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The role of recovery coaches in Virginia is instrumental in providing vital support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
In Virginia, recovery coaches serve as valuable guides and mentors, empowering and motivating clients, and helping them navigate their recovery journey with confidence and determination.
This article aims to delve into the field of recovery coaching in Virginia, shedding light on the necessary steps to become a professional recovery coach.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for a Professional Recovery Coach in Virginia
You need to know that recovery coaches do not act as therapists and do not offer treatment.
Recovery coaches in Virginia are assisting people in recovery, and helping them formulate a plan that is sustainable long-term.
The role of a recovery coach in Virginia entails a wide range of crucial responsibilities, each contributing to the overall support provided to individuals seeking to overcome addiction:
Education and Life Skills:
A recovery coach plays a vital role in educating clients about essential life skills necessary for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
This includes imparting knowledge on communication, stress management, and developing healthy routines.
Goal Setting and Action Planning:
Collaborating closely with clients, recovery coaches assist in establishing realistic goals and developing actionable plans to achieve them.
By identifying personal strengths and available resources, coaches help clients navigate their recovery journey with a clear roadmap.
Accountability and Support
Recovery coaches hold clients accountable for their actions and commitments, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to their recovery goals.
Safety and Well-being
The well-being of clients is of utmost importance to recovery coaches in Virginia.
They conduct regular safety checks and wellness assessments to ensure clients’ overall physical and emotional health.
Access to Resources
Recovery coaches play a crucial role in connecting clients with additional recovery resources.
Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Virginia
If you want to become a recovery coach in Virginia, you need to take these steps:
1. Education
Get a high school diploma or GED.
2. Practical Experience
Get practical experience by doing volunteer work or getting hired in an addiction recovery center.
This practical experience enables you to obtain the needed skills to assist people in their recovery process.
3. Get certified
In Virginia, the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential offers a certification program tailored to individuals who possess personal experience with substance use or mental health challenges.
The certification is issued by the Virginia Certification Board.
To obtain the CPRS credential, applicants must fulfill the next requirements:
Completion of CPRS Training
Prospective candidates are required to complete a 72-hour CPRS training program that has been approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
This comprehensive training equips individuals with the essential knowledge and competencies needed for effective peer recovery support.
Passing the IC&RC Examination
As part of the certification process, applicants must pass the IC&RC Examination for Peer Recovery Specialists (PR examination).
This examination evaluates their understanding of key concepts and practices related to peer recovery support.
Peer Recovery Experience
Candidates must have accumulated a minimum of 500 hours of volunteer or paid peer recovery experience.
This practical experience allows individuals to apply their skills and make a positive impact on the recovery journey of others.
Lived Experience with Recovery
Applicants need to have personal experience with recovery.
4. Continued Learning
Keep up to date with the latest industry advancements by going to workshops, and searching for learning opportunities.
Training For Professional Recovery Coaches in Virginia
The training options for these professionals can be seen below.
Ed2Go 
This organization offers online training through the Adult Learning Center in Virginia Beach.
The class has 60 hours spanning 6 months, which you can complete at your own pace.
It cost $1,695 and unfortunately, students can’t get any aid because there are no credit hours to accumulate by attending the class.
A Certificate of Completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Strength in Grace 
This organization offers more classes than just professional recovery coaches.
Some of them even offer credit hours that can be used for further training if needed.
The program you’re looking for is called “Recovery Coach/Life Coach.”
It has 2 parts:
- Several hours of in-person training
- 16 clinical training hours
Naloxone training is also included in the course.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ed2Go | 5100 Cleveland Street Virginia Beach, VA 23462 |
| Strength in Grace | online |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Virginia
The earning potential for recovery coaches in Virginia is influenced by a variety of factors, with experience playing a crucial role in shaping income levels.
The median income for professional recovery coaches in Virginia is around $34,131 per year.
As recovery coaches gain more years of experience, their expertise and reputation grow, leading to increased opportunities for higher earnings.
Another factor that can impact income potential is the specific region within Virginia where a recovery coach operates.
To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the income potential for recovery coaches in Virginia, we have compiled a detailed table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington | $38,224 |
| Alexandria | $38,224 |
| Annandale | $38,224 |
| Reston | $38,115 |
| Centreville | $38,087 |
| Fredericksburg | $38,052 |
| Oakpark | $35,882 |
| Petersburg | $34,200 |
| Richmond | $33,918 |
| Bowling Green | $33,712 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | 50 | $65,850 | $31.66 | $83,650 | $47,330 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 70 | $65,710 | $31.59 | $127,520 | $33,620 |
| Richmond, VA | 240 | $60,340 | $29.01 | $85,000 | $37,720 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 240 | $60,800 | $29.23 | $79,840 | $39,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are professional recovery coaches similar to healthcare professionals?
Recovery coaches do not engage in diagnosing or treating individuals, as their role differs from that of therapists or healthcare professionals.
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in Virginia?
Any occupation is better suited for a certain set of skills.
Professional recovery coaches in Virginia need:
- Very strong interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Very strong communication skills
- Organization skills
- Commitment
Where Does a Professional Recovery Coach Work in Virginia?
These professionals can work in countless different recovery settings, such as:
- Treatment centers
- Alcohol and drug abuse services centers
- Detox centers
- Psychosocial rehab programs
- Inpatient clinics
- Community mental health agencies
- Nonprofit community organizations
- Veterans hospitals
- State and local governments
- Recovery courts
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State