Addiction Counselor Requirements in Colorado
Colorado offers a three-tier certification system for addiction counselors. You can start with a high school diploma as a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT), advance to Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) with a bachelor’s degree, or pursue full clinical privileges as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) with a master’s degree. All levels require supervised experience and state examinations.
Colorado’s addiction counseling community is meeting a critical need. With over 13,000 counselors working statewide and job growth projected at nearly 28% through 2032, there’s never been a better time to enter this field.
But here’s what makes Colorado unique: the state offers you three distinct entry points. You don’t need a four-year degree to start making a difference. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, transitioning careers, or building on existing credentials, Colorado’s tiered system gives you options.
This guide walks you through exactly what it takes to become a certified addiction counselor in Colorado, from your first supervised hours to full independent practice.
Understanding Colorado’s Three-Tier System
Colorado structures addiction counseling credentials as a professional ladder. Each rung builds on the last, expanding what you can do and who you can work with.
At the entry level, Certified Addiction Technicians (CATs) work under supervision in treatment facilities. They’re essential team members who help implement treatment plans, facilitate group sessions, and provide direct patient support. Think of this as your apprenticeship, where you’re learning the craft while earning credentials.
Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS) step into expanded clinical roles. With a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling and additional supervised experience, you can conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide individual counseling. You’re still working under supervision, but you’re handling more complex clinical work.
Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC) hold the full scope of practice. A master’s degree in addiction counseling qualifies you to diagnose substance use disorders, provide independent clinical treatment, and even open your own practice. This is where clinical autonomy lives.
The beauty of this system is that you can start where you are. If a master’s degree feels years away, begin as a CAT. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, jump to CAS. Every level offers meaningful work and builds toward the next.
Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) Requirements
The CAT credential is your entry point into addiction counseling with minimal educational barriers. Here’s what Colorado requires.
You need a high school diploma or GED. That’s the baseline. From there, you’ll complete 1,000 hours of supervised work experience in an addiction treatment setting. These hours must be earned over at least six months, and they need to happen under the direct supervision of a LAC, CAS, or other qualified clinician.
During your supervised hours, you’ll be doing real work. You might facilitate psychoeducational groups, help clients complete intake paperwork, document progress notes, or assist with crisis interventions. The supervision requirement means you’re never alone with complex clinical decisions, but you’re building practical skills every shift.
Once your hours are logged, you’ll sit for the Colorado Addiction Counselor Examination (CACE) through Pearson VUE. This exam tests your knowledge of addiction fundamentals, treatment modalities, ethics, and Colorado-specific regulations. The exam costs $155 and covers 12 core competencies defined by the IC&RC.
You’ll also complete the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination, which we’ll cover in detail below. This open-book exam focuses specifically on state laws and regulations governing addiction counseling practice.
As a CAT, you can provide direct patient services, facilitate groups, and implement treatment plans, but you cannot conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans independently, or provide unsupervised counseling. Your scope of practice is clearly defined to ensure you’re working safely within your training level.
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) Requirements
The CAS credential opens the door to expanded clinical responsibilities. Here’s what it takes to make the jump from technician to specialist.
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree doesn’t have to be in addiction counseling specifically, but programs in psychology, social work, counseling, or related behavioral health fields give you the strongest foundation. Colorado reviews transcripts to ensure your coursework covers the competencies needed for clinical practice.
You’ll complete 2,000 hours of supervised addiction counseling experience. These hours must be earned over a minimum of 12 months, and at least 1,000 hours need to be direct client contact. The rest can include case documentation, treatment planning, clinical supervision, and professional development activities. Your supervisor must be a LAC or similarly credentialed professional.
The supervised experience is where you develop clinical judgment. You’ll conduct biopsychosocial assessments, write treatment plans, provide individual and group counseling, and learn to navigate the ethical complexities that come with addiction treatment. Your supervisor reviews your work, provides feedback, and gradually expands your autonomy as you demonstrate competence.
Like CATs, you’ll take the CACE examination and the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination. The application process is the same, though application fees increase slightly to reflect the expanded credential level.
As a CAS, you can assess clients, develop and implement treatment plans, provide individual and group counseling, and make clinical decisions with supervision. You still can’t diagnose substance use disorders independently or open a private practice, but you’re handling the full clinical workload in most treatment settings.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Requirements
The LAC is Colorado’s full professional license for addiction counseling. This credential grants you clinical autonomy and opens doors to private practice, clinical supervision, and leadership roles.
You need a master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program should be CACREP-accredited or demonstrate substantial equivalency. Your graduate coursework needs to cover advanced clinical theory, diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, and supervised practicum experience.
Beyond your degree, you’ll complete 2,000 hours of post-master’s supervised addiction counseling experience. These hours must span at least 12 months, with 1,000 hours of direct client contact. The difference from CAS-level supervision is the clinical complexity. You’re now handling diagnostic assessments, co-occurring disorders, complex case management, and preparing for independent practice.
Your supervisor must hold an LAC or equivalent independent clinical license. They’ll review your diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning decisions, and ethical judgment. By the end of your supervised hours, you should be functioning at an entry-level independent practitioner level.
You’ll take the CACE examination and Colorado Jurisprudence Examination, just like the lower credential levels. The exams are the same across all tiers, though your graduate training typically makes the material more familiar.
Once licensed, you hold the full scope of practice. You can diagnose substance use disorders using DSM-5-TR criteria, provide independent clinical treatment without supervision, open a private practice, and supervise CATs and CASs working toward their credentials. You’re also eligible to become an approved clinical supervisor, which expands your professional role and income potential.
Colorado Jurisprudence Examination
Every addiction counselor in Colorado takes the Jurisprudence Examination, regardless of credential level. This isn’t a clinical knowledge test. It’s a law and ethics examination focused specifically on Colorado regulations.
The exam is open-book and administered online through your DORA account. You’ll have access to the statutes, rules, and regulations you need to reference. The questions test your ability to apply Colorado law to real practice scenarios. Can you identify when to report suspected abuse? Do you know the requirements for informed consent? Can you navigate confidentiality requirements under 42 CFR Part 2?
Topics covered include the scope of practice for each credential level, mandatory reporting requirements, confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, supervision standards, documentation requirements, ethical decision-making, and disciplinary procedures.
The exam costs $25, and you can take it as soon as you create your DORA application account. Most counselors take it early in the application process since it’s a straightforward requirement. You need a passing score of 75% or higher. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake it after a brief waiting period.
This exam exists for a good reason. Colorado takes addiction counseling regulation seriously. By testing your knowledge of state law, DORA ensures every practicing counselor understands their legal obligations, protects client rights, and practices within appropriate boundaries.
The Application Process
Colorado handles all addiction counselor applications through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) online portal. Here’s how the process works from start to finish.
First, create an account on the DORA website. You’ll need basic information like your Social Security number, contact information, and educational background. The system guides you through each step, and you can save your progress and return later.
Upload your official transcripts directly from your educational institution. DORA doesn’t accept transcripts you’ve downloaded yourself. The registrar’s office needs to send them electronically or mail sealed copies directly to DORA. Processing can take 2-4 weeks, so request transcripts early.
Submit your supervised experience documentation. Your supervisor signs off on your hours using DORA’s verification form. They’ll attest to the total hours completed, the percentage of direct client contact, the supervision provided, and your competency level. Make sure this form is complete and accurate because incomplete supervision documentation is the most common reason for application delays.
Schedule and complete the CACE examination through Pearson VUE. You can take the exam before submitting your full application, but you’ll need your exam scores in the application. Results are available immediately after you complete the exam, and Pearson VUE sends official score reports to DORA within a few days.
Complete the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination through your DORA account. As mentioned above, this is open-book and can be done at any point in the application process.
Submit to a fingerprint-based background check. DORA will send you instructions after you submit your application. The background check typically costs $40-50, and results come back in 1-2 weeks. Criminal history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may require additional review or conditions on your credential.
Pay your application fee. Fees vary by credential level: CAT applications run around $100, CAS applications around $115, and LAC applications around $125. These fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied, so make sure you meet all requirements before submitting.
Wait for DORA to review your application. Processing times typically run 6-12 weeks, depending on application volume and complexity. You can check your application status online through your DORA account. If DORA needs additional information, they’ll email you with specific requests.
Once approved, your credential is active immediately. DORA doesn’t mail physical certificates anymore, but you can download and print a verification letter from your account. This letter serves as proof of your credentials for employers and insurance paneling.
Out-of-State Endorsement
If you’re already credentialed in another state, Colorado may recognize your credential through endorsement. This process lets you transfer your qualifications without starting from scratch.
Colorado is a member of the IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium), which means IC&RC reciprocity credentials are recognized for endorsement. If you hold an IC&RC credential like the ADC (Alcohol and Drug Counselor) or AADC (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor), you can apply for endorsement to a comparable Colorado credential.
NAADAC credentials are also recognized. The National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) credentials map to Colorado’s system based on education level and supervised experience. DORA reviews your NAADAC credentials and determines the appropriate Colorado credential level.
Even with endorsement, you’ll still need to pass the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination. This requirement applies to everyone practicing in Colorado, regardless of prior credentials. The exam ensures you understand Colorado-specific laws and regulations.
The endorsement application process is similar to the initial application. You’ll submit your credentials, transcripts, supervision documentation, and background check through the DORA portal. The main difference is that DORA gives you credit for your out-of-state supervised experience and examination scores, which can significantly shorten your path to licensure.
Processing times for endorsement applications typically run 8-12 weeks. DORA needs to verify your credentials with your original certifying body, which adds time to the review process. Start early if you’re planning to relocate for a job.
Salary and Career Outlook in Colorado
Colorado’s addiction counseling field offers competitive salaries and strong job growth. Here’s what the data tells us about earning potential and career opportunities.
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Colorado earn a median salary of $59,190. That’s exactly at the national median, which means Colorado compensates addiction counselors on par with the national average.
Entry-level counselors (10th percentile) earn around $40,570, while experienced counselors in the 90th percentile earn up to $98,030. Your actual salary depends on several factors: credential level, work setting, geographic location within Colorado, years of experience, and specialization.
| Work Setting | Typical Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community Mental Health Centers | $42,000 – $58,000 | Entry point for many CATs and CASs |
| Residential Treatment Facilities | $45,000 – $62,000 | Often includes on-call pay and benefits |
| Outpatient Clinics | $50,000 – $68,000 | Standard business hours, less crisis work |
| Private Practice (LAC) | $65,000 – $95,000+ | Highly variable based on caseload and fees |
| Hospital Systems | $58,000 – $78,000 | Strong benefits packages, union options |
Job growth projections are strong. Colorado expects to add 4,240 addiction counseling positions between 2022 and 2032, a 27.9% increase. That’s nearly double the national average for all occupations. The state projects 1,840 annual job openings from growth plus replacement needs.
Why the growth? Colorado has invested heavily in expanding addiction treatment infrastructure, Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder treatment has increased, the opioid epidemic continues to drive demand for services, and mental health parity laws require insurance coverage for addiction treatment.
The Denver metro area employs the largest number of counselors, but rural Colorado is seeing significant growth. Communities like Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Fort Collins are actively recruiting addiction counselors to expand local treatment capacity. Rural areas often offer loan repayment programs and hiring bonuses to attract qualified counselors.
Career advancement opportunities are plentiful. You can move from CAT to CAS to LAC over 5-8 years. You can specialize in co-occurring disorders, adolescent treatment, or medication-assisted treatment. You can transition into clinical supervision, program management, or policy work. Many LACs eventually open private practices, which offer both clinical autonomy and higher earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start working as an addiction counselor in Colorado without a college degree?
How long does it take to become licensed as an LAC in Colorado?
Does Colorado recognize addiction counseling credentials from other states?
What’s the difference between a CAS and an LAC in terms of what I can do?
How much does it cost to get credentialed as an addiction counselor in Colorado?
Can I provide telehealth services as a Colorado addiction counselor?
Do I need malpractice insurance to practice in Colorado?
What happens if I have a criminal history?
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers three addiction counseling credentials: CAT (high school diploma), CAS (bachelor’s degree), and LAC (master’s degree), each with expanding clinical privileges and earning potential.
- All credentials require supervised experience (1,000-2,000 hours, depending on level), the Colorado Addiction Counselor Examination (CACE), and the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination.
- The median salary for addiction counselors in Colorado is $59,190, with experienced LACs in private practice earning $95,000 or more annually.
- Job growth is projected at 27.9% through 2032, adding 4,240 positions and creating 1,840 annual job openings across the state.
- Out-of-state counselors can transfer credentials through endorsement if they hold IC&RC or NAADAC certifications, though the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination is still required.
- The application process takes 6-12 weeks after submission and costs $320-$355, including all examinations and background checks.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in Colorado?
Whether you’re just beginning or transferring credentials from another state, Colorado’s three-tier system offers a clear path forward. Find accredited programs and take the first step toward making a difference.
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.