Addiction Counselor Requirements in Louisiana
Addiction counselors are on the frontlines in the fight to save Louisiana communities one person at a time, helping those ready to break the chains of addiction make their way to recovery. It’s a fight that puts them in the outpatient programs and rehab facilities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge as well as operating out of rural clinics in the many underserved parishes in outlying areas of the state.
Wherever you see the pain of addiction, you’ll be in a position to help once you’ve earned your credentials and become part of Louisiana’s drug addiction recovery community.
Louisiana addiction counselors are credentialed through the Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA) at three levels:
- Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) – requires a high school diploma/GED
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) – requires a bachelor’s degree
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) – requires a master’s degree
Each of the above credentials is based on academic level, and each requires an examination and a period of supervised work experience.
A trainee can begin providing counseling services under supervision with a Counselor in Training (CIT) credential.
Select a Louisiana Addiction Counselor Topic Below…
- Counselor in Training Requirements
- Registered Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
- Certified Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
- Licensed Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
- The Application Process
- Additional Information
Counselor in Training Requirements
You’ll need to earn a Counselor in Training (CIT) designation as you work toward becoming an LAC, CAC, or RAC. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. You must also complete at least 180 hours of training in substance abuse treatment.
As a CIT, you’ll work under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Your CIT status must be renewed annually, for up to six years.
You can view in-training status resources here for more information.
Registered Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
To become an RAC, you must be 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED and complete the following:
- 300 clock hours of education broken down as:
- 180 clock hours in substance abuse disorders/addiction
- 114 clock hours in a related field of study
- 6 clock hours in professional ethics
- 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in the treatment of substance abuse, which must include at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- A passing score on the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
Certified Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
To become a CAC, you must be at least 21 years old and have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field
- 300 clock hours of education broken down as:
- 180 clock hours in substance abuse disorders/addiction
- 114 clock hours in a related field of study
- 6 clock hours in professional ethics
- 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in the treatment of substance abuse, which must include at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- A passing score on the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
Licensed Addiction Counselor: Pre-Examination Requirements
To become an LAC, you must be at least 21 years of age and have the following:
- Master’s degree in a behavioral science field
- 300 clock hours of education broken down as:
- 180 clock hours in substance abuse disorders/addiction
- 114 clock hours in a related field of study
- 6 clock hours in professional ethics
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in the treatment of substance abuse, which must include at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- A passing score on the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam
The Application Process
You must first apply to become an RAC, CAC, or LAC before you can sit for the IC&RC exam. All applicants must apply through Certemy.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions from ADRA for registering for the appropriate exam. You can view exam study guides here.
Additional Information
You can contact the Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority at (225) 361-0698 with any questions.
The Louisiana Association for Addiction Professionals is a good source of information on the profession and practice of substance abuse counseling in Louisiana.