Substance Abuse / Addiction Counselor Requirements in Indiana
Indiana offers a four-level licensing system for addiction counselors through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. You can start with a bachelor’s degree and 2,000 supervised hours for entry-level certification (LACA), or pursue advanced clinical licensure (LCAC) with a master’s degree and 4,000 supervised hours. Each level expands your scope of practice and earning potential.
The path to becoming an addiction counselor in Indiana isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about finding your place in a profession where your work directly impacts the lives struggling with substance use disorders. Whether you’re coming from a related field or starting fresh, Indiana’s structured licensing system gives you clear milestones from entry-level practice to independent clinical work.
You’ll work alongside people at their most vulnerable moments. The training you complete, the supervision you receive, and the credentials you earn all prepare you for that responsibility. Indiana recognizes that addiction counseling requires both compassion and clinical skill, which is why the state’s four-tier system builds your expertise gradually through education, supervised practice, and examination.
This guide walks you through each credential level, what it takes to earn it, how long the process takes, what it costs, and where your career can go from there.
Indiana’s Four-Level Licensing System
Indiana structures addiction counselor licensing through four distinct credentials, each building on the previous level. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency oversees this system, which balances accessibility for new professionals with rigorous standards for clinical practice.
Here’s how the four levels work. You start with LACA (Licensed Addiction Counselor Associate), which allows you to provide counseling services under supervision with a bachelor’s degree. From there, you can advance to LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) by completing additional supervised hours and passing a national examination. If you pursue graduate education, you’ll enter at LCACA (Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor Associate) with a master’s degree, then advance to LCAC (Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor) for independent clinical practice.
Each credential level expands what you’re allowed to do. LACA and LAC counselors work under supervision in treatment facilities, hospitals, and community programs. LCACA and LCAC professionals can diagnose, develop treatment plans independently and potentially open private practices. The system recognizes that clinical judgment develops through supervised experience, not just classroom learning.
Licensed Addiction Counselor Associate (LACA)
The LACA credential is your entry point into professional addiction counseling in Indiana. It’s designed for bachelor ‘s-level professionals who want to become certified addiction counselors while gaining supervised clinical experience.
LACA Requirements
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a behavioral health field like psychology, social work, counseling, or addiction studies. The degree doesn’t have to be specifically in addiction counseling, but coursework in behavioral health helps prepare you for the work ahead.
The bigger requirement is clinical experience. You’ll complete 2,000 hours of supervised practice working directly with clients in addiction treatment settings. This typically takes 12 to 18 months if you’re working full-time. During these hours, you’re learning clinical skills, building your assessment abilities, and understanding how treatment planning works in real-world settings.
What You Can Do as a LACA
As a LACA, you’ll provide counseling services under the supervision of a fully licensed counselor. You can conduct intake assessments, facilitate group therapy sessions, provide individual counseling, and help develop treatment plans. What you can’t do is work independently or make final clinical decisions without supervisor approval.
Most LACA professionals work in outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities, hospital-based programs, or community mental health agencies. The supervision requirement means you need to work in settings where licensed supervisors are available.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
The LAC credential represents full professional licensure at the bachelor’s level. You’re still working under supervision in most settings, but you’ve demonstrated competency through examination and extensive clinical hours.
LAC Requirements
Moving from LACA to LAC requires completing an additional 2,000 supervised hours (4,000 total) and passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination. The additional supervision time builds your clinical judgment and exposes you to more complex cases and treatment scenarios.
The timeline from LACA to LAC typically takes another two to three years of full-time work. You’re not just accumulating hours. You’re developing expertise in assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and working with co-occurring disorders.
The IC&RC ADC Examination
The ADC exam tests your knowledge across eight practice domains: screening and assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, documentation, and professional responsibility. It’s a comprehensive test developed by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, which means your LAC credential can potentially transfer to other states that recognize IC&RC certification.
Most candidates spend two to three months preparing for the exam. Pass rates typically fall between 70% and 75%. The exam fee is $185, and if you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake it after a waiting period.
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor Associate (LCACA)
The LCACA credential is the entry point for master’s-level professionals. If you’re coming into the field with graduate education, this is where you’ll start before advancing to full clinical licensure.
LCACA Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a related behavioral health field. The degree should include coursework specifically in addiction treatment, psychopharmacology, assessment, and clinical skills.
The supervised experience requirement at this level is 270 hours of post-graduate clinical practice. This is significantly less than the LACA requirement because you’re entering with more advanced training. These hours typically take four to six months to complete in a full-time position.
What Changes at the Master’s Level
With graduate training, you’re prepared for more complex clinical work from the start. LCACA professionals can conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose substance use disorders, develop detailed treatment plans, and provide clinical supervision to associate-level counselors. You’re still working under the oversight of a fully licensed clinical counselor, but your scope of practice is broader than bachelor’s-level credentials.
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC)
The LCAC credential represents the highest level of addiction counseling licensure in Indiana. It’s your pathway to independent clinical practice, supervision of other counselors, and the most advanced treatment roles.
LCAC Requirements
Advancing from LCACA to LCAC requires an additional 2,000 supervised hours (2,270 total post-master’s) and passing the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) examination. The additional supervision time at the clinical level focuses on complex cases, co-occurring mental health disorders, and clinical decision-making.
The timeline from LCACA to LCAC typically takes two to three years. During this time, you’re not just providing treatment. You’re learning to handle challenging clinical situations, work with clients who have complex needs, and make independent clinical judgments that can significantly impact outcomes.
The IC&RC AADC Examination
The AADC exam is more advanced than the ADC test, covering clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling theory, pharmacology, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, and ethical decision-making. It’s designed for master’s-level professionals with significant clinical experience.
The exam fee is $245. Pass rates are similar to the ADC exam, typically between 70% and 75%. Most candidates prepare for three to four months, often while completing their final supervision hours.
What Independent Practice Means
As an LCAC, you can work independently without supervision requirements. This opens opportunities for private practice, clinical director positions, program management roles, and supervision of other counselors. You can diagnose substance use disorders, develop and implement treatment plans independently, and provide clinical oversight for treatment programs.
Education Pathways and Degree Options
Your education choice determines which credential level you’ll enter and how quickly you can advance. Indiana recognizes several educational pathways, each preparing you differently for addiction counseling work.
Bachelor’s Degree Pathways
A bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or human services qualifies you for LACA licensure. Many Indiana colleges offer bachelor’s programs with addiction counseling concentrations or specializations.
These programs typically include coursework in addiction theory, assessment and diagnosis, counseling techniques, group facilitation, family systems, psychopharmacology, ethics, and clinical documentation. You’ll also complete practicum or internship hours as part of your degree, which can count toward your supervised practice requirements.
Bachelor’s programs in Indiana generally cost between $40,000 and $80,000 for four years at public universities, or more at private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance can significantly reduce these costs.
Master’s Degree Options
Graduate education in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or social work prepares you for LCACA entry. These programs are typically two years for full-time students or three to four years for part-time students, balancing work and education.
Master’s programs dive deeper into clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, evidence-based interventions, psychopharmacology, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, and research methods. You’ll complete extensive practicum and internship hours, often 600 to 900 hours total, which build your clinical skills under faculty supervision.
The investment for a master’s degree ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 at Indiana public universities. Graduate assistantships, federal loan programs, and employer sponsorship can help manage costs. Many addiction counselors work in the field while pursuing their graduate degree part-time, using their LACA or LAC credentials to gain experience and income while advancing their education.
Certificate Programs
If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field but lack addiction-specific coursework, certificate programs can fill those gaps. Indiana universities and colleges offer addiction counseling certificate programs ranging from 15 to 30 credit hours.
These programs cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the institution and program length. They’re designed for professionals transitioning into addiction counseling from related fields like general counseling, social work, or psychology.
Understanding Supervision Requirements
Supervision isn’t just a licensing requirement. It’s how you develop clinical judgment, learn to handle complex situations, and build confidence in your assessment and treatment skills. Indiana’s supervision requirements ensure you’re learning from experienced professionals as you gain independence.
What Supervision Looks Like
You’ll meet regularly with your supervisor, typically weekly or biweekly, to review cases, discuss clinical decisions, and receive feedback on your work. Supervision sessions cover case conceptualization, treatment planning, ethical dilemmas, difficult client situations, and your professional development.
Your supervisor observes your work, either through live observation, co-facilitation of groups, or review of session recordings (with client consent). They’re evaluating your clinical skills, ethical decision-making, documentation quality, and adherence to professional standards. Good supervision includes both support and challenge, helping you grow while ensuring client welfare.
Finding and Working with Supervisors
Most LACA and LCACA professionals find supervisors through their employment settings. Treatment facilities, hospitals, and community agencies typically have licensed counselors on staff who provide supervision as part of their role. If you’re working in a setting without licensed supervisors, you’ll need to arrange external supervision, which you pay for directly.
External supervision costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour. You’ll need supervision weekly or biweekly, depending on your full-time or part-time status, so this becomes a significant investment. Many counselors factor supervision costs into their budget while accumulating hours, recognizing it as professional development spending.
Documenting Your Hours
You’re responsible for tracking and documenting all supervised hours. Indiana requires detailed logs showing dates, duration, type of activity (individual counseling, group facilitation, assessment, case management), and supervisor signatures. These logs become part of your license application, so accuracy and completeness matter.
Keep multiple backups of your documentation. Create both physical and digital copies. Losing hours of documentation near the end of your supervision period means starting over, which sets your career timeline back significantly.
Licensing Examinations
Indiana uses IC&RC examinations for both LAC and LCAC credentials. Understanding what these exams test and how to prepare helps you approach them confidently.
The ADC Examination (for LAC)
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam covers eight practice domains defined by IC&RC. These domains reflect the actual work you do as an addiction counselor: screening and intake, assessment, treatment planning, counseling interventions, case management, crisis intervention, client and family education, documentation, and professional and ethical responsibilities.
The exam uses multiple-choice questions based on realistic scenarios you’ll encounter in practice. Questions test both knowledge and clinical judgment. You’re not just recalling facts but applying concepts to decide appropriate courses of action in specific situations.
Most counselors prepare for two to three months while completing their final supervision hours. Study methods include IC&RC practice materials, study groups with colleagues, review courses, and working through practice scenarios with your supervisor. Many candidates find that discussing exam content with their supervisor helps connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The AADC Examination (for LCAC)
The Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam assumes master’s-level training and significant clinical experience. It covers more complex clinical topics: advanced assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning for complex cases, clinical applications of counseling theories, psychopharmacology, co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical supervision, program administration, and advanced ethical decision-making.
Preparation for the AADC typically takes three to four months. The exam requires a deeper understanding of clinical theory, research, and advanced practice concepts. Many LCACA counselors study while finishing their final supervision hours, using their clinical work to reinforce exam concepts.
Exam Fees and Retake Policies
The ADC exam costs $185, and the AADC costs $245. These fees cover exam administration and scoring. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period (typically 90 days) by paying the fee again.
Pass rates for both exams fall between 70% and 75%, meaning most prepared candidates pass on their first attempt. The exams are challenging but passable with adequate preparation and clinical experience. Your supervision experience directly helps exam preparation because the test scenarios reflect situations you’re encountering in practice.
Salary Data by Credential Level
Earnings in addiction counseling correlate strongly with your credential level and years of experience. Indiana salaries reflect both the clinical responsibilities you carry and the supervision requirements of different credential tiers.
| Credential Level | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LACA | $35,000 – $42,000 | $40,000 – $45,000 | $43,000 – $48,000 | Supervised counseling services |
| LAC | $45,000 – $52,000 | $50,000 – $58,000 | $55,000 – $62,000 | Full professional counseling with supervision |
| LCACA | $55,000 – $62,000 | $60,000 – $70,000 | $68,000 – $75,000 | Clinical assessment and diagnosis with oversight |
| LCAC | $65,000 – $75,000 | $72,000 – $85,000 | $80,000 – $95,000 | Independent clinical practice and supervision |
Geographic Variations Within Indiana
Location affects earning potential significantly. Indianapolis and surrounding metropolitan areas typically pay 10% to 15% above state averages due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for services. Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend offer competitive salaries near state averages. Rural areas may pay 8% to 12% below state averages, though a lower cost of living can offset the salary difference.
Employment Settings and Salary Ranges
Where you work influences earnings as much as your credential level. Outpatient treatment centers typically pay $40,000 to $65,000, depending on credential level. Residential facilities offer $45,000 to $70,000 with potential for higher salaries atthe clinical director level. Hospital-based programs pay $55,000 to $85,000, often with better benefits packages. Private practice income varies widely based on client volume and insurance panels, potentially reaching $75,000 to $95,000 for established LCAC professionals. Correctional facilities pay $48,000 to $72,000. Veterans Affairs positions range from $60,000 to $90,000 with federal benefits.
Career Advancement and Opportunities
Indiana’s addiction counseling field offers multiple advancement paths beyond moving through credential levels. Your career can grow in clinical expertise, leadership, specialization, or education.
Clinical Advancement
Many counselors deepen their clinical expertise rather than moving into administration. You can specialize in treating specific populations (adolescents, veterans, pregnant women, LGBTQ+ individuals), specific substances (opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder), or specific treatment modalities (motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care).
Specialization often comes through advanced training, certification programs, and focused clinical experience. These specialized skills make you more valuable to employers and can justify higher salaries even at the same credential level.
Leadership and Administration
With LCAC credentials and several years of experience, you can move into clinical supervisor, program director, or clinical director roles. These positions involve overseeing treatment programs, supervising other counselors, managing operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Leadership roles typically pay $75,000 to $95,000 or more, depending on program size and complexity.
Private Practice
LCAC credential holders can establish independent practices, though this path requires business skills beyond clinical training. You’ll handle marketing, insurance credentialing, billing, regulatory compliance, and practice management while providing clinical services. Successful private practices can be financially rewarding, but they also carry business risk and require significant startup investment.
Education and Training
Experienced LCAC professionals often teach in addiction counseling programs, provide training to other professionals, or develop clinical training curricula. Some counselors pursue doctoral degrees to teach at the university level. Others become clinical consultants helping treatment programs improve their services.
Continuing Education and License Maintenance
All Indiana addiction counselor licenses require continuing education requirements for renewal. You’ll complete a specified number of continuing education hours every two years, covering ethics, clinical skills, evidence-based practices, and emerging issues in addiction treatment. This ongoing learning keeps your skills current and exposes you to new treatment approaches and research.
Out-of-State Mobility
Indiana’s use of IC&RC examinations provides some reciprocity advantages. Many states recognize IC&RC credentials, which can ease the process of obtaining licensure if you relocate. However, each state has unique requirements, so you’ll still need to apply through that state’s licensing board and potentially complete additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become fully licensed as an addiction counselor in Indiana?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my degree?
How much does the IC&RC exam cost, and what if I don’t pass?
Do I need a specific degree to become an addiction counselor, or will any behavioral health degree work?
Will my out-of-state license transfer to Indiana?
Can I open a private practice with an LAC credential?
What’s the difference between LACA and LCACA?
How do I find a qualified supervisor for my required hours?
Key Takeaways
- Indiana offers four credential levels (LACA, LAC, LCACA, LCAC) that progressively expand your scope of practice from supervised counseling to independent clinical work and private practice capabilities.
- Timeline expectations are realistic: LACA takes 12-18 months, advancing to LAC takes an additional 2-3 years, LCACA entry requires 4-6 months post-master’s, and LCAC advancement takes another 2-3 years.
- Financial investment varies by education level: bachelor’s programs cost $40K-$80K, master’s programs cost $30K-$60K, certificate programs cost $3K-$8K, plus exam fees of $185-$245.
- Supervision isn’t just a requirement but your primary learning method for developing clinical judgment, with costs of $50-$100 per hour if you need external supervision outside your employment setting.
- IC&RC examinations (ADC for LAC, AADC for LCAC) have 70-75% pass rates and provide reciprocity advantages if you relocate to other IC&RC-member states.
- Salary progression is substantial: LACA counselors earn $35K-$48K, LAC counselors earn $45K-$62K, LCACA counselors earn $55K-$75K, and LCAC counselors earn $65K-$95K depending on experience and setting.
- Career advancement options include clinical specialization, leadership roles, private practice (LCAC only), education and training, or consulting work after gaining significant experience.
- Geographic location within Indiana affects earnings by roughly 10-15% above the state average in the Indianapolis metro area or 8-12% below the average in rural areas.
Ready to Start Your Indiana Addiction Counseling Career?
Indiana’s structured licensing system gives you clear steps from entry-level practice to independent clinical work. Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree or bringing graduate training, you’ll find a credential path that matches your education and career goals.
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.