Chemical Dependency Counselor Requirements in Ohio
Ohio licenses chemical dependency counselors at three levels: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (associate degree), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (bachelor’s degree), and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (master’s degree). All levels require 2,000 hours of supervised experience, 180 hours of chemical dependency education, and passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam.
You’re looking at Ohio’s chemical dependency counselor requirements because you’ve seen what addiction does—maybe to someone you love, maybe in your own life. From Cleveland to Cincinnati to rural communities across the state, synthetic opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine have devastated families. The crisis is real, and it’s personal.
But here’s what matters: you can turn that experience into purpose. Ohio’s chemical dependency counselors provide evidence-based treatment that saves lives and rebuilds families every single day. Whether you’re working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practice, you’ll be part of a community making measurable differences in the fight against addiction.
This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Ohio—from education requirements to supervised experience to the exam process. We’ve broken down each license level so you can choose the path that fits your goals.
Ohio’s Three Chemical Dependency Counselor License Levels
Ohio’s substance abuse counselors are regulated and licensed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board at three levels:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) – Associate degree in behavioral science or bachelor’s in any field
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) – Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or nursing
- Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) – Master’s degree in behavioral science or nursing
All three levels require the same supervised experience hours and chemical dependency education. The main difference is education level and scope of practice—LICDC is the only level that allows independent practice without supervision.
| License Level | Education Required | Supervised Hours | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCDC II | Associate in behavioral science OR bachelor’s in any field | 2,000 hours (220 in core functions) | Practice under supervision |
| LCDC III | Bachelor’s in behavioral science or nursing | 2,000 hours (220 in core functions) | Practice under supervision with more autonomy |
| LICDC | Master’s in behavioral science or nursing | 2,000 hours (220 in core functions) | Independent practice, can supervise others |
Educational Requirements: LCDC II and LCDC III
To become an LCDC II, you’ll need either an associate degree in addiction counseling or a behavioral science field or nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in any field. If you’re pursuing LCDC III, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or specifically in behavioral science or nursing.
The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board maintains a list of endorsed colleges that are guaranteed to include all coursework required for licensure. Using an endorsed program streamlines the application process because the Board has already verified that the curriculum meets its standards.
Both LCDC II and LCDC III require a 240-hour internship and 180 hours of chemical dependency education, broken down into these specific content areas:
- 24 hours in substance use disorder and recovery knowledge
- 30 hours in counseling procedures and strategies for those with SUD
- 18 hours in group processes and techniques
- 24 hours in SUD assessment and diagnosis
- 24 hours in family dynamics
- 18 hours in pharmacology (must include at least 6 hours in medication-assisted treatment and recovery)
- 6 hours in relapse and recovery strategies
- 18 hours in treatment planning
- 18 hours in legal and ethical issues related to SUD professionals
An academic semester hour counts as 15 hours toward these requirements, and a quarter hour counts as 10. At least half of your required hours must be earned in the three years before you apply—this ensures your knowledge is current.
Educational Requirements: Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC)
The LICDC is Ohio’s highest level of licensure for chemical dependency counselors. It requires a master’s degree or higher in a behavioral science field or nursing that includes an internship or practicum.
You can meet the educational requirements by completing a graduate degree in one of these fields:
- Addiction/SUD counseling
- Clinical counseling
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Pediatric psychology
- Social work
If your master’s degree is in a different field, you can still qualify by completing specific coursework as part of your graduate program:
- 40 hours in counseling theories
- 80 hours in individual and group counseling (at least 20 hours in individual counseling and 20 hours in group counseling)
- 90 hours in assessment and diagnosis of psychopathology
- 30 hours in cultural humility
- 30 hours in ethics
Just like LCDC II and LCDC III, you’ll also need to complete 180 hours of chemical dependency education in the same content areas listed above.
The Board’s list of endorsed colleges includes programs that meet these requirements, which can save you time during the application review process.
Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Requirements
If you’re not ready to commit to a full degree program, the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license offers an entry point into the field. You don’t need a degree, but you do need specific chemical dependency education.
The CDCA license works in two phases:
Phase I Requirements:
- 40 hours of education in these content areas: addiction knowledge, individual counseling, group counseling, treatment knowledge, service delivery, documentation, evaluation, and professionalism
- No degree required
- Must hold Phase I status for at least 10 months before advancing
Phase II Requirements:
- An additional 30 hours of education (70 hours total)
- Builds on Phase I knowledge with more advanced content
As a CDCA, you’ll work under supervision while gaining the experience hours needed to advance to LCDC II, III, or LICDC. Many counselors use the CDCA as a stepping stone—you’re building supervised hours while deciding which full license path fits your career goals.
The Board maintains a list of endorsed colleges offering CDCA education programs.
Experience and Practical Training Requirements
All Ohio chemical dependency counselor licenses—LCDC II, LCDC III, and LICDC—require 2,000 hours of supervised work experience. Of those 2,000 hours, at least 220 must be spent practicing in the core functions of addiction counseling.
Here’s what you need to know about accumulating these hours:
- You must hold a valid Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) license while gaining experience
- At least 20% of your total experience hours must be direct counseling
- Your supervisor must hold an active LICDC or equivalent license
- Hours can be accumulated through employment at treatment facilities, clinics, hospitals, or other approved settings
The supervised experience requirement ensures you’re building real-world skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll learn how to conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, facilitate group therapy, work with families, and navigate the ethical challenges that come with addiction treatment work.
Examination Requirements
All candidates for Ohio chemical dependency counselor licensure must pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
Here’s how the exam process works:
- Apply for licensure first – You must submit your application to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board before taking the exam
- Get exam-eligible status – Once the Board approves your application, you’ll receive an email from IC&RC with registration instructions
- Schedule and take the exam – Follow IC&RC’s instructions to schedule your exam at an approved testing center
- Receive your license – After passing, the Board will email your certificate and ID wallet card
The ADC exam tests your knowledge across all core functions of addiction counseling, including screening, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, documentation, and professional ethics.
Application Process and Fees
Applying for Ohio chemical dependency counselor licensure involves several steps:
1. Background Check
You’ll complete a BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) background check as part of your application. Print the BCI instructions from the Board’s website and take them to a WebCheck location for fingerprinting. The Ohio Attorney General’s office maintains a list of WebCheck locations statewide.
2. Submit Application
Complete the online application through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board portal. You’ll need to submit:
- Official transcripts showing degree completion
- Documentation of 180 hours of chemical dependency education
- Verification of 2,000 supervised experience hours
- CDCA license information
- Background check results
- Application fee (check current fee schedule on Board website)
3. Application Review
The Board reviews your application to verify you’ve met all education, experience, and training requirements. This typically takes 4-6 weeks, though processing times can vary.
4. Exam Approval
Once approved, you’ll receive exam eligibility notification and can schedule your IC&RC ADC exam.
5. Final Licensure
After passing the exam, the Board issues your license certificate and wallet card.
Career Outlook for Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselors
Ohio’s need for qualified addiction counselors continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio employs over 4,200 substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, with competitive salaries that reflect the critical nature of this work.
Ohio Salary Data (2024):
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $33,620 |
| Early career (25th percentile) | $39,360 |
| Median | $48,460 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $60,970 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $75,440 |
Salary varies based on license level, experience, setting, and geographic location within Ohio. Urban areas like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus typically offer higher compensation, while rural positions may offer lower salaries but often include additional benefits or loan repayment programs.
Work Settings:
Ohio chemical dependency counselors work in diverse settings:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Outpatient treatment clinics
- Residential treatment facilities
- Private practice (LICDC only)
- Community mental health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Schools and universities
The LICDC license offers the most career flexibility, allowing independent practice and supervision of other counselors. Many LICDCs operate private practices, contract with multiple facilities, or move into administrative and program director roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Ohio?
What’s the difference between LCDC II and LCDC III in Ohio?
Can I work while completing my supervised experience hours?
Do I need to live in Ohio to get licensed?
How much does the Ohio licensing process cost?
Can I get licensed with an online addiction counseling degree?
What’s the pass rate for the IC&RC ADC exam?
Do I need malpractice insurance as an Ohio CDCA or LCDC?
Key Takeaways
- Ohio offers three chemical dependency counselor license levels: LCDC II (associate degree), LCDC III (bachelor’s), and LICDC (master’s degree for independent practice)
- All license levels require 2,000 supervised experience hours, 180 hours of chemical dependency education, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam
- You must hold a CDCA license while accumulating supervised experience—many counselors work full-time in treatment facilities while building hours
- The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board maintains a list of endorsed colleges where coursework is pre-approved, streamlining the application process
- The timeline from start to licensure typically ranges from 3-4 years for LCDC II to 5-7 years for LICDC, depending on whether you start with a high school diploma or already have some college credit.
- Ohio’s addiction counselors earn competitive salaries with a median pay of $48,460 and top earners making over $75,000 annually, according to 2024 BLS data
Ready to Start Your Career as an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor?
Find accredited programs that meet Ohio’s licensing requirements and take the first step toward making a real difference in the fight against 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 January 2026.