How to Become an Addictions Counselor

LADC licensure ensures that you meet specific educational and clinical requirements and adhere to ethical and professional standards. The field of addiction counseling offers not only a rewarding career in terms of helping individuals but also competitive compensation for licensed alcohol and drug counselors. Northwestern students completing their practicum learn through observation as well as direct client contact, indirect client contact, and supervision contact. By contrast, internships are designed to provide students with advanced, hands-on training.

What Are My Passions and Top Skills as a Counselor?

Finally, applicants must provide passing scores on the NCC AP’s NCAC Level II exam, pay a non-refundable initial credentialing fee of $235, and then be prepared to pay $200 every two years after that for licensure renewal. Renewals must also include evidence of 40 CEU hours, a verifiable work history for the past two years, and a signed statement affirming adherence to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics. The process to become a MAC typically takes two to three years depending on the individual’s prior education and experience. After completing their degree requirements, applicants must then obtain two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience working with clients with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders. Finally, applicants must pass both the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination and the Addiction Counseling Exam administered by NBCC. Substance abuse counselor certification is an important credential for individuals who are pursuing a career in the field of substance abuse counseling.

• To become certified as a CCDP-D, an individual must complete an approved training program, pass a written exam, and submit proof of relevant clinical experience.
• The cost for obtaining either certification varies depending on the training program chosen.
• According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, there will be 428,500 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US by 2031, up from 351,000 in 2021.
• The individual verifying supervision cannot be related to the applicant and cannot be the same individual providing the professional endorsement.
• This means that they do not negate your responsibility to complete the official credentialing process within the state you plan to practice.
• You must have a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

How to Become an Addiction Counselor

Once these requirements are met, applicants must then pass the National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) exam administered by NAADAC. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of individuals who specialize in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. The CADC credential is awarded by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), an international organization that sets standards for alcohol and drug counselors. To become certified, individuals must meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements. Graduates with certifications like CADC and LADC have a wide range of career opportunities available in the field of substance abuse and addiction counseling.

Counselor Licensing and Certification Boards by State

This page covers what a counselor does, common counseling specializations and frequently asked questions about the career path. Read on to learn about the various counseling specialties and how to pick the best one for you. Addiction can be a life-altering challenge, disrupting not only personal well-being but also the substance abuse counseling fabric of families and communities. LADCs play an instrumental role in this narrative, as they are equipped with the expertise and compassion needed to guide individuals toward sobriety and healthier lives. The need Posson speaks of is also often highlighted in the national news as well as in official health research.

• This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting the high demand for these services.
• These often denote specialized addiction treatment skills gained through more targeted education and work experience.
• Some require lengthy periods in which burgeoning counselors must work under close supervision.
• Northwestern students completing their practicum learn through observation as well as direct client contact, indirect client contact, and supervision contact.

Do you have to be licensed to work as a substance abuse counselor?

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)

• Inpatient (meaning you stay at a hospital or treatment program overnight for a few days or weeks)This is usually for people needing 24-hour care for their mental health or drug or alcohol misuse.
• This licensure level can be attained with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or greater.
• The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Drug and Alcohol Counselors and discuss how they can help advance a Drug and Alcohol Counselor’s career.
• In such cases, taking courses or attending workshops related to addiction counseling may be sufficient.
• You will need to research these terms in relation to your specific state to gain a better understanding of the credentialing opportunities available to you.
• The expansion of healthcare coverage and the ongoing need for mental health and addiction treatment are key factors contributing to this increased demand.

Certified Chemical Dependency Professional(CCDP)