Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Alcohol and drug counselors provide counseling for people who experience addiction as well as other related behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.

Alcohol and drug counselors, also called substance abuse counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and addiction counselors, work with clients both one-on-one and in group settings.  Many incorporate the principles of Twelve Step Facilitation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to guide their practice. They teach clients how to manage their addiction and provide them with strategies to help with their recovery.

Furthermore, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career. They also help clients to improve their personal relationships and find ways to discuss their addiction or other problems with family and friends.

IMPORTANT NOTICE for candidates applying for the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT):

The IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam is accepted by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) to meet the state’s exam requirement in application for the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential. The Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam is also accepted by BBHT for the LADC exam requirement.  Licensure application for the LADC is a separate process, and forms are available through the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT). Please note that the LADC credential does not have IC&RC reciprocity.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor – Exam Only
(ADC – Exam Only)

Requirements:

  • None

Fees:

  • Test fee: $225 (includes processing fee, IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam)
  • Retest fee: $225

Alcohol and Drug Counselor – MN (ADC-MN)

The ADC-MN is an entry-level, state-level, non-reciprocal credential. While this is a non-reciprocal credential, it may be upgraded to a reciprocal ADCR-MN credential with specific experience in the field.

Requirements:

  • 270 hours of education
  • 300 hours of direct, supervised, practical training specific to the counseling of alcohol and drug clients
  • Passing score on IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
  • Must live or work in Minnesota at least 51% of the time

Fees:

  • First-time certification: $390 (includes processing fee, exam, and two years of certification)
  • If you have completed the exam at an earlier time, the following tiered pricing schedule will be used:
    • Add certification within 6 months of taking the exam: $170
    • Add certification within 12 months of taking the exam: $200
    • Add certification within 24 months of taking the exam: $250
    • Add certification more than 24 months after taking the exam: $390
    •  
  • Biennial renewal fee (two years): $180
  •  

Alcohol and Drug Counselor Reciprocal – MN (ADCR-MN)

The ADCR-MN is a reciprocal level credential with the IC&RC. This means that you may transfer the credential to other IC&RC states that offer this credential. The requirements for the ADCR-MN credential are the same as the ADC-MN credential, except an additional 6000 hours of work experience in the alcohol and drug counseling field are required.

Requirements:

  • 6000 hours of work experience in the alcohol and drug counseling field
  • 300 hours of education
  • 300 hours of supervision
  • Passing score on IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
  • Must live or work in Minnesota at least 51% of the time

Fees:

  • First-time certification: $390 (includes processing fee, exam, and two years of certification)
  • If you have completed the exam at an earlier time, the following tiered pricing schedule will be used:
    • Add certification within 6 months of taking the exam: $170
    • Add certification within 12 months of taking the exam: $200
    • Add certification within 24 months of taking the exam: $250
    • Add certification more than 24 months after taking the exam: $390
  • Biennial renewal fee (two years): $180
  •  

Upgrade from ADC-MN to ADCR-MN

You can either initially apply for the ADC-MN, keep the ADC-MN active, and upgrade when you have acquired 6000 hours of experience OR if you have 6000 hours of experience at the time of application, you can apply immediately for the ADCR-MN. 

Fees:

  • $75
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