Addiction Counselor Requirements in Maryland
Maryland credentials substance abuse counselors at four levels through the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists: Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT), Certified Supervised Counselor-Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), Certified Associate Counselor-Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD), and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). Requirements range from an associate degree with specialized coursework to a master’s degree with extensive supervised clinical experience.
There are no simple solutions to the complex, systemic problem that Maryland’s dual prescription opioid and street-grade fentanyl crises represent. But one thing you can be sure of is that the state’s substance use disorder professional community has a hand to play in it.
Working with ordinary people and those struggling at the margins, you’ll find Maryland’s addiction counselors in the heart of Baltimore, its surrounding communities, and in every corner of the state that inpatient facilities and outpatient programs can reach. They’re in the trenches every day, providing life-changing resources and services. And with the proper credentials, you can become an addiction counselor who makes a real difference.
Maryland substance abuse counselors are regulated and credentialed by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, part of the Maryland Department of Health.
Maryland Credential Pathways at a Glance
Maryland offers a clear progression pathway from entry-level trainee status through independent clinical practice. Each credential level builds on the previous one, allowing you to work in the field while completing requirements for advancement.
| Credential Level | Education Required | Experience Hours | Exam Required | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) | Associate degree or equivalent coursework | None | None | Approximately 1-2 years |
| Certified Supervised Counselor (CSC-AD) | Associate degree in the counseling field with required coursework | 1,000 hours supervised or internship | NCAC I + Maryland Law | Approximately 2-3 years |
| Certified Associate Counselor (CAC-AD) | Bachelor’s degree in the counseling field + 33 credits addiction training | 1,000 hours supervised | NCAC II + Maryland Law | Approximately 4-5 years |
| Licensed Clinical (LCADC) | Master’s degree (48+ graduate credits with required coursework) | Supervised clinical experience as LGADC | MAC + Maryland Law | Approximately 6-7 years |
Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT)
The ADT credential is your entry point into Maryland’s addiction counseling field. It allows you to begin gaining supervised experience while completing your education requirements for higher-level credentials.
ADT Requirements
To earn the ADT credential, you usually need an associate degree or equivalent coursework with a Board-approved supervisor. Under specific pathways, you can complete 15 semester hours of coursework in drug and alcohol counseling topics and alcohol and drug ethics as part of meeting the credential requirements. If you’ve already earned an associate degree or higher in a health and human services counseling field, you may need to show proof that you’ve completed the required coursework,k including alcohol and drug ethics.
The ADT credential is valid for up to 6 years, though it must be renewed every two years. This gives you time to work in the field under supervision while completing your degree and preparing for the next credential level.
What You Can Do as an ADT
As an ADT, you’ll work under supervision while gaining the hands-on experience needed for certification. This is a valuable time to learn the practical aspects of addiction counseling while completing your formal education.
Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD)
The CSC-AD credential represents your first full certification as an addiction counselor in Maryland. At this level, you can provide alcohol and drug counseling services under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor.
CSC-AD Education Requirements
You must hold an associate degree in a counseling-related field with specific required coursework. The Board requires completion of 24 to 30 credit hours in designated courses, including ethics, counseling techniques, and internship or practicum content. These courses provide specialized knowledge in addiction treatment, assessment, counseling methods, and ethics specific to substance use disorders.
CSC-AD Experience Requirements
You must either complete a Board-approved internship or complete at least 1,000 hours of alcohol and drug counseling experience under an approved supervisor. Most students find that combining education with practical experience provides the strongest foundation for this level.
CSC-AD Examination Requirements
All CSC-AD applicants must take and pass two examinations:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor I (NCAC I) exam – Administered by NAADAC, this exam tests fundamental knowledge of addiction counseling principles, ethics, and practices
- Maryland Law Assessment – Offered through the CCE Academy, this exam covers Maryland-specific laws, regulations, and ethical standards for addiction counselors.s
Career Outlook at CSC-AD Level
As a CSC-AD, you’ll work in treatment facilities, outpatient programs, and community organizations under clinical supervision. This credential typically takes approximately 2-3 years to achieve and opens doors to paid positions in the addiction treatment field.
Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD)
The CAC-AD credential builds on your CSC-AD foundation and requires a bachelor’s degree. At this level, you gain more independence in your practice while still working under supervision as you move toward full clinical licensure.
CAC-AD Education Requirements
You must earn a bachelor’s degree in a counseling-related field as approved by the Board. Beyond your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete at least 33 semester credits or equivalent training in alcohol and drug counseling. This expanded curriculum covers advanced topics in addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, treatment planning, and clinical assessment.
CAC-AD Experience Requirements
You must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised alcohol and drug counseling experience. This requirement allows you to build practical skills under the guidance of an approved clinical supervisor, whether through an internship or supervised work as a CSC-AD or ADT.
CAC-AD Examination Requirements
CAC-AD applicants must pass two examinations:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor II (NCAC II) exam – This advanced NAADAC exam covers intermediate to advanced addiction counseling competencies, including assessment, treatment planning, case management, and professional development
- Maryland Law Assessment – The same state-specific exam required for CSC-AD, ensuring you understand Maryland regulations and ethics
CAC-AD Career Opportunities
With a CAC-AD credential, you’ll have broader opportunities in Maryland’s addiction treatment field, including positions in larger treatment facilities, specialized programs, and supervisory roles in some settings. This credential typically takes approximately 4-5 years to achieve from the beginning of your education.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
The LCADC is Maryland’s highest addiction counseling credential, requiring a master’s degree and extensive supervised clinical experience. At this level, you can practice independently, provide clinical supervision to other counselors, and work in advanced clinical and administrative roles.
LCADC Education Requirements
You must earn a master’s degree with at least 48 graduate semester credits, plus additional coursework in designated core areas, or an equivalent program of 60 or more credits with required alcohol and drug counseling coursework per Maryland regulations. Your graduate education should include advanced coursework in clinical assessment, evidence-based treatment approaches, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, and research methods in addiction treatment.
LCADC Experience Requirements
You must complete supervised clinical experience in alcohol and drug counseling. Maryland requires you first to hold the Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LGADC) credential while accumulating your supervised clinical hours. The exact structure and requirements for clinical experience are detailed in Maryland’s Code of Regulations (COMAR).
Learn more about applying for the LGADC here.
LCADC Examination Requirements
LCADC applicants must pass two examinations:
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam – NAADAC’s most advanced certification exam, covering master-level competencies in clinical practice, supervision, consultation, and professional development
- Maryland Law Assessment – Ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Maryland-specific regulations and ethical standards
LCADC Career Outlook
As an LCADC, you can practice independently, open a private practice, provide clinical supervision, lead treatment programs, and take on senior clinical and administrative roles. This credential typically takes approximately 6-7 years to achieve from the start of your education and represents the highest standard of professional practice in Maryland’s addiction counseling field.
The Application Process
Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists has streamlined the application process to make credentialing as straightforward as possible.
Pre-Application Review
If you’re not sure whether you meet the educational requirements as outlined by the Board, you can complete a Pre-Application for Alcohol and Drug Counselor. This optional step can save time by confirming your eligibility before you invest in the whole application.
Required Application Materials
You must download, complete, and notarize the appropriate application and upload it, along with supporting documentation, through the Board’s online portal. Required materials include:
- Completed and notarized application form
- Passport-sized photo
- Copy of your passing exam score report
- Criminal background check results
- Official transcripts documenting your education
- Documentation of supervised experience hours
Application Forms by Credential Level
All application fees must be paid online here.
Processing Timeline
The Board typically reviews complete applications and issues determinations within several weeks, though timing may vary depending on application volume and complexity. Make sure all materials are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
Salary and Job Outlook in Maryland
Maryland’s addiction counselors earn competitive salaries that reflect the importance and demand for this work, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Maryland earn a median annual wage of $56,180. Entry-level counselors typically start around $37,690, while experienced counselors in clinical and supervisory roles can earn $79,560 or more annually.
Salaries vary based on several factors:
- Credential level – LCADCs with independent practice authority earn significantly more than supervised counselors
- Geographic location: Baltimore, Montgomery County, and the D.C. suburbs typically offer higher salaries than rural areas.s
- Work setting – Private practices and specialized treatment facilities often pay more than community agencies
- Experience – Years of practice and specialized training increase earning potential
- Additional credentials – Counselors with clinical supervision credentials or specialized certifications command higher salaries
Job Market Outlook
Maryland’s need for addiction counselors continues to grow as the state addresses ongoing substance use challenges, particularly the opioid and fentanyl crises. The Baltimore-Washington region has a robust demand for qualified addiction counselors in hospital-based programs, community treatment centers, and private practices.
Employment opportunities exist throughout the state, from urban treatment centers in Baltimore to community programs in rural counties. Maryland’s proximity to federal agencies and military installations also creates opportunities for counselors working with specialized populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed addiction counselor in Maryland?
Do I need a master’s degree to work as an addiction counselor in Maryland?
What exams do Maryland addiction counselors need to pass?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my education?
How much does it cost to get certified in Maryland?
Does Maryland have reciprocity with other states?
What are the continuing education requirements for Maryland addiction counselors?
What’s the difference between CSC-AD, CAC-AD, and LCADC?
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers four credential levels (ADT, CSC-AD, CAC-AD, LCADC), allowing you to enter the field at various education levels and advance over time.
- You can start working as an ADT with an associate degree or equivalent coursework, gaining experience while completing your degree for a higher credential.
- Each credential level requires passing national certification exams (NCAC I, NCAC II, or MAC) and the Maryland Law Assessment.
- The LCADC requires a master’s degree with specific graduate coursework and supervised clinical experience, but allows independent practice and clinical supervision.n
- Maryland addiction counselors earn a median salary of $56,180, with higher earnings for experienced counselors and LCADCs in the Baltimore-Washington area.
- Applications are submitted to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, which reviews complete applications and issues determinations within several weeks.
- Maryland’s credentials align with national standards, and counselors from other states should contact the Board to discuss their specific reciprocity situations.
- The typical path from starting education to LCADC licensure takes approximately 6-7 years, but you can work in the field throughout this progression.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in Maryland?
Explore accredited programs that meet Maryland’s requirements and take the first step toward making a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction.
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.
Additional Information
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists can be reached at 410-764-4732. For the most current information on credential requirements, application procedures, and renewal processes, visit the Board’s official website or review the Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR) sections on alcohol and drug counselor credentials.