Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas requires addiction counselors to hold either a Licensed Associate Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) credential with a bachelor’s degree or a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) credential with a master’s degree. Both paths require 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (approximately 3 years), passing the required examination, and ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen addiction’s impact firsthand – maybe in your own family, maybe in your community. That experience, as painful as it is, can fuel a meaningful career helping others find their way back from the edge.
In Arkansas, becoming a licensed addiction counselor means navigating a clear but demanding path through education, supervised experience, and examination. The state takes this work seriously, and for good reason – you’ll be working with people at their most vulnerable. The good news? The requirements are straightforward, and the work is deeply rewarding for those called to it.
This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know: the two license levels, education requirements, the 6,000-hour experience requirement, realistic timelines, costs, and salary expectations in Arkansas.
Licensing Authority and Overview
The Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) oversees all addiction counselor licensing in the state. This board operates under the Arkansas Department of Health and sets the standards for education, supervised experience, examination, and continuing education requirements.
You can reach the board at:
- Phone: (501) 295-1100
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 4815 West Markham Street, Box 42A, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Website: Arkansas Healthy – SBEADAC
Two License Levels in Arkansas
Arkansas offers two distinct license levels for addiction counselors, each with different education and practice requirements:
Licensed Associate Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC)
The LAADAC is the entry-level license for those with a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or a related behavioral health field. As an LAADAC, you’ll work under supervision and cannot practice independently. This credential serves as a stepping stone while you accumulate the experience and education needed for full licensure.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
The LADAC requires a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field. This is the full professional license that allows independent practice. LADAC holders can also become supervisors for those pursuing licensure, provided they complete additional supervisor training.
Both license levels require the same 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience – that’s roughly three years of full-time work. Plan your timeline accordingly.
Education Requirements
Your education path depends on which license level you’re pursuing.
For LAADAC (Associate License)
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree doesn’t have to be specifically in addiction counseling – related fields work too:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Human Services
- Behavioral Health
The key is that your coursework must include content relevant to substance abuse counseling. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you may need to complete additional coursework to qualify.
For LADAC (Full License)
You’ll need a master’s degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related behavioral health field. Again, the coursework must be relevant to substance abuse treatment and counseling practices.
Arkansas accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions. Your official transcripts must be sent directly from your degree-granting institution to the licensing board – they won’t accept copies you send yourself.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Both the LAADAC and LADAC require 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This is a substantial requirement that typically takes three years to complete if you’re working full-time (2,000 hours per year).
What Counts as Supervised Experience?
These hours must be direct clinical work with clients struggling with substance use disorders. Acceptable activities include:
- Individual counseling sessions
- Group therapy facilitation
- Family counseling
- Treatment planning and case management
- Crisis intervention
- Client assessment and intake
Supervision Requirements
Your clinical work must be supervised by a licensed professional approved by the board. This typically means a LADAC holder who has completed the required supervisor training, though other licensed mental health professionals may also qualify as supervisors.
You’ll need regular supervision meetings where your supervisor reviews your clinical work, provides feedback, and helps you develop your counseling skills. The board specifies minimum supervision hours relative to your clinical hours.
Getting Started: Counselor in Training (CIT)
While accumulating your supervised hours, you can register as a Counselor in Training (CIT) through the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB). This isn’t required, but it provides structure and documentation for your training process. Learn more at the ASACB CIT page.
Examination Requirements
Both license levels require passing an examination. The Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB) administers the required exams. You can find detailed information about examination dates, locations, and preparation resources on the ASACB testing page.
The examination tests your knowledge across the core competencies of addiction counseling:
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Ethics and professional standards
- Pharmacology of addictive substances
- Co-occurring disorders
- Cultural competency
Many candidates find that their degree programs and supervised experience prepare them well for the exam, though additional study is usually necessary. The ASACB provides study materials and practice exams to help you prepare.
The Licensure Process
Once you’ve completed your education, accumulated your 6,000 supervised hours, and passed the examination, you’re ready to apply for licensure. Here’s what you’ll need:
Application Materials
- Completed application form (notarized)
- Official transcripts sent directly from your degree-granting institution
- Documentation of supervised clinical hours verified by your supervisor
- Proof of passing the required examination
- Three letters of reference from professionals who can speak to your competency and character
- Background check clearance
- Six hours of ethics education completed within the past two years
- Application fee of $265
Application Review
The board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Processing times vary, but expect several weeks for a complete review. The board may request additional documentation or clarification during the review process.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 21 years old to obtain either the LAADAC or LADAC license.
Realistic Timeline and Costs
Understanding the real timeline and financial investment helps you plan effectively.
Timeline Breakdown
| Phase | LAADAC Path | LADAC Path |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 4 years (bachelor’s) | 6-7 years (bachelor’s + master’s) |
| Supervised Hours | 3 years full-time | 3 years full-time |
| Exam Preparation | 2-3 months | 2-3 months |
| Application Processing | 1-2 months | 1-2 months |
| Total Timeline | 7-8 years | 9-11 years |
Note that many people complete their supervised hours while in graduate school or immediately after, so the education and experience phases can overlap somewhat for those pursuing the LADAC.
Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| License Application Fee | $265 |
| Examination Fee | Varies (contact ASACB) |
| Ethics Education (6 hours) | $50-150 |
| Background Check | $50-100 |
| Biennial Renewal | $100 |
These are the direct licensing costs beyond your education expenses. Factor in tuition, books, and living expenses during your degree programs, which will be your largest investment.
Addiction Counselor Salary in Arkansas
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Arkansas earn competitive salaries, though compensation varies based on experience, setting, and credentials.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,030 | $14.44 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,950 | $17.28 |
| Median (50th) | $43,510 | $20.92 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,780 | $25.86 |
| 90th Percentile | $63,040 | $30.31 |
Entry-level counselors with LAADAC credentials typically start near the lower end of this range, while experienced LADAC holders with specialized skills or supervisory roles can reach the higher salary tiers. Private practice settings and specialized treatment programs often pay more than community-based agencies, though many counselors find the mission-driven work in nonprofit settings deeply rewarding despite lower compensation.
Continuing Education and Renewal
Arkansas licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years). Renewal requires:
- Continuing education hours as specified by the board
- Renewal fee of $100
- Proof of current professional liability insurance
- Compliance with all board regulations
Continuing Education Requirements
The board requires ongoing professional development to maintain your license. Specific hour requirements are outlined in board regulations, but typically include:
- Ethics education
- Clinical skill development
- Emerging trends in addiction treatment
- Cultural competency
The board limits how many continuing education hours can be earned through online learning – no more than half of your total CE hours can come from distance learning formats. You’ll need to attend in-person workshops, conferences, or training sessions for the remainder.
Approved CE Providers
The board maintains a list of nine approved continuing education sponsors. You can also seek prior approval for CE activities from other providers by submitting a request to the board before attending. More information is available on the ASACB certifications page.
Becoming a Supervisor
If you hold the LADAC (master’s level) license, you can become an approved supervisor for counselors completing their supervised clinical hours. This requires additional training:
- Six hours of training in six specified domains covering supervision theory, ethics, evaluation, and legal issues
- Registration as a supervisor with the board
- Six hours of supervision training per renewal cycle to maintain supervisor status
Supervising others can be professionally rewarding and often comes with additional compensation, though it also carries significant responsibility. You’ll be accountable for your supervisees’ clinical work and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get licensed in Arkansas with just a bachelor’s degree?
How long does it really take to complete 6,000 hours of supervised experience?
What’s the difference between LADAC and LAADAC?
Do I need a degree specifically in addiction counseling, or will related fields work?
Can I transfer my addiction counselor license from another state to Arkansas?
How much does the entire licensing process cost beyond education expenses?
What happens after I get licensed – can I just maintain it forever with renewals?
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas offers two license levels: LAADAC (bachelor’s, supervised practice) and LADAC (master’s, independent practice).
- Both licenses require 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, which typically takes three years of full-time work to complete.
- Total direct licensing costs range from $465 to 640 beyond education expenses, with biennial renewal fees of $100.
- Your degree doesn’t have to be specifically in addiction counseling – psychology, social work, counseling, and human services degrees all qualify if the coursework is relevant.
- The median salary for addiction counselors in Arkansas is $43,510, with experienced counselors earning up to $63,040 or more.
- Arkansas may offer reciprocity for counselors licensed in other states, particularly through IC&RC credentials.
- To become a supervisor, you need the LADAC credential plus additional training in six specified supervision domains.
- Continuing education is required for license renewal, with no more than half of the CE hours allowed through online learning.
Ready to Start Your Path to Licensure?
Whether you’re just beginning your education or preparing to apply for licensure, understanding Arkansas’s requirements is your first step. Explore education requirements for addiction counselors to plan your journey.
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 December 2025.