Addiction Counselor Requirements in Montana
To become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Montana, you’ll need an associate degree or higher in a related field, complete 330 hours of addiction-specific coursework, accumulate 1,000 supervised clinical hours, and pass a national certification exam. The entire process typically takes 2-4 years depending on your education level.
Montana’s vast geography presents unique challenges for addiction treatment. From the sprawling reservations and tribal lands to isolated rural communities to the urban center of Billings, addiction counselors are the backbone of the state’s recovery efforts. Whether you’re drawn to serve Montana’s Indigenous populations, support recovery in small-town clinics, or work in the state’s growing urban treatment centers, the path to becoming an addiction counselor here is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
While requirements vary by state, Montana’s LAC structure offers flexibility in educational pathways while maintaining rigorous standards. Montana addiction counselors are regulated and credentialed by the Board of Behavioral Health as Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC). This credential allows you to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with substance use disorders across the state.
LAC License Overview
Montana’s Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential is the state’s primary professional license for substance abuse treatment providers. The LAC allows you to work independently with clients struggling with addiction, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide evidence-based counseling services.
The path to licensure requires a combination of formal education, specialized addiction training, hands-on supervised experience, and successful completion of a national certification exam. While the requirements are substantial, Montana’s licensing structure is designed to ensure counselors are thoroughly prepared to address the complex challenges of addiction treatment in diverse settings. Understanding the certification and licensure process helps you plan your path effectively.
Education Requirements
Montana offers flexibility in meeting the educational requirements for the LAC license. You can qualify through one of two pathways:
Pathway 1: Associate Degree or Certificate
You can earn an associate’s degree in addiction counseling or a certificate specifically in alcohol and drug studies, addiction counseling, or substance abuse counseling. These focused programs are typically offered by community colleges and technical schools and can be completed in about two years.
Pathway 2: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Related Field
Alternatively, you can earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a behavioral health or human services field, including:
- Alcohol and drug studies
- Psychology
- Social work
- Counseling
- Human services
- Psychiatric rehabilitation
- Community health
While a focused addiction counseling degree isn’t required, it often provides the most direct path to licensure since much of the required coursework is built into the curriculum.
Required Addiction Coursework: 330 Hours
Regardless of which educational pathway you choose, you must complete at least 330 hours of addiction-specific coursework. This specialized training can be part of your degree program or completed separately through continuing education providers.
Here’s the breakdown of required coursework hours:
| Course Area | Required Hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Dependency Assessment and Patient Placement | 60 hours | Screening, assessment tools, ASAM criteria |
| Counseling | 90 hours | Individual, group, and family therapy techniques |
| Pharmacology | 30 hours | Drug effects, interactions, medication-assisted treatment |
| Co-Occurring Disorders | 30 hours | Dual diagnosis, integrated treatment approaches |
| Alcohol and Drug Studies | 30 hours | Addiction theory, neurobiology, recovery models |
| Treatment Planning and Documentation | 30 hours | Clinical documentation, treatment plans, progress notes |
| Gambling/Gaming Disorder | 30 hours | Behavioral addiction assessment and treatment |
| Multicultural Competency | 20 hours | Cultural sensitivity, serving diverse populations |
| Ethics | 10 hours | Professional standards, boundaries, confidentiality |
This comprehensive coursework ensures you’re prepared to address the full spectrum of addiction issues you’ll encounter in Montana practice, from opioid and alcohol dependence to gambling disorders and complex co-occurring mental health conditions.
Supervised Clinical Experience: 1,000 Hours
You must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised addiction counseling experience in a qualified treatment program. This hands-on training is where you’ll apply your classroom learning to real-world clinical situations under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
Getting Started: The LAC Candidate Credential
Before you begin accumulating supervised hours, you may need to apply for the Licensed Addiction Counselor Candidate credential. This temporary credential allows you to work in a treatment setting while completing your supervision requirements. Whether you need this credential depends on where you plan to complete your hours, so check with your prospective employer or internship site.
Supervision Requirements
Your supervisor must be a qualified LAC who meets Montana’s supervisory standards. Regular supervision sessions provide opportunities to discuss cases, receive feedback on your clinical skills, and develop your professional identity as an addiction counselor.
Documenting Your Experience
Once you’ve obtained the required 1,000 hours, both you and your supervisor must complete and sign the Evaluation of Supervised Experience: LAC Candidate form. The completed form must be emailed to [email protected].
Rural Montana Considerations
Finding supervision in Montana’s rural and frontier areas can be challenging. Some counselors complete their hours through telehealth supervision arrangements or travel to larger communities for in-person supervision. The Board of Behavioral Health may be able to provide guidance on finding qualified supervisors in remote areas.
Examination Requirements
You must pass a nationally recognized addiction counselor certification exam to qualify for Montana licensure. Montana accepts several exam options, giving you flexibility to choose the credential that best fits your career goals:
Accepted Examinations
- NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I or Level II (NCAC I, NCAC II) – Offered by the Association for Addiction Professionals, testing information available here
- IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) or Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) – Offered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium, exam information available here
- Northwest Certified II or III exam
- Southwest Certification II exam
The NAADAC and IC&RC exams are the most widely recognized and offer the best reciprocity if you ever want to practice in another state. Exam fees typically range from $140 to $250, and you’ll need to meet the certifying organization’s eligibility requirements before you can sit for the exam.
Out-of-State Addiction Counselors
If you’re already licensed or certified as an addiction counselor in another state, Montana offers a streamlined endorsement process. You’ll need to provide verification from all other jurisdictions where you’ve held a certification or license.
You may qualify for endorsement if you’ve:
- Passed the NAADAC exam (Level I or II) or another equivalent exam recognized by Montana
- Been actively practicing addiction counseling for at least two years prior to your application
- Met educational and supervision requirements substantially equivalent to Montana’s standards
Military service members who obtained addiction counseling credentials through the armed forces may also be eligible for expedited licensure through Montana’s military endorsement provisions.
Application Process
Once you’ve completed your education, coursework, supervision, and examination, you’re ready to apply for Montana LAC licensure.
Step 1: Online Application
Submit your application online through the Department of Labor and Industry Citizen Portal. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
Complete a criminal background check and have the results sent directly to the Montana Department of Justice. Instructions for obtaining your fingerprints are available here. The background check fee is separate from your application fee.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
Provide the Board with:
- Your passing exam score report
- A completed Addiction Specific Courses form documenting your 330 hours of coursework
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Your completed and signed supervision evaluation form
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
The application fee is $250. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied, so make sure you meet all requirements before submitting.
Processing Time
Application processing typically takes 4-8 weeks, though it can take longer during peak periods. You’ll receive notification from the Board once your application has been reviewed.
Timeline and Costs
Understanding the time and financial investment required for Montana LAC licensure helps you plan your career transition effectively.
Typical Timeline to Licensure
| Education Level | Education Time | Supervision Time | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 12-18 months | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 12-18 months | 5-6 years |
| Master’s Degree | 6-7 years (includes bachelor’s) | Can overlap with degree | 6-8 years |
| Already Have Degree | 330 hours coursework (6-12 months) | 12-18 months | 2-3 years |
If you already have a qualifying degree and complete the 330 hours of coursework alongside your supervised experience, the process can take 2-3 years. This is the fastest path to licensure for career changers who already hold degrees in related fields like psychology, social work, or counseling.
Cost Estimates
Your total investment will vary based on your educational pathway:
- Associate Degree: $8,000-$15,000 (Montana community colleges)
- Bachelor’s Degree: $30,000-$60,000 (Montana public universities)
- Master’s Degree: $40,000-$80,000 (full program cost)
- Standalone Coursework: $3,000-$6,000 (330 hours from CE providers)
- Exam Fee: $140-$250
- Application and Background Check: $300-$350
Montana Addiction Counselor Salaries
Montana addiction counselors earn competitive salaries that reflect the critical nature of their work, though compensation varies significantly between rural and urban areas.
| Area | Annual Mean Salary | Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | Experienced (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Montana | $48,540 | $33,820 | $67,270 |
| Billings Metro | $51,200 | $36,400 | $70,100 |
| Missoula Metro | $47,300 | $34,100 | $65,800 |
Salaries tend to be higher in Montana’s urban centers like Billings and Missoula, though the lower cost of living in rural areas can offset the wage difference. Many rural and tribal health facilities also offer loan repayment programs and housing assistance to attract qualified counselors to underserved areas.
Montana Education Programs
Several Montana institutions offer programs that meet the educational requirements for LAC licensure:
Community Colleges
- Flathead Valley Community College – Offers associate degree programs in human services with addiction counseling coursework
- Miles Community College – Human services programs with substance abuse emphasis
- Montana State University-Northern – Bachelor’s in counseling with addiction specialization
Universities
- University of Montana – Master’s in clinical mental health counseling with addiction specialization
- Montana State University – Psychology and counseling programs with addiction coursework options
Online Options
Montana accepts online coursework and degrees from accredited institutions. Many counselors complete their education through online addiction counseling programs while working full-time, especially if they live in rural areas far from physical campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my supervision hours?
Do I need to live in Montana to get licensed?
Can I transfer my license from another state?
What’s the difference between LAC and LCAC in Montana?
Where can I complete supervision hours in rural Montana?
Are there online programs that meet Montana’s requirements?
How much do addiction counselors make in Montana?
Key Takeaways
- Montana requires an associate degree or higher in a related field, 330 hours of addiction-specific coursework, 1,000 supervised clinical hours, and passage of a national certification exam for LAC licensure.
- The complete process typically takes 3-4 years with an associate degree or 2-3 years if you already have a qualifying bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Total costs range from approximately $11,000 to $80,000 depending on your educational pathway, with Montana’s public colleges offering affordable in-state tuition.
- Montana addiction counselors earn an average of $48,540 annually, with higher salaries in urban areas and additional benefits available in rural and tribal communities.
- Online education is accepted, making it possible to complete requirements while living in Montana’s rural areas or working full-time.
- Out-of-state counselors with NAADAC or IC&RC certification and two years of experience may qualify for expedited endorsement.
- The state offers flexibility in exam choice, accepting multiple nationally recognized addiction counselor certifications.
- Montana’s unique geography creates both challenges and opportunities, with particular demand for counselors willing to serve rural, frontier, and tribal communities.
Ready to Start Your Montana Addiction Counseling Career?
Take the first step toward making a difference in Montana communities affected by addiction. Explore accredited programs, connect with local treatment facilities, and begin your journey to becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor.
Salary data sourced from the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.