Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers two main addiction counselor credentials: the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) requires a bachelor’s degree and 4,000 supervised hours over 2.5 years, while the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) requires a master’s degree, a 300-hour practicum, and 2,000 supervised hours over one year. Both paths require IC&RC exams and Board-approved supervision contracts before you can start accumulating experience hours.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you know the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve carried it yourself, or watched someone you love struggle under it. Oklahoma stands as a reminder that America’s heartland hasn’t been spared from the devastating effects of substance use disorder. From the streets of Oklahoma City and Tulsa to rural communities throughout Coal County, Caddo County, and Mayes County, fentanyl and synthetic opioids have taken hold. But there’s hope on the frontlines.
Oklahoma’s addiction counselors are making a difference every single day, providing evidence-based treatment and compassionate support to those ready to fight back against addiction. If you’re considering this path, you’re not in it for the money—you’re in it because you’ve seen the damage addiction causes and you want to be part of the solution.
Oklahoma substance abuse counselors are regulated and credentialed by the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. The Board offers two primary credentials: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) at the bachelor’s level and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC) at the master’s level.
CADC vs LADC: Understanding Your Options
Choosing between the CADC and LADC paths depends on your current education, career timeline, and professional goals. Here’s how they compare:
| Credential | Education Required | Experience Hours | Practicum | Timeline | Exam | Practice Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADC | Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences/counseling | 4,000 hours (2.5 years minimum) | None required | 6.5-7 years total (degree + experience) | IC&RC ADC | Entry to intermediate counseling |
| LADC | Master’s degree in behavioral sciences/counseling | 2,000 hours (1 year minimum) | 300 hours required | 7-8 years total (degrees + experience) | IC&RC AADC | Clinical counseling and independent practice |
Most counselors start with the CADC path if they have a bachelor’s degree, then pursue a master’s degree later to advance to clinical practice and independent licensure. The LADC opens doors to clinical supervision, program management, and private practice opportunities that aren’t available at the CADC level.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
The CADC is Oklahoma’s bachelor’s-level credential for addiction counselors. It qualifies you to provide direct counseling services under clinical supervision. Here’s what you need:
Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to apply.
Education Requirements:
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences or counseling field. Acceptable degrees include psychology, social work, counseling, human services, sociology, or addiction studies. Your degree program must also include 45 hours of coursework related to co-occurring disorders. This can be completed as part of your bachelor’s degree or through additional continuing education.
Supervised Experience:
This is where most of your time goes. You’ll need to complete at least 4,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 2.5 years. That’s the equivalent of two and a half years of full-time work (40 hours per week). A Board-approved supervisor must provide all supervision, and you must work under a signed supervision contract.
Critical timing rule: Your supervision contract must be completed, signed by both you and your supervisor, and approved by the Board before you can begin accumulating supervised hours. Don’t start working and assume you can submit the contract later—those hours won’t count.
During your supervised experience, you’ll gain practical skills across the 12 core functions of addiction counseling: screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record keeping, consultation, and professional and ethical responsibilities.
Examination:
Once you’ve completed all education and experience requirements, you’ll take the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. This is a comprehensive exam covering all domains of addiction counseling practice.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements
The LADC is Oklahoma’s master’s-level credential and represents the highest level of independent practice for addiction counselors in the state. LADC credential holders can provide clinical treatment, supervise other counselors, and pursue private practice opportunities.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to apply.
Education Requirements:
You’ll need a master’s degree in a behavioral sciences or counseling field. Acceptable programs include counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work (MSW), mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or addiction counseling. Your program should include coursework in addiction theory, treatment modalities, and clinical assessment.
Practicum Requirement:
You must complete a supervised practicum of at least 300 hours, with at least 10 hours in each of the 12 core functions of addiction counseling. Many master’s programs include this practicum as part of the degree requirements, but if yours didn’t, you’ll need to complete it separately before applying for licensure.
Supervised Experience:
The LADC requires 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, which is half the requirement of the CADC. That’s one year of full-time work. The same rules apply: you must work under a Board-approved supervisor with a signed supervision contract that’s been approved by the Board before you begin accumulating hours.
Examination:
LADC candidates take the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam. This is a higher-level exam that covers advanced clinical skills, diagnosis, treatment planning, and professional ethics at the independent practice level.
The Application Process
The application process for both CADC and LADC credentials is the same. You must apply before you begin your supervised practice—this is not something you do after you’ve completed your hours.
Application Materials:
Download and complete the CADC/LADC application from the Board’s website. The application must be notarized. Along with your application, you’ll need to submit:
- A current photo or clear copy of your driver’s license (identity verification)
- Form 204 – Code of Ethics form (acknowledging professional standards)
- Three professional references using Form 205 (references should speak to your character and fitness for counseling work)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (sent directly from the institution to the Board)
- A detailed job description showing your counseling duties and responsibilities
- Your signed supervision contract with a Board-approved supervisor
- A completed personal philosophy statement explaining your approach to addiction treatment
- $140 application fee (check or money order made payable to the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors)
All required forms can be downloaded from the Board’s forms page.
Timeline:
The Board typically reviews applications within 4-6 weeks. Once approved, you can begin accumulating supervised hours. After you complete all education and experience requirements, you’ll be eligible to register for the IC&RC exam—the final step to certification or licensure.
Salary and Career Outlook in Oklahoma
You’re not going into addiction counseling for the money—we know that. But you still need to support yourself and your family while doing work that matters. Here’s what you can expect in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Salary Data:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Oklahoma earn a median annual wage of $42,480. The lowest 10% earn around $30,150, while the top 10% earn $67,180 or more. Your actual salary depends on your credential level (CADC vs LADC), years of experience, geographic location, and work setting.
CADCs typically start in the $32,000-$38,000 range, while LADCs with clinical credentials can earn $45,000-$60,000 or more. Counselors with supervisory experience and specialized training often earn at the higher end of the range.
Where You’ll Work:
Oklahoma addiction counselors work in a variety of settings:
- Residential treatment facilities and detox centers
- Outpatient counseling centers and community mental health agencies
- Hospitals and medical centers with addiction treatment programs
- Correctional facilities and drug courts
- Private practice (LADC level)
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Veterans Affairs facilities
Job Outlook:
Demand for addiction counselors remains strong nationwide and in Oklahoma. The opioid crisis, increasing rates of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and growing recognition of addiction as a treatable medical condition all contribute to the ongoing need for qualified counselors. Rural areas of Oklahoma face particularly acute shortages of addiction treatment providers, creating opportunities for counselors willing to serve underserved communities.
Reciprocity
If you’re already licensed or certified as an addiction counselor in another state, Oklahoma may recognize your credential through reciprocity. The Board evaluates credentials from other states on a case-by-case basis.
To be considered for reciprocity, your out-of-state credential must have been issued based on requirements similar to or higher than Oklahoma’s CADC or LADC standards. You’ll need to submit:
- Verification of your current credential from your home state board
- Official transcripts showing your education
- Documentation of your supervised experience hours
- Proof of exam passage (IC&RC credentials have the strongest reciprocity)
The Board will review your credentials and determine whether you qualify for Oklahoma licensure without having to repeat the requirements. Even with reciprocity, you’ll still need to submit a complete application, pay application fees, and meet Oklahoma’s ethical standards.
If you’re considering relocating to Oklahoma or you hold an Oklahoma credential and want to practice elsewhere, you can contact the Board early in your planning process to understand what documentation you’ll need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree to be an addiction counselor in Oklahoma?
Can I start working before I’m fully credentialed?
How long does it take to become a CADC in Oklahoma?
What’s the difference between CADC and LADC in terms of what I can do?
Does Oklahoma recognize addiction counselor licenses from other states?
What happens if I start accumulating hours before my supervision contract is approved?
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma offers two main credentials: CADC (bachelor’s level, 4,000 hours over 2.5 years minimum) and LADC (master’s level, 300-hour practicum, 2,000 hours over 1 year).
- You must apply to the Board and have an approved supervision contract before starting your supervised experience hours—don’t make the mistake of working first and applying later.
- The CADC does not require a practicum, but the LADC requires a 300-hour supervised practicum covering all 12 core functions of addiction counseling.
- Oklahoma median salary for addiction counselors is $42,480, with experienced LADCs earning $45,000-$60,000 or more depending on experience and setting.
- The state recognizes out-of-state credentials through reciprocity if your home state’s requirements meet or exceed Oklahoma’s standards, with IC&RC credentials having the strongest reciprocity.
- Both credentials require passing IC&RC exams (ADC for CADC, AADC for LADC) after completing all education and experience requirements.
Ready to Start Your Path as an Oklahoma Addiction Counselor?
Find accredited addiction counseling programs that meet Oklahoma Board requirements and prepare you for the CADC or LADC credential.
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.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
For questions about licensure requirements, application status, or to verify license information, contact the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors at (405) 521-0779 or [email protected].
The Oklahoma Association for Addiction Professionals provides professional development opportunities, networking, and continuing education for addiction counselors throughout the state.