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CoachMorningGerbil13
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS In the state of…
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS
In the state of Maryland, the board issues five different credentials pertaining to drug and alcohol counseling. The requirements for each one is all a little different although all these credentials require a person to complete a background or criminal history records check. Below I will go through all the credentials and requirements to receive them.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC):
“To qualify for licensure as a clinical alcohol and drug counselor, the applicant shall hold a doctoral or master’s degree in a health and human services counseling field from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the board or in a program of studies determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent in subject matter, complete certain specified coursework, complete a specified amount of supervised experience in alcohol and drug counseling obtained under the supervision of an approved licensed clinical alcohol and drug supervisor acquired after the award of the master’s degree or doctoral degree as determined by the Board, achieve a passing score on the Masters addiction counseling (MAC) of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Maryland law exam.” (Maryland.gov, 2018)
Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LGADC):
“To be eligible, one must have a master’s or doctoral degree in a health or human services counseling field (or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board) from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific course requirements and passed both the MAC exam and the Maryland law exam. The graduate license expires after two years. If the graduate alcohol and drug counselor licensee is unable to accumulate the required clinical hours for licensure as a clinical alcohol and drug counselor in 2 years, the graduate may apply for a 2-year renewal of a license, up to a maximum of 6 years.” (Maryland.gov, 2018)
Certified Associate Counselor- Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD):
“To be eligible, one must have a bachelor’s degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in health and human services counseling field or other field deemed equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific course work, and internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam.”
Certified Supervised Counselor- Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD):
“A CSC-AD is the associate level alcohol and drug counselor credential issued by the Board. A CSC-AD may provide only alcohol and drug counseling as an employee of an agency or facility that is certified or licensed by the State under the close supervision of a Board-approved supervisor. A CSC-AD ay not provide supervision or practice independently. To be eligible for this certification, one must have an associate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific course work, including an internship, and passed he NCAC I and the Maryland law exam.” (Maryland.gov, 2018)
Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT): An ADT is the best option for a entry-level position.
“ADT status is not a certificate or a license. ADT status is of limited duration and is meant to serve as an entry-level position for those pursuing careers in alcohol and drug counseling. Applicants must have a Board approved alcohol and drug supervisor before they can begin training. To be eligible for ADT status, one must have an associate degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed equivalent by the Board. ADT status is for two years, renewable in 2-year increments not to exceed 6 years in total, and subject to certain terms and conditions as set by the Board. Renewal is not automatic or guaranteed.” (Maryland.gov, 2018)
Walden’s mission statement could be reflected during a career in the addictions field every day. The same statement Walden makes about having a diverse community of career professionals with equal opportunity. During my career in the addictions field, I hope there is a diverse community of people that all have the same goal. To help others when they need it the most. That will include people of different cultures, races, and backgrounds. I have learned so much from this course and I plan on using this in my career. My main goal is to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in the future. This course has taught me some oof the skills I will need in that career moving forward such as some professional boundaries and the code of ethics, such as our main goal as counselors: “Addiction professionals shall accept their responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of their clients and shall act for the good of each client while exercising respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Providers shall treat each client with dignity, honor, and respect, and act in the best interest of each client.” (NAADAC, 2021.)
Maryland department of health- Maryland.gov. (December 31, 2018.) Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Maryland Department of Health Alcohol and Drug CounselorsLinks to an external site.
NAADAC. (2021). NAADAC /NCC AP Code of ethics. Week 6: Learning Resources: Intro to Addiction Studies-Spring 2023 (instructure.com)
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