Addiction Counselor Requirements in Louisiana

Q: Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my supervised hours?

Yes. Once registered as a Counselor in Training (CIT), you may work in addiction treatment settings under supervision while completing the supervised hours required for RAC, CAC, or LAC credentials. Many counselors work full-time while completing their requirements.

Q: What’s the difference between working as an RAC versus an LAC?

LAC counselors with master’s degrees typically have greater autonomy in clinical decision-making, may diagnose substance use disorders, pursue supervisory roles, and earn higher salaries. RAC counselors work effectively in treatment teams but generally require more supervision and may have limitations on independent practice.

Q: Do I need to renew my Louisiana addiction counselor credentials?

Yes. All Louisiana addiction counselor credentials require periodic renewal. Renewal includes meeting continuing education requirements and adhering to timelines specific to each credential level. Check with LA-ADRA for current renewal policies.

Q: Can I specialize in treating specific addictions with these credentials?

Louisiana addiction counselor credentials prepare professionals to treat all substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. Many counselors later develop specializations through additional training and professional experience.

Q: How much does it cost to become a Louisiana addiction counselor?

Costs vary by credential level and education path. Typical expenses include required training (approximately $1,500–$3,000), LA-ADRA application fees, IC&RC examination fees ($150–$300), and degree costs for CAC or LAC credentials. Many counselors offset costs by working as Counselors in Training while completing requirements.

Written by Marcus Delgado, Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Louisiana credentials addiction counselors at three levels through LA-ADRA: Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) requires a high school diploma, 300 hours of education, and 6,000 supervised hours. A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) requires a bachelor’s degree, 300 hours of education, and 4,000 supervised hours. A Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a master’s degree, 300 hours of education, and 2,000 supervised hours. All levels require passing an IC&RC examination.

There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen the weight of addiction—maybe in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or in one of Louisiana’s rural parishes where help feels far away. Whether you’ve carried it yourself or watched someone you love struggle, that pain can become purpose.

Louisiana’s addiction counselors are on the frontlines, working in outpatient programs and rehab facilities across the state, from urban treatment centers to rural clinics serving underserved communities. They’re helping people ready to break free from addiction find their path to recovery, one person at a time.

Once you’ve earned your credentials through the Louisiana Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA), you’ll join this community of professionals making a real difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder.

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Louisiana Addiction Counselor Credentials Overview

Louisiana’s Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA) credentials addiction counselors at three distinct levels, each requiring different education, supervised experience, and examination. Here’s how they compare:

Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) – Entry-level credential requiring a high school diploma or GED
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) – Mid-level credential requiring a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) – Advanced credential requiring a master’s degree in a behavioral science field

Each credential level requires completing 300 clock hours of addiction-focused education, accumulating supervised work experience, and passing an International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) examination. You’ll start your journey as a Counselor in Training (CIT) while you work toward one of these three credentials.

Counselor in Training Requirements

Before you can earn your RAC, CAC, or LAC credential, you’ll need to register as a Counselor in Training (CIT) with LA-ADRA. This designation allows you to begin working in addiction treatment settings while accumulating the supervised hours required for full credentialing.

CIT Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 years
High school diploma or GED
Completion of at least 180 hours of training in substance abuse treatment
Work under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

Your CIT status must be renewed annually and can be maintained for up to six years while you complete your credential requirements. You can view in-training status resources on LA-ADRA’s website for additional guidance.

Timeline: Most counselors work as CITs for 2-4 years while completing their supervised hours and preparing for their credential examination.

Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC)

The RAC is Louisiana’s entry-level addiction counselor credential. It’s designed for those entering the field with a high school diploma or GED who want to begin working in addiction treatment while building toward higher credentials.

RAC Requirements:

Age: Minimum 21 years old
Education: High school diploma or GED
Training Hours: 300 clock hours 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
Supervised Experience: 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance abuse treatment, including at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
Examination: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam

Timeline: With full-time work (2,000 hours per year), you’ll need approximately 3 years to accumulate the required 6,000 supervised hours. Add time for completing your 300 training hours and exam preparation.

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

The CAC credential is Louisiana’s mid-level credential and requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field. This credential offers more autonomy in clinical settings and better career advancement opportunities than the RAC level.

CAC Requirements:

Age: Minimum 21 years old
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field (psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, or related field)
Training Hours: 300 clock hours 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
Supervised Experience: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance abuse treatment, including at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
Examination: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam

Timeline: With full-time work, you’ll need approximately 2 years to complete the 4,000 required supervised hours, plus time for your bachelor’s degree if you haven’t already earned it.

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

The LAC is Louisiana’s highest addiction counselor credential, and requires a master’s degree in a behavioral science field. LAC counselors have the most clinical autonomy, can pursue supervisory roles, and typically earn higher salaries than RAC or CAC counselors.

LAC Requirements:

Age: Minimum 21 years old
Education: Master’s degree in a behavioral science field (counseling, social work, psychology, or related field)
Training Hours: 300 clock hours 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
Supervised Experience: 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance abuse treatment, including at least 300 hours of direct clinical supervision under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
Examination: Pass the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam

Timeline: With full-time work, you’ll need approximately 1 year to complete the 2,000 required supervised hours, plus the time necessary to earn your master’s degree (typically 2 years beyond a bachelor’s degree).

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The Application Process

You must apply for and receive approval for your RAC, CAC, or LAC credential before you’re eligible to sit for the IC&RC examination. Louisiana uses an online application system that streamlines the credentialing process.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Register as a CIT: Begin by registering as a Counselor in Training with LA-ADRA if you haven’t already
Complete Required Education: Finish your 300 clock hours of required training in substance abuse treatment
Accumulate Supervised Hours: Work under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) to complete your required supervised experience hours.
Submit Application: Apply through Certemy, LA-ADRA’s online credentialing system.
Application Review: LA-ADRA will review your application, verify your education and supervised hours, and approve you for examination
Register for Exam: Once approved, you’ll receive instructions from LA-ADRA for registering for the appropriate IC&RC exam.
Prepare for Exam: LA-ADRA provides exam study guides and resources to help you prepare
Take Exam: Schedule and complete your IC&RC examination
Receive Credential: After passing your exam, LA-ADRA will issue your RAC, CAC, or LAC credential

Application Fees: Contact LA-ADRA at (225) 361-0698 for current application and examination fee information.

Louisiana Addiction Counselor Salary

Louisiana addiction counselors earn competitive salaries that increase with education level and experience. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, here’s what you can expect:

Location	Annual Mean Wage	10th Percentile	50th Percentile (Median)	90th Percentile
Louisiana (Statewide)	$48,970	$32,270	$45,710	$68,650
New Orleans-Metairie	$51,340	$35,480	$48,920	$71,180
Baton Rouge	$47,820	$31,390	$44,280	$67,420

Entry-level RAC counselors typically start at the lower end of the salary range. In comparison, experienced LAC counselors with master’s degrees and several years of experience earn higher salaries. Supervisory positions and specialized roles (clinical directors, program managers) often exceed the 90th percentile wages shown above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my addiction counselor credentials from another state to Louisiana?

Louisiana participates in the IC&RC reciprocity program, which may allow you to transfer credentials from another IC&RC member state. Contact LA-ADRA at (225) 361-0698 to verify your specific situation, as additional requirements may apply based on your state’s credentialing standards and Louisiana’s requirements.

How long does it take to become a Louisiana addiction counselor?

Timeline varies significantly by credential level. For RAC (requiring 6,000 supervised hours), expect approximately 3 years of full-time work. For CAC (4,000 hours), approximately 2 years. For LAC (2,000 hours), approximately 1 year. Add time for completing your required education: high school diploma for RAC, bachelor’s degree for CAC (typically 4 years), or master’s degree for LAC (normally two additional years beyond bachelor’s).

What happens if I fail the IC&RC exam?

You can retake the IC&RC examination. LA-ADRA provides study guides and exam preparation resources on its website to help you prepare. Many counselors pass on their second attempt after reviewing the exam content outline and focusing on areas for improvement. Contact LA-ADRA for specific retake policies and any waiting periods between exam attempts.

Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my supervised hours?

Yes. Once you’re registered as a Counselor in Training (CIT), you can work in addiction treatment settings under supervision while accumulating the supervised hours required for RAC, CAC, or LAC credentials. Most Louisiana addiction counselors work full-time in treatment centers, outpatient programs, or recovery facilities while completing their requirements.

What’s the difference between working as an RAC versus an LAC?

LAC counselors with master’s degrees typically have more autonomy in clinical decision-making, can diagnose substance use disorders, pursue supervisory roles, and earn higher salaries (often $10,000-$20,000 more annually than RAC counselors). RAC counselors work effectively in treatment teams but generally require more direct supervision and may have limitations on independent clinical practice.

Do I need to renew my Louisiana addiction counselor credentials?

Yes, all Louisiana addiction counselor credentials require periodic renewal. Check with LA-ADRA for current renewal requirements, including continuing education hours needed and renewal timelines specific to your credential level. Maintaining your credential requires staying current with developments in addiction treatment and completing required professional development.

Can I specialize in treating specific addictions with these credentials?

Louisiana addiction counselor credentials prepare you to treat all types of substance use disorders—alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other substances. The core principles of addiction treatment apply across all substances. Many counselors develop specializations through additional training and work experience in treating specific populations or types of addiction.

How much does it cost to become a Louisiana addiction counselor?

Costs vary by credential level and education path. Expect to pay for your required 300 hours of training, which may range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the program provider, application fees to LA-ADRA, IC&RC examination fees ($150-$300), and your degree costs if pursuing CAC (bachelor’s degree) or LAC (master’s degree). Many Louisiana counselors work as CITs while completing requirements, offsetting costs with their salaries.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana offers three addiction counselor credential levels through LA-ADRA: RAC (high school diploma, 6,000 hours), CAC (bachelor’s degree, 4,000 hours), and LAC (master’s degree, 2,000 hours)
All credential levels require 300 clock hours of addiction-focused education, supervised clinical experience, and passing an IC&RC examination.
You’ll start as a Counselor in Training (CIT) and work under supervision while accumulating the hours needed for full credentialing.g
Louisiana addiction counselors earn competitive salaries ranging from $ 32,000 to $68,000 annually, with higher credentials and experience leading to higher pay.
The application process requires submitting your credentials through LA-ADRA’s Certemy system, receiving approval, then registering for and passing your IC&RC exam.
Louisiana participates in IC&RC reciprocity, potentially allowing credential transfer from other state,s with additional requirements.
Timeline to full credentialing ranges from 1-3 years of full-time work,ork depending on which credential level you’re pursuing

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Additional Resources

The Louisiana Association for Addiction Professionals offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education for addiction counselors at all credential levels. Membership provides access to professional development, advocacy efforts, and connections with Louisiana’s addiction treatment community.

For additional support in your professional development journey, explore professional organizations that serve addiction counselors nationwide, offering certifications, continuing education, and networking opportunities.

For questions about specific credentialing requirements, application procedures, or exam scheduling, contact the Louisiana Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA) at (225) 361-0698 or visit LA-ADRA’s website.

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.

Marcus Delgado

Marcus J. Delgado is a nationally recognized addiction counseling expert with over 18 years of clinical and regulatory experience. A Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC), he previously served on a state certification board and has helped thousands of counselors navigate licensing requirements across the U.S.

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