Information for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors

Information, forms, resources, and regulations related to BSAS Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselors.

Regulation

105 CMR 168.00 Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

Proposed amendments to Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

A public hearing will be held on April 27, 2026 regarding proposed amendments to the Department of Public Health Regulation 105 CMR 168.000, Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.

The proposed amendments will update the regulation to align with industry standards and best practices, and with changes made to M.G.L. c. 111J pursuant to Chapter 285 of the Acts of 2024.

• Public Hearing Notice 
• Proposed Amended Regulation – 105 CMR 168.000 
• Public Health Council Memo 

Training Information

• MDPH Licensed Alcohol and Drug (LADC) Application Process
• Association for Addiction Professional Institute Continuing Education Information

Examination Information

• Massachusetts IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam Form

Application Information and Process

Applications for a new or a renew Alcohol and Drug Counselor License must be completed online using BSAS eLicensing. All requirements, including the examination, must be completed before access to the online application is granted. To be granted access to BSAS eLicensing, please contact Ian Bain at [e-mail] or at [phone].

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

LADC Licensure Renewal

LADCs must renew their licenses every two years from the original issue date. BSAS eLicensing sends an email notification to the email address on file three months prior to the expiration date of the license.  The email notification contains your username and a link to the access your BSAS eLicensing Renewal on the Virtual Gateway.

Upon renewal, licensees are required to submit:

• a renewal application,
• evidence of 40 hours of continuing education,
• a copy of government-issued identification,
• renewal fee.

LADC Upgrade

• Can upgrade from assistant to 2, or 2 to 1
• Proof of masters degree (transcript, degree award and date)
• Proof of additional hours of work experience
• 3 updated reference letters
• Updated photo id

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.

LADC Application Fee Waiver

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.

168.007 Fee Waiver (PDF l DOCX)

Date published:	September 23, 2024