenty to twenty-five counselors each year. This study introduces the Minnesota Model of chemical dependency treatment, describes the Hazelden Counselor Training Program, and summarizes trainee characteristics and survey follow-up findings of 100 former trainees. The Minnesota Model is a multidisciplinary treatment approach that uses Alcoholics Anonymous principles as primary treatment adjuncts. Hazelden's Counselor Training Program is a year-long nondegreed work-study experience that prepares counselors to work at an entry level in alcohol and drug treatment settings using the Minnesota Model. It is accredited by the Institute for Chemical Dependency Professionals of Minnesota, Inc. Most graduates had experienced alcoholism directly or indirectly prior to entering training, were satisfied with their training, and were more likely to be satisfied with their work as counselors if they were certified or had a professional commitment to the field.