Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Maine
From the pain of withdrawals to the constant looming threat of relapse, the challenges of working with people struggling to overcome addiction are real. But for Maine’s alcohol and drug counselors and the clients they serve, the rewards of a life renewed are well worth it. A career in substance abuse counseling isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those with compassion, resilience, and dedication, there’s no other career path like it.
Maine’s alcohol and drug counselors are credentialed by the Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors at two levels:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
The Maine Board also offers an Alcohol & Drug Counseling Aide for those working in support roles and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) credential for counselors authorized to provide guidance to counselors in training.
Select a Maine Alcohol and Drug Counselor Topic Below…
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements
- Alcohol & Drug Counseling Aide Requirements
- Certified Clinical Supervisor Requirements
- The Application Process
- Additional Information
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
You can become a CADC in Maine through either education or qualifying work experience:
- Earn an associate’s degree in a clinically behavioral sciences, addiction counseling, a related field
OR
- Earn at least 30 college credit hours (10 courses) in a clinically behavioral sciences, addiction counseling, or a related field
OR
- Complete at least 4,000 hours of licensed supervised work experience hours in alcohol and drug counseling under the supervision of a Maine Certified Clinical Supervision and while holding an Alcohol & Drug Counseling Aide license
Regardless of which path you’ll take to qualify, you’ll need to take and pass the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam before being credentialed.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements
The LADC credential allows you to provide individual or group alcohol and drug counseling services independently through either an agency or in private practice. You must first become a CAC and then earn an additional 2,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
You must also take and pass the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Advance Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Aide Requirements
To earn the Alcohol & Drug Counselor Aide credential, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You must submit a Supervision Agreement form to qualify for this credential.
Certified Clinical Supervisor Requirements
To become a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), you must hold an LC and complete at least 24 hours of training in clinical supervision, which must include at least 6 hours in each of the following areas:
- Skills assessment and evaluation
- Counselor development
- Management and administration
- Professional responsibility
You can also become a CCS if you hold a clinical, mental health license and complete 1,000 hours of licensed supervised work experience in alcohol and drug counseling services while under the supervision of a CCS or full, clinical mental health licensee.
The Application Process
All applicants must complete an online application.
You’ll have the option to apply to take the IC&RC exam before or after you apply for the CAC or LC credential.
You may be required to submit one or more of the following supplemental documents during the application process:
Additional Information
Questions? Contact the Maine Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors at [email protected] or (207) 624-8603.
The Maine Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services serves as an additional professional resource.