A professional recovery coach, (also known as a peer support specialist), is someone that is in recovery themselves.
They receive specialized training to help others with mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders.
A recovery coach provides guidance, support, mentoring, and other services to help people new to the recovery journey.
While the recovery coach is an integral part of the clinical team, they are not a therapist, nor do they diagnose clients or prescribe medication.
However, they can act as an advocate, help in developing goals, boost confidence, give referrals, and conduct recovery groups.
Being a recovery specialist can be an extremely rewarding job for the right person.
The job takes a lot of empathy, patience, and organization.
If you live in Louisiana and think you might like to pursue this profession, read on for some useful information.
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Steps To Becoming A Professional Recovery Coach In Louisiana
In order to become a professional recovery coach in Louisiana, you must meet certain requirements.
Following the steps below will help you toward your goal of working as a recovery coach.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have personal lived experience, and at least 12 months of continuous sobriety.
- Complete the core peer support specialist training given by the Louisiana Department of Health, or other state-approved entity.
- Pass the certification exam.
- Apply for your certificate.
- Sign the code of ethics.
Once you receive your certificate, you can begin your job search.
The LDH is happy to act as a referral service with leads.
Schools/Programs That Offer Professional Recovery Coach Training
1. The Office Of Behavioral Health 
About The Center
The Office of Behavioral Health supports the community by providing a range of community services, including children’s vaccines, suicide prevention services, counseling, awareness campaigns, early childhood services, support groups, and peer support.
About The Program
The Office of Behavioral Health offers a peer recovery coach training program several times a year.
The program is 2 weeks long and is a total of 76 hours.
It is free to anyone that meets the criteria of having a high school diploma and has at least 12 months of sobriety.
Topics of instruction include recovery principles, the recovery process, communication skills, community support, cultural competency, trauma informed care, and ethics.
Address: 628 N. 4th St.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Phone: (255)3422540
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/subhome/10
2. The Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery 
About The Center
The Copeland Center for Wellness is a group of nationwide centers that helps to train and educate individuals that wish to improve their understanding of certain health issues and help those that struggle with them.
They provide training, seminars, workshops, retreats, and speakers.
About The Program
Copeland provides a 2 week program for recovery coaches, in keeping with the standards of the Louisiana Department of Mental Health.
They use their patented and proven method of instruction called WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan).
The course is taught by peer instructors that use modeling as a way to teach new coaches.
Address: 628 N. 4th St.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Phone: (255)3429500
Website: https://copelandcenter.com
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Louisiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Office Of Behavioral Health | 628 N. 4th St.Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, USA |
| The Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery | 628 N. 4th St. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, USA |
Salary For A Professional Recovery Coach In Louisiana
The average salary for a recovery specialist/coach in Louisiana is $32,648 per year.
However, many coaches in the state see salaries around $36,000.
How much you actually make will depend on your experience, employer, location, and frankly, your reputation.
If you are an awesome coach, word will spread and you will be in demand.
The highest salaries for recovery coaches are seen in the cities of New Orleans, Marrero, and Kenner.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Louisiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $33,617 |
| Baton Rouge | $32,270 |
| Shreveport | $31,569 |
| Lafayette | $31,307 |
| Lake Charles | $31,115 |
| Kenner | $33,599 |
| Bossier City | $31,569 |
| Monroe | $30,924 |
| Alexandria | $30,423 |
| New Iberia | $31,124 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 40 | $48,170 | - NA - | $74,240 | $25,390 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 450 | $77,830 | - NA - | $174,410 | $19,670 |
| Hammond, LA | 60 | $45,490 | - NA - | $84,540 | $19,680 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 80 | $38,350 | - NA - | $54,360 | $16,490 |
| Lafayette, LA | 240 | $81,790 | - NA - | $79,500 | $23,820 |
| Monroe, LA | 180 | $53,980 | - NA - | $82,320 | $23,800 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 500 | $108,730 | - NA - | $177,130 | $20,510 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 90 | $42,620 | - NA - | $63,910 | $17,090 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a recovery coach do?
Recovery coaches provide support and mentoring to people in recovery.
Their main duties include role modeling, advocacy, and providing resources.
Where can people work as recovery coaches in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, recovery coaches can work in hospitals, in patient treatment centers, detox clinics, and for private therapists.
Coaches in Louisiana are also often employed by The Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery and The Louisiana Behavioral Health Department.
What do recovery coaches in Louisiana need to do to renew their certificate?
Recovery coaches must take at least 10 continuing education units each year in order to keep their certification current.
Send proof of the courses, along with the cost of renewal, and a new certificate will be sent out.
Do recovery coaches wear uniforms?
In most facilities, a recovery coach will dress in a business casual fashion.
Some facilities may require employees to wear a polo with the company logo.
Other facilities, like private practices, may allow more casual styles of dress, like jeans and sneakers.
Are recovery coaches/specialists, therapists or counselors?
No.
A recovery coach is not a licensed therapist or counselor.
They do not provide a diagnosis, and they cannot prescribe medication or a treatment plan to clients.
However, being a recovery coach is a great start if you are interested in becoming an addiction counselor.
