Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Kansas
Kansas offers three levels of addiction counselor licensure through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board: Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) with a bachelor’s degree and NAADAC exam, Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) with a master’s degree (no exam required), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) with a master’s plus 4,000 supervised clinical hours and advanced NAADAC exam.
If you’ve decided to pursue addiction counseling in Kansas, you’re looking at one of the most straightforward licensing structures in the country. You can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, work under supervision while gaining experience, and advance to independent clinical practice with additional education and supervised hours.
Kansas addiction counselors work everywhere from community clinics in Kansas City and Overland Park to rural treatment centers serving underserved populations across the state. Whether you’re drawn to urban settings with diverse client populations or rural communities facing unique access challenges, Kansas needs qualified addiction counselors at every level.
Here’s everything you need to know about becoming licensed in Kansas, from your first bachelor’s degree through independent clinical practice.
Kansas Licensing Overview
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) regulates addiction counselors in the state. The three-tiered licensing structure allows you to begin practicing with a bachelor’s degree and advance based on your education and clinical experience:
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) – Bachelor’s level credential requiring supervision for clinical services and passage of the NCAC II exam. This is your entry point into the field if you have a four-year degree.
- Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) – Masters level credential requiring supervision for clinical services. Kansas does not require a separate exam for LMAC licensure. You’ll need this if you want to conduct advanced clinical work or move toward independent practice.
- Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) – Master’s level credential with postgraduate clinical experience and passage of the MAC exam. This is the highest level, allowing you to diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health disorders independently and to supervise other counselors.
Each level builds on the previous one, which means you’ll meet LAC requirements on your way to LMAC, and LMAC requirements on your way to LCAC. If you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree, expect a typical timeline of 2-4 years to reach LMAC and an estimated 4-6 years total to reach LCAC, including the required supervised hours.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Requirements
The LAC is Kansas’s entry-level addiction counseling credential. You’ll need to become an addiction counselor by completing specific education requirements, gaining supervised experience, and passing a national exam.
Education Requirements
You must earn a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field approved by the Board. Related fields include psychology, social work, counseling, or human services. Your degree program must consist of these nine required courses (either as part of your degree or completed separately):
- Introduction to Addiction – Foundational understanding of substance use disorders
- Methods of Individual Counseling – One-on-one client interaction techniques
- Methods of Group Counseling – Facilitating therapeutic group sessions
- Addiction Pharmacology – How substances affect the brain and body
- Co-Occurring Disorders – Treating clients with multiple diagnoses
- Addiction Services Coordination – Case management and resource coordination
- Legal and Ethical Issues – Professional boundaries and legal compliance
- Family and Community Studies – Understanding addiction’s broader impact
- Research – Evidence-based practice and outcome evaluation
Supervised Practice Requirement
You must complete at least 400 hours of supervised counseling experience (practicum). This is typically built into your degree program. Supervision must be provided at a ratio of one hour of supervision for every ten hours of practice, as defined by the Board.
Examination Requirement
You must pass the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam. This comprehensive exam covers the 12 core functions of addiction counseling. The exam costs $150 and can be scheduled after the Board approves your application.
Timeline to LAC
If you start with no college education, it typically takes 4-5 years (a bachelor’s degree plus a practicum). If you already have a related bachelor’s degree: usually 6-12 months (complete required coursework and practicum, then pass exam).
Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) Requirements
The LMAC credential requires a master’s degree and builds directly on LAC requirements. You must meet all LAC requirements first, then complete additional graduate-level education and supervised practice.
Education Requirements
You must earn a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field approved by the Board. Your graduate program must include these courses (either as part of your degree or completed separately):
- Addiction Recovery Services – Advanced treatment planning and intervention strategies
- Advanced Methods of Individual and Group Counseling – Graduate-level therapeutic techniques
- Advanced Pharmacology and Substance Use Disorders – Medication-assisted treatment and complex cases
- Integrative Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders – Treating multiple diagnoses simultaneously
- Assessment and Diagnosis – Clinical evaluation and DSM-5 criteria
- Professional Ethics and Practice – Advanced ethical decision-making
- Applied Research – Program evaluation and outcome measurement
- Practicum – Supervised graduate-level clinical experience
- At least 6 semester credit hours of advanced coursework in addiction counseling, supervision, or research
Supervised Practice Requirement
You must complete a supervised graduate practicum as required by the Board. This clinical experience is typically embedded within your master’s degree program and provides hands-on training in advanced counseling techniques.
Examination Requirement
Kansas does not require a separate examination for LMAC licensure. Your graduate education and supervised practicum fulfill the credential requirements.
Timeline to LMAC
From a bachelor’s degree: typically 2-3 years (full-time master’s program including practicum). Estimated total timeline from starting college: 6-8 years to reach LMAC.
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) Requirements
The LCAC is Kansas’s highest addiction counseling credential. It qualifies you for independent clinical practice, including diagnosing co-occurring mental health disorders and supervising other counselors. You must meet all LMAC requirements first, then complete extensive postgraduate supervised clinical hours.
Postgraduate Supervised Experience
You must complete 4,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical experience. Of these hours:
- 1,500 hours minimum must be spent in direct client assessment and treatment
- 100 hours minimum must be individual supervision (not group)
- At least two supervisory sessions are required each month
- One hour of supervision must be provided for every 20 hours of direct client contact, as defined by the Board
You’ll need to submit an LCAC Clinical Training Plan approved by the Board before beginning your supervised hours. This plan outlines your learning objectives and supervision structure.
If you hold a doctoral degree in a related field, the supervised experience requirement is reduced to 2,000 hours.
Examination Requirement
You must pass the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam—this advanced exam tests clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and treatment planning. The exam costs $150.
Timeline to LCAC
From LMAC: typically 2-4 years (to complete 4,000 supervised hours at full-time employment). Estimated total timeline from starting college: 8-12 years to reach LCAC, depending on whether you work full-time or part-time while accumulating hours.
The Examination Process
Kansas uses national NAADAC exams for LAC and LCAC credentials. LMAC does not require a separate examination. You must apply to the Kansas BSRB first and receive approval before registering for any exam. Here’s how the process works:
- Submit your application to the Kansas BSRB with all required documentation
- Receive approval notice from the Board (typically within 4-6 weeks)
- Register for your exam through NAADAC using the instructions provided by the Board
- Schedule your test date at a Pearson VUE testing center
- Take the exam and receive immediate preliminary results
- Receive official results from NAADAC within 2-3 weeks
The cost for either the NCAC Level II or MAC exam is approximately $150 (subject to change), paid directly to NAADAC upon registration. Exams are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers throughout Kansas.
Exam Content
The NCAC II exam (required for LAC) covers the 12 core functions of addiction counseling: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reporting and record-keeping, and consultation.
The MAC exam (required for LCAC) covers advanced clinical skills, including differential diagnosis, treatment of co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, and evidence-based practices.
The Application Process
All application forms and supporting documents are available on the Kansas BSRB website. The application process is the same for all three credential levels, though the documentation you submit will vary based on which license you’re seeking.
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form for your credential level (LAC, LMAC, or LCAC)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Three professional references attesting to your character and competence
- Verification of supervised hours from your clinical supervisor(s)
- Proof of exam passage (NCAC II or MAC scores sent directly from NAADAC, if applicable)
- Application fee of approximately $50 (non-refundable, subject to change)
Application Timeline
The Kansas BSRB typically processes applications within 6-8 weeks of receiving all required materials. Incomplete applications will delay the process. You can check your application status by contacting the Board directly.
License Renewal
Kansas addiction counselor licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completion of continuing education hours (specific requirements vary by credential level) and payment of the renewal fee.
Professionals Licensed in Other Fields
If the Kansas BSRB already licenses you in a related profession (such as professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy), you may be eligible for a simplified application process for addiction counselor licensure.
The Board recognizes that licensed mental health professionals often have overlapping education and clinical experience. The alternative application pathway allows you to demonstrate how your existing credentials meet Kansas addiction counseling requirements without duplicating coursework or supervised hours you’ve already completed.
Download the alternative application forms from the Kansas BSRB website and review the specific requirements for your existing license type.
Out-of-State Counselors and Reciprocity
If you’re already licensed as an addiction counselor in another state, you can apply for Kansas licensure by reciprocity through one of two pathways. Reciprocity allows you to transfer your credentials without having to repeat all education and experience requirements.
Reciprocity Pathway 1: Equivalent Standards
You must demonstrate that your current state’s licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Kansas requirements. This means showing that your state requires:
- Comparable education (bachelor’s or master’s degree in an appropriate field)
- Similar supervised clinical hours
- Passage of a national certification exam (NAADAC, IC&RC, or equivalent)
- Continuing education for license renewal
The Kansas BSRB will review your state’s requirements and determine equivalency, subject to Board review and approval. If your state’s standards meet or exceed Kansas requirements, your application will be approved without additional coursework or hours.
Reciprocity Pathway 2: Experience-Based
If your state’s requirements don’t perfectly align with Kansas standards, you can qualify through demonstrated experience, subject to Board review and approval. You must show:
- Five years of continuous practice under your current license
- Degree recognized by the Kansas BSRB (bachelor’s or master’s in an appropriate field)
- Completion of specific coursework matching Kansas requirements (if any gaps exist)
- Part-time or full-time employment as a licensed addiction counselor
You’ll need to provide employment verification and reference letters confirming your five years of practice.
Special Requirements for LCAC Reciprocity
If you’re applying for LCAC licensure (the clinical level), you must demonstrate competency in diagnosing and treating substance use disorders through one of three methods, subject to Board review and approval:
- National examination – Provide passing scores on the NAADAC MAC exam or equivalent clinical exam
- Graduate coursework – Complete 15 semester hours of graduate-level courses in diagnosis and clinical treatment
- Clinical practice verification – Provide documentation of at least three years of qualifying independent clinical practice, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of co-occurring disorders
Additionally, you must submit an attestation of competence from a qualified supervising professional who can verify your clinical skills.
Reciprocity Application Process
Submit the reciprocity application form along with verification of your current license, official transcripts, and required fee (approximately $50, subject to change). The Kansas BSRB will review your application and notify you of any additional requirements within 6-8 weeks.
Kansas Addiction Counselor Salaries
Understanding the financial reality of addiction counseling helps you make informed decisions about education investment and career planning. According to the most recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Kansas earn competitive salaries that increase with experience and credentials.
Kansas Salary Data
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,160 | $15.46 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Median (50th) | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,290 | $28.51 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,340 | $34.78 |
Salary by Credential Level
The BLS does not track salaries by Kansas license type. However, counselors typically see earnings increase as they advance through licensure levels based on experience, credentials, and scope of practice:
- LAC (entry-level) – Typically earn in the 10th-25th percentile range ($32,000-$38,000) as they’re working under supervision and gaining experience
- LMAC (master’s level) – Generally earn around the median ($47,000) with some reaching the 75th percentile ($59,000) depending on setting and experience
- LCAC (independent clinical) – Often reach the 75th-90th percentile ($59,000-$72,000), especially in private practice or clinical supervision roles
Geographic Variation
Salaries vary significantly between urban and rural areas in Kansas. Addiction counselors in the Kansas City and Wichita metropolitan areas typically earn 10-20% more than the state median. At the same time, rural positions may offer slightly lower salaries but a lower cost of living.
Employment Settings
Your work setting also affects earning potential:
- Outpatient clinics – Median range ($42,000-$52,000)
- Residential treatment facilities – Slightly above median ($48,000-$58,000)
- Hospitals and medical centers – Higher end of range ($55,000-$68,000)
- Private practice (LCAC only) – Highest potential but variable ($60,000-$85,000+)
- Government and social services – Mid-range with excellent benefits ($45,000-$55,000)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree to work as an addiction counselor in Kansas?
How long does it take to become fully licensed (LCAC) in Kansas?
What’s the difference between LAC, LMAC, and LCAC?
Can I work while completing my supervised hours for LCAC?
How much do the exams and applications cost in Kansas?
Can I transfer my addiction counselor license from another state?
What continuing education is required to maintain my Kansas license?
Do I need separate licenses if I want to work in both substance abuse and mental health counseling?
Key Takeaways
- Kansas offers three levels of addiction counselor licensure through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board: LAC (bachelor’s degree + exam), LMAC (master’s degree, no exam), and LCAC (master’s degree + 4,000 clinical hours + exam).
- You can begin working as an addiction counselor with a bachelor’s degree at the LAC level, working under supervision while gaining experience and deciding whether to pursue graduate education.
- LAC requires passing the NAADAC NCAC II exam, and LCAC requires the NAADAC MAC exam. LMAC does not require a separate examination. Exams cost approximately $150 each, plus an approximately $50 application fee to the Kansas BSRB (fees subject to change).
- The estimated complete timeline from bachelor’s degree to independent practice (LCAC) typically takes 8-12 years, but you can earn income as a counselor throughout most of this time.
- Kansas addiction counselors earn a median annual salary of $46,920, with experienced LCAC counselors earning $59,000- $72,000 in clinical supervision or private practice roles.
- Out-of-state counselors can apply for Kansas licensure through reciprocity by demonstrating equivalent licensing standards or five years of continuous practice, subject to Board review and approval.
Ready to Start Your Kansas Addiction Counseling Career?
Find accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in addiction counseling. Compare online degree programs and campus-based options to choose the path that fits your goals and schedule.
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 US TUS4. 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.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
For specific questions about your application or licensing requirements, contact the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board at (785) 296-3240, email [email protected], or submit an inquiry through their online contact form.
The Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals (KAADAC) provides continuing education opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for addiction counselors across the state. Membership offers access to professional development resources and connects you with Kansas’s addiction counseling community.