Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts licenses alcohol and drug counselors at two levels through the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). The LADC II requires a high school diploma, 270 hours of training, and 6,000 hours of supervised experience (typically 3-4 years). The LADC I requires a master’s degree in behavioral sciences, meets the same training and experience requirements, and qualifies you for independent practice and supervision of other counselors. Both require passing the CADC exam.
There’s a good chance you’re considering this path because you understand the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve seen it affect someone you love, or you’ve experienced it yourself. That personal connection often becomes the driving force behind a career in substance abuse counseling, and Massachusetts offers clear pathways to turn that experience into professional expertise.
From harm reduction programs in Boston to medication-assisted treatment centers in Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts has built a strong, resilient recovery community. At the heart of these efforts are the state’s licensed alcohol and drug counselors—professionals who provide evidence-based treatment to those struggling with substance use disorder.
The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) credentials counselors at two distinct levels: the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) and the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I). The path you choose depends on your education level and career goals. The LADC II allows you to practice under supervision, while the LADC I qualifies you for independent practice and the ability to supervise other counselors. Understanding the pathway to becoming a certified addiction counselor helps you make informed decisions about which credential matches your goals.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I Requirements
The LADC I represents the highest level of alcohol and drug counselor licensure in Massachusetts. If you’re aiming for independent practice or want to supervise other counselors, this is the credential you’ll pursue.
You’ll need a master’s degree in behavioral sciences or a related field. This typically includes degrees in counseling, psychology, social work, or addiction studies. The master’s requirement reflects the clinical depth needed for independent practice—you’ll be making treatment decisions, conducting assessments, and potentially running your own practice.
Beyond your degree, you must complete:
- Two hundred seventy hours of training in substance abuse counseling – The BSAS maintains a directory of approved addiction education providers. This training covers the core competencies you’ll use in practice: screening and assessment, treatment planning, counseling techniques, case management, and professional ethics.
- Three hundred hours of supervised practical training – This hands-on experience happens during your education or early career, giving you direct client contact under close supervision.
- Six thousand hours of supervised experience in alcohol and drug counseling – This is roughly three to four years of full-time work. You’ll accumulate these hours while working under the supervision of a licensed counselor, gradually building your clinical skills and judgment.
- Passing score on the CADC exam – The Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor exam is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC). It tests your knowledge across all domains of addiction counseling practice.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Requirements
The LADC II is the entry point for most addiction counselors in Massachusetts. You’ll practice under supervision, working directly with clients while building toward independent practice or choosing to remain in a collaborative team setting.
The education requirement is more accessible than the LADC I: you need a high school diploma or GED to start. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you’ll benefit from reduced experience requirements, but it’s not mandatory.
Here’s what you’ll complete:
- Two hundred seventy hours of training in substance abuse counseling. The exact training requirement is LADC I. The BSAS provides a list of approved education providers. Many counselors complete this through certificate programs at community colleges or specialized training institutes.
- 300 hours of supervised practical training – Direct client work under close supervision, typically completed during your training program or early employment.
- 6,000 hours of experience in drug and alcohol counseling – If you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, this drops to 4,000 hours, reducing your timeline by about a year. Either way, you’re looking at several years of supervised practice—most counselors accumulate these hours over three to four years of full-time work.
- Passing score on the CADC exam – The same exam required for LADC I candidates, administered by MBSACC.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant
Massachusetts also offers an entry-level Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant credential for those just starting in the field. This allows you to work in treatment settings while you’re building toward LADC II or LADC I certification.
Requirements are more modest:
- High school diploma or GED
- 2,000 hours of work experience in alcohol and drug counseling – Roughly one year of full-time work
- 50 hours of training in substance abuse counseling – Significantly less than the 270 hours required for LADC II or I
- Passing score on the CADC exam
Counselor Assistants work under direct clinical and administrative supervision. This credential is helpful if you’re exploring the field, working while completing your education, or transitioning from a related profession.
The Application Process
You’ll apply for your license after you’ve completed all education, experience, and examination requirements. Massachusetts uses an online eLicensing portal managed by BSAS, but you’ll need to request access first.
Contact Ian Bain, the LADC Coordinator, at [email protected] or (781) 774-6627 to be granted access to the licensing system. He’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions about your specific situation.
Your application will include:
- Three letters of recommendation – Choose supervisors, colleagues, or professors who can speak to your clinical skills and professional character
- Statement of Supervised Counseling Practicum (Form B) – Documenting your 300 hours of supervised practical training
- Statement of Approved Work Experience (Form C) – Documenting your 6,000 hours (or 4,000 hours with a bachelor’s degree) of supervised work experience
Both forms require signatures from your clinical supervisors, so maintain good records throughout your supervised hours. Once licensed, you’ll need to stay current with continuing education requirements to keep your credential.
Reciprocity and Examination Waivers
If you’re already licensed in another state, Massachusetts may recognize your credential without requiring you to retake examinations. The state offers two main pathways for out-of-state counselors:
License reciprocity: If you hold a comparable alcohol and drug counselor license from another state that’s current and in good standing, Massachusetts may grant you licensure without a written or oral examination. The BSAS evaluates each case individually to ensure your out-of-state license meets Massachusetts standards.
Certification reciprocity: If you hold certification through certain recognized organizations, you may be eligible for licensure without the written examination. Accepted certifying bodies include:
- International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
- Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC)
- National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
- American Academy of Healthcare Providers in the Addictive Disorders
MBSACC maintains reciprocity with IC&RC, which means certification through either organization can streamline your Massachusetts licensing process.
Salary Expectations in Massachusetts
We know you’re not in this for the money—most people drawn to addiction counseling have deeper motivations. But you still need to pay bills and plan for the future, so here’s what you can realistically expect.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Massachusetts earn a median annual wage of $53,240. That breaks down to about $25.60 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earn around $37,010, while the highest 10 percent earn $79,330 or more.
Your salary will depend on several factors:
- Credential level – LADC I counselors with independent practice authority typically earn more than LADC II counselors working under supervision
- Setting – Hospitals and private practices often pay more than community health centers or nonprofit organizations
- Experience – Like most professions, your earning potential increases with years in the field
- Location – Boston-area positions generally offer higher salaries than rural areas, though the cost of living adjusts accordingly
- Specialization – Counselors with specialized training in areas like dual diagnosis or medication-assisted treatment may command higher salaries
The Massachusetts addiction counseling field is growing. The state continues to invest in substance use disorder treatment infrastructure, creating steady demand for qualified counselors across all credential levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become fully licensed as an LADC in Massachusetts?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while I’m accumulating my supervised hours?
What’s the practical difference between LADC I and LADC II in day-to-day work?
How much does the CADC exam cost, and how do I prepare for it?
Will Massachusetts accept my addiction counselor license from another state?
Do I need a master’s degree to be an effective addiction counselor?
What if I have a criminal record—can I still become licensed?
Where can I complete the required 270 hours of training?
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts licenses addiction counselors at two primary levels: LADC II (supervised practice) requires a high school diploma and 6,000 hours of experience. In contrast, LADC I (independent practice) requires a master’s degree in behavioral sciences with specific experience requirements.
- Both LADC I and LADC II require 270 hours of addiction counseling training, 300 hours of supervised practicum, and passing the CADC exam administered by MBSACC.
- Accumulating 6,000 hours of supervised experience typically takes three to four years of full-time work—this requirement drops to 4,000 hours if you hold a bachelor’s degree.
- The Counselor Assistant credential offers an entry point with lower requirements (2,000 hours of experience and 50 hours of training), allowing you to work in the field while building toward full licensure.
- Massachusetts accepts out-of-state licenses and specific certifications through reciprocity agreements, potentially waiving examination requirements for qualified counselors.
- The median salary for substance abuse counselors in Massachusetts is $53,240 annually, with the top 10 percent earning $79,330 or more, depending on credential level, setting, and experience.
- You can work in addiction treatment settings while accumulating supervised hours, making it possible to earn income while completing licensure requirements.
- The practical difference between LADC I and LADC II is independence: LADC I counselors can practice independently and supervise others, while LADC II counselors work under supervision.
Ready to Start Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Massachusetts?
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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.