Regulation
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 Ian.Bain@mas.gov or at (781) 774-6627.
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.
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Additional Resources
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| Date published: | September 23, 2024 |
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