Apply for an Alcohol and Drug Counselor license

All requirements - including exam -  must be met before access to online application is granted through Massachusetts Virtual Gateway.

• Determine which license you can be a candidate for (PDF) l (DOC)
• List of BSAS approved addiction education providers (PDF) l (DOCX)
• A Comparison of Requirements and Features for Substance Use and Addictions Licensure and Certification in Massachusetts (PDF) l (DOC)
• Work Experience Form (PDF) l (DOC)
• Practicum Experience Form (PDF) l (DOC)

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) Requirements 

A person licensed by the Department to conduct an independent practice of alcohol and drug counseling, and to provide supervision to other alcohol and drug counselors.

• Master's or doctoral degree in behavioral sciences
• Minimum of 270 hours of training that address the full range of education related to substance addiction counseling
• 300 hours of supervised practical training
• 6,000 hours of supervised alcohol and drug counseling work experience
• Submit passing score on required examination
• Three letters of recommendation
• Payment of required licensing fee

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) Requirements 

A person licensed by the Department to practice alcohol and drug counseling under clinical supervision.

• Minimum of 270 hours of training that address the full range of education related to substance addiction counseling
• 300 hours of supervised practical training
• 6,000 hours of supervised alcohol and drug counseling work experience (4,000 if applicant holds a Bachelors degree)
• Submit passing score on required examination
• Show proof of high school diploma or equivalent
• Three letters of recommendation
• Payment of required licensing fee

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant Requirements 

A person licensed by the Department to provide recovery based services under direct clinical and administrative supervision.

• Show proof of high school diploma or equivalent
• 2,000 hours of work experience in the alcohol or drug addiction field
• Minimum of 50 hours of training that address the full range of education related to substance addiction counseling
• Submit passing score on required examination
• Three letters of recommendation
• Payment of required licensing fee

For further details on requirements please refer to Section 168.006 - Eligibility Requirements found in the Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors Regulations which are included in your application packet.

168.007 Fee Waiver (PDF l DOCX)

The Department is issuing a waiver for the required application and licensing fee. The Department will waive the fee for both new and renewal applications for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors to include all levels of licensure.

Reciprocity

The Department will issue a license without requiring written or oral examination to any applicant who is deemed eligible for reciprocity based on the following:

• The applicant holds a current, valid license as an alcohol and drug counselor or a comparable field in other state wherein the requirements for licensure are deemed by the Department to be equivalent to or in excess of those requirements of the Department; and,
• The Department receives written verification from the other state licensing authority that the applicant is in good standing.

Massachusetts residency

Not required.

US citizenship

Required, and proof of 18 years of age with a copy of birth certificate, drivers license, or passport as documentation.

168.013 Examination waiver

The Department will issue a license without requiring written examination to any applicant who is deemed eligible provided that the applicant holds a current, valid certification from a recognized certifying body including: MBSACC, CEAP, CAC, CAS, NAADAC, and ICRC.

For more information on ICRC examination and test prep in Massachusetts contact the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification at (508) 842-8707 or www.mbsacc.com.

If you have questions regarding the counselor licensing process please contact Ian Bain (LADC Coordinator) at telephone (781) 774-6627, email Ian.Bain@State.MA.US.