Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Oklahoma
Oklahoma stands as a grim reminder that America’s heartland hasn’t been spared from the devastating effects of drug addiction. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have made their way from the city centers of Oklahoma City and Tulsa to the farthest reaches of the state, in rural communities throughout Coal County, Caddo County, Mayes County, and beyond. But the state’s substance abuse counselors are on the frontlines of the battle against substance use disorder, helping those suffering under the weight of addiction find a path toward recovery.
Oklahoma substance abuse counselors are regulated and credentialed by the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC – bachelor’s level) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC – master’s level).
Select an Oklahoma Alcohol and Drug Counselor Topic Below…
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements
- Co-Occurring Credentials
- Application Process
- Reciprocity
- Additional Information
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
To become a CADC, you must be at least 21 years old and:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences/counseling field. You must also complete 45 hours of coursework related to co-occurring disorders, either as part of your degree or separate from it.
- Complete a supervised practicum of at least 300 hours, with at least 10 hours in each of the core functions
- Complete at least two years (4,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor (must be completed under a supervision contract); supervision cannot begin until your Supervision Contract is completed and signed by both you and your supervisor and approved by the Board.
- Take and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements
To become an LADC, you must be at least 21 years old and:
- Earn a master’s degree in a behavioral sciences/counseling field
- Complete a supervised practicum of at least 300 hours, with at least 10 hours in each of the core functions
- Complete one year (2,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor (must be completed under a supervision contract); supervision cannot begin until your Supervision Contract is completed and signed by both you and your supervisor and approved by the Board.
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam
The Application Process
You must apply for the CADC/LADC credential before you begin your begin your supervised practice.
The application process includes downloading, completing, notarizing, and submitting the CADC/LADC application to the Board, along with:
- A current photo or clear copy of your driver’s license
- Form 204 – Code of Ethics form
- 3 professional references (Form 205 provides instructions for submitting references)
- Official transcripts
- Job description
- Supervision contract
- Completed personal philosophy statement
- $140 application fee
Once you have completed all education and experience requirements, you’ll be eligible to take the IC&RC ADC or AADC exam – the last step to certification/licensure.
Co-Occurring Credentials
The Board also offers the following credentials for certified/licensed substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma:
- Bachelor of Co-occurring Disorders Certification (BCDC) – bachelor’s-level credential for CADCs who want to be certified in co-occurring disorders
- LADC/MH – master’s-level credential for LADCs who want to be certified in co-occurring disorders
To qualify for the BDCD, current CADCs must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in co-occurring disorders or a behavioral science field with a clinical application
- 200 hours of continuing education, which must include 140 hours of COD training, 30 hours of addiction training, and 30 hours of mental health training
- 200-hour practicum
- 4,000 hours of experience in co-occurring disorders and 2,000 hours of experience in counseling in the last 10 years
- Passing score on the written exam
To qualify for the LADC/MH, current LADCs must have:
- 15 hours in master’s-level, substance-abuse specific coursework
- A master’s degree that either meets the requirements for a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, behavioral health practitioner, or marital and family therapist OR a master’s degree in co-occurring disorders or a behavioral science field with a clinical application
- 140 hours of training in co-occurring disorders
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in co-occurring disorders
- 100-hour practicum
- Passing score on the LADC/MH exam
Reciprocity
An alcohol and drug counselor licensed or certified in another state on the basis of similar or higher requirements is a candidate for reciprocity in Oklahoma.
Additional Information
Questions? Contact the Board at (405) 521-0779 or [email protected].
The Oklahoma Association for Addiction Professionals is an additional professional resource.