Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Massachusetts
From harm reduction programs to medication-assisted treatment to community outreach programs spanning from Boston to Worchester to Springfield, Massachusetts’ drug recovery community is strong and resilient. And at the heart of these efforts are the state’s substance abuse counselors, dedicated and compassionate professionals who provide lifesaving, evidence-based treatment to those suffering under the weight of substance abuse disorder.
Massachusetts substance abuse counselors are credentialed through the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) as either a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) or a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I).
Earn the LADC II and you’ll be qualified to practice alcohol and drug counseling under supervision. Earn the LADC I and you’ll be qualified to practice alcohol and drug counseling independently and also supervise other alcohol and drug counselors. The BSAS also offers the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant credential for those who provide services under direct clinical and administrative supervision.
Select a Massachusetts Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Topic Below…
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I Pre-Examination Requirements
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Pre-Examination Requirements
- The Application Process
- Reciprocity and Examination Waivers
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant Requirements
- Additional Information
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I Pre-Examination Requirements
To become an LADC I, you must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in behavioral sciences, along with:
- At least 270 hours of training in substance abuse counseling
- 300 hours of supervised practical training
- At least 6,000 hours of supervised experience in alcohol and drug counseling
- A passing score on the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) exam administered by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Pre-Examination Requirements
To become an LADC II, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, along with:
- At least 270 hours of training in substance abuse counseling (The BSAS maintains a directory of approved addiction education providers)
- 300 hours of supervised practical training
- At least 6,000 hours of experience in drug and alcohol counseling (or 4,000 hours if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher)
- A passing score on the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) exam administered by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC)
The Application Process
You must complete all education, experience, and exam requirements before you can apply for a new LADC II or LADC I credential. All applications are completed online using the BSAS eLicensing portal.
You must contact Ian Bain at [email protected] or at (781) 774-6627 to be granted access to the licensing system.
The application process includes providing the BSAS with three letters of recommendation and the following completed and signed forms:
Reciprocity and Examination Waivers
An out-of-state substance abuse counselor who holds a comparable license that is current and in good standing may be licensed in Massachusetts without taking either the written or oral examination.
A candidate who holds certification through an accepted organization may be licensed without written examination. Certification agencies can include, but are not limited to, the American Academy of Healthcare Providers in the Addictive Disorders, the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), and the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). MBSACC has reciprocity with the IC&RC.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant Pre-Examination Requirements
To earn the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant designation, you must hold a high school diploma or GED and show proof of the completion of at least 2,000 hours of work experience in alcohol and drug counseling and at least 50 hours of training in substance abuse counseling.
You must also take and pass the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) exam that’s administered by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC).
Additional Information
Questions? Contact the Ian Bain, the LADC Coordinator, at [email protected] or at (781) 774-6627.
The Massachusetts Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors is an additional resource.