Chemical Dependency Counselor License 2025

Each nation has its own set of rules governing licensure and offenses. There are numerous things to examine while considering whether or not licensure is possible.
On forms, you will be asked to declare whether or not you have a criminal record. If you respond ‘yes’ to this question, you may be required to complete extra forms and pay fees.
You may also be asked to present paperwork relating to the offense as well as rehabilitation steps performed as a result of it. You may be required to conduct interviews with the board in some situations.

Other factors influencing licensing include:
‥ Type of Felony – Depending on the nature of the crime, several states may ban a person from becoming a certified counselor. Those who have committed murder or sexual assault, for example, may be barred from working as a licensed counselor.

‥ Amount of time in rehabilitation – Some states may only grant licensure after an extended period of rehabilitation. They may require a large length of time to elapse between the time the offense was done and the time the license is given. It may take several years in some circumstances before it is approved. Licensing with contingencies: In some states, a person may be given licensing with a contingency in place. Someone who has a felony conviction, for example, may be forced to have another person watch their employment as a kind of continuous accountability.

‥ Type of licensing – Some states may be more lenient in terms of the types of licenses that can be obtained. This is frequently based on the assumption that those who have struggled with addiction or have criminal histories and have overcome adversity are excellent counselors because of their ability to connect with clients who have had similar experiences.

Addiction counselors can, in fact, bill insurance for their services. In order to do so, they must be certified, licensed, and recognized by their state. Addiction counselors may be needed to join a network of providers that is in-network with the insurance company, depending on the insurance company. In order to bill for their services, addiction counselors must also meet any standards specified by the insurance company.

Here are some steps you can take if you want to become a certified substance abuse counselor:

1. Get a degree
2. Complete the required supervised clinical practice hours.
3. Clear a background check
4. Obtain a federal or state license or certification.
5. Research job opportunities
6. Interview for a position as a substance abuse counselor
7. Continue developing your skills and knowledge

As of March 28, 2025, the average Chemical Dependency Counselor pay in the United States is $56,872, with a normal range of $50,003 to $64,260. Salary ranges can vary greatly depending on a variety of things, including schooling, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you have worked in your field.

Unless you are already licensed in another state and applying for reciprocity, you must begin as a counselor intern to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Currently, the only way to apply for a license in Texas is to fill out a paper application. They are currently working on an online application for LCDC counselor intern registration and LCDC licensure through reciprocity.

To apply, you must send to HHSC the necessary application forms, fees, and other documents. Before you may begin practicing or completing the requisite 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in Texas, you must first get a license or registration with HHSC. All documents and fees should be mailed to the address on the application form.

Applying for certification is a multi-step process that involves you to submit information and supporting evidence directly to the FCB as well as request material from others, who must then submit it directly to the FCB on your behalf. How to Apply;
1. If you don’t already have one, create an online account.
2. Create an electronic application for certification (from your online account).
-Complete all required fields of information.
-Upload required documents.
-Pay the certification fee.
3. Provide mandatory forms to eligible people to complete and submit to FCB on your behalf.

You could be an assistant, a licensed counselor (at two levels), a licensed independent licensed chemical dependency counselor LICDC, or a clinical supervisor, depending on your education and experience. A high school diploma or GED will satisfy for your educational requirements for the two chemical dependency counselor LICDC assistant levels. For your licensure, you will need to complete several dozen hours of continuing education classes. Reading through the state of Ohio license website, you’ll note that there is a minimum age requirement—18 years of age for the two CDCA levels. As you work your way up to the second CDCA phase level, you’ll discover that you need to have held Phase 1 for at least 10 months. A bachelor’s degree from a college or university is required to advance to the next level (Licensed chemical dependency counselor II, or LCDC II). An associate degree in nursing or behavioral science is required. At the very least, you’ll be able to move to this level in roughly two years—the time it takes to acquire an associate’s degree in behavioral science.
A bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or nursing is required for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III. You’ll also require 2,000 hours or one year of experience in chemical dependency counseling, either through an internship or compensated (paid) labor. You’ll also need to keep track of the hours you’ve put in.

An LAC must have a master’s degree in human services or behavioral science and 2,000 hours of supervised professional experience in substance addiction counseling.

You must begin as a counselor intern to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Currently, the only way to apply for a license in Texas is to fill out a paper application.

Each level has its own set of standards that candidates must achieve, but the key distinction is the amount of schooling required and the number of hours of supervised practice required to get their certificate.

Here are some options:

CAAC (Certified Associate Addiction Counselor)
This addiction certificate is not degree-required, has an international breadth and reciprocity, and meets state staffing requirements.

CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
A bachelor’s degree is required for this counseling certificate. Pennsylvania drug addiction counselors acquire an internationally recognized credential since the certification procedure is done in collaboration with the IC&RC.

CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor).
To qualify for this credential, candidates must have a Master’s degree or above, as well as pass the IC&RC exam.

Some systems allow counselors to begin their careers with only a one-year certificate rather than a degree.

Chemical dependence counselors, often known as addiction counselors, are lifelines for people who are addicted to alcohol, opioids, prescription prescriptions, and other drugs. They cannot administer medications or give therapy, but they can advocate for their patients and mentor them.

They help clients manage the physical and psychological difficulties that commonly accompany addictions, such as withdrawal symptoms and behavioral issues, by employing a number of methods. Their duties include everything from providing education and emotional support to referring patients to job placement services.

Here are the steps to take if you want to work as an addiction counselor.
STEP 1: Research your state’s counseling licensure or certification requirements.
STEP 2: Earn a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling.
STEP 3: Pass Exams and Participate in Supervised Field Experiences
STEP 4: Apply for State Licensure or Certification
STEP 5: Strengthen Your Education

Chemical dependency counselors, often known as addiction counselors, are lifelines for people who are addicted to alcohol, opioids, prescription prescriptions, and other drugs. They cannot administer medications or give therapy, but they can advocate for their patients and mentor them.

A licensed chemical dependency counselor is a trained practitioner who works with persons who have substance use disorders. LCDCs frequently work with their clients in therapy sessions to assist them learn about their mental health, addictions, and overall well-being. This professional’s typical responsibilities include:

-Individual and group sessions for patient counseling
-Giving mental health assistance
-Creating personalized treatment programs
-Determining the severity of a disorder
-Consultation with additional medical professionals
-Mental health and addiction education for patients
-Assistance with life decisions and strategies for patients