Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Arizona
Arizona offers three substance abuse counselor license levels: Licensed Addiction Counselor Technician (associate degree, 200+ supervision hours), Licensed Associate Addiction Counselor (bachelor’s degree, 1,600+ direct contact hours), and Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor (master’s degree, 1,600+ direct contact hours over 24 months). All levels require passing an approved examination and completing clinical supervision under a licensed professional.
If you’re ready to help people reclaim their lives from addiction, Arizona offers clear pathways to become a licensed substance abuse counselor. Whether you’re starting your education or already have a degree, you’ll find a licensure level that matches your background and career goals.
The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners licenses substance abuse counselors at three distinct levels, each with specific education and supervised practice requirements. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to pursue a substance abuse counseling career in Arizona.
Arizona License Levels Overview
Arizona provides three pathways to licensure based on your education level. Each license allows you to practice within defined scopes, with the LIAC credential offering the most independence. Here’s how they compare:
| License Level | Degree Required | Direct Contact Hours | Supervision Hours | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LACT | Associate degree | Varies by experience | 200+ hours | Varies |
| LAAC | Bachelor’s degree | 1,600 hours minimum | 100+ hours by LIAC | No minimum |
| LIAC | Master’s degree | 1,600 hours minimum | 100+ hours by LIAC | 24 months minimum |
All three levels require passing an approved examination and completing a criminal background check. The supervised practice component ensures you gain hands-on experience before practicing independently.
Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor (LIAC)
The LIAC credential represents the highest level of professional practice in Arizona. This license allows you to work independently, supervise other counselors, and provide comprehensive treatment services without oversight.
Education Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in a behavioral health field accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). You can view the complete list of accredited programs here.
Your degree must include at least 24 semester hours of counseling-related coursework. This means coursework that specifically prepares you to deliver behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment services.
Supervised Practice Requirements
After earning your master’s degree, you must complete 24 months of supervised work. During this period, you need:
- At least 1,600 hours in direct client contact
- No more than 400 hours of psychoeducation (the rest must be direct counseling)
- A minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision provided by a currently licensed LIAC
This supervised period gives you time to apply your education in real-world settings while receiving guidance from an experienced professional.
Licensed Associate Addiction Counselor (LAAC)
The LAAC designation is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who want to provide substance abuse counseling under supervision. This is an excellent entry point if you’re completing a bachelor’s degree and planning to gain experience before pursuing advanced credentials.
Education Requirements
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field with at least 30 semester hours of counseling-related coursework. This coursework should prepare you to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with substance use disorders.
Supervised Practice Requirements
Following graduation, you need to complete:
- At least 1,600 hours in direct client contact
- No more than 400 hours of psychoeducation
- A minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision from a licensed LIAC
Unlike the LIAC track, there’s no minimum time frame for completing these hours, though most counselors finish within 12 to 24 months, depending on their work setting.
Licensed Addiction Counselor Technician (LACT)
The LACT license is the entry-level credential for substance abuse counseling in Arizona. If you’re just starting your education with an associate degree, this pathway gets you into the field faster while working under supervision.
Education Requirements
You need an associate degree in chemical dependency or a related field. Your degree must include:
- At least 30 semester hours of counseling-related coursework
- A minimum of 18 semester hours specifically related to chemical dependency
Experience-Based Alternative
Arizona recognizes that experience matters. If you have at least 6,400 hours of relevant work experience spanning at least four years (and completed within the last seven years), you may be able to waive some educational requirements. You’ll still need at least 200 hours of supervision.
Supervised Practice Requirements
The LACT designation requires supervised practice under a licensed professional. The specific hour requirements depend on your educational background and whether you’re using the experience-based pathway.
Required Examinations
Every license level requires passing an approved examination that validates your knowledge and readiness to practice. The specific exam depends on which license you’re pursuing.
For LAAC and LIAC Applicants
You must pass one of these examinations:
- Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination offered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
- Level II or higher examinations offered by NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals
- Examination for Master Addiction Counselors offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors
For LACT Applicants
You must pass one of these examinations:
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination offered by IC&RC
- Level I or higher examinations offered by NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals
Detailed exam information, including how to register and prepare, is available on the Board’s Addiction Counselor Licensure Exam Information page.
Background Checks
Arizona takes client safety seriously, which is why all applicants must complete fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
If you don’t have a current fingerprint clearance card, you’ll submit fingerprint cards directly to the Board. There’s a $40 fee for this service, paid separately from your application fee.
If you already have a clearance card, simply copy the front and back and submit it with your application.
National Practitioner Data Bank Query
You must also complete a self-query through the National Practitioner Data Bank database. Once you receive your report, submit it to the Board in its original envelope. The Board won’t accept self-queries older than 90 days, so complete this step close to your application submission date.
The Application Process
Arizona has streamlined the application process through an online portal, making it easier to submit your credentials and track your application status.
All applications must be submitted through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners online portal.
You’ll also need to submit several supporting documents, including:
- Official transcripts showing your degree and required coursework
- Verification of Supervised Work Experience form
- Verification of Clinical Supervision form
- Proof of passing your required examination
- Fingerprint clearance card or fingerprint submission
- National Practitioner Data Bank self-query (in original envelope)
All required forms can be downloaded and submitted through the online portal.
Salary Information for Arizona Substance Abuse Counselors
Understanding the earning potential for substance abuse counselors in Arizona can help you plan your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in Arizona earned competitive salaries in 2024.
The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Arizona was $49,920 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,680, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,680.
Your earning potential increases with your education level and licensure:
- LACT (Associate degree level): Typically start at the lower end of the range
- LAAC (Bachelor’s degree level): Generally earn mid-range salaries
- LIAC (Master’s degree level): Command the highest salaries and can open private practices
Salaries also vary by location within Arizona, with metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson typically offering higher compensation than rural areas.
For the most current national data and job outlook projections, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for substance abuse counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become an addiction counselor in Arizona?
How long does it take to become licensed in Arizona?
Can I work while completing my supervised hours?
What’s the difference between LAAC and LIAC?
How much does licensure cost in Arizona?
Can I transfer my license from another state?
What happens if I have a criminal record?
Do I need to renew my license, and how often?
Yes, all Arizona substance abuse counselor licenses must be renewed every two years. You’ll need to complete continuing education requirements during each renewal period. The specific number of hours depends on your license level, so check with the Board for current requirements as you approach your renewal date.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona offers three substance abuse counselor license levels (LACT, LAAC, LIAC) based on education from an associate to a master’s degree
- All licenses require supervised clinical practice hours, with LIAC requiring the most at 1,600 hours over 24 months
- You must pass an approved examination specific to your license level before receiving your credential
- Criminal background checks and National Practitioner Data Bank queries are required for all applicants
- The entire application process is managed through the Arizona Board’s online portal
- Median salaries for substance abuse counselors in Arizona are competitive, with higher education levels leading to increased earning potential
- Licensure typically takes 1-3 years after completing your degree, depending on your license level and supervised practice requirements
Ready to Start Your Substance Abuse Counseling Career?
Explore accredited substance abuse counseling programs in Arizona that match your education level and career goals.
Additional Resources
For questions about licensure requirements or application status, contact the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners at 602-542-1882.
If you’re also interested in other Arizona counseling credentials, you can explore the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements in Arizona, which follow a different licensing pathway.
The Arizona Association of Addiction Professionals offers additional support, networking opportunities, and professional development resources for counselors at all license levels.
Salary Disclaimer: 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 December 2025.