How to Become a Substance Use Counselor in Texas

Sober College School of Addiction Studies (SCSAS) is a Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) Approved Education Provider, and offers a counselor training curriculum for those who are looking to become an Alcohol & Drug Counselor in Texas. Our online counselor training program is comprehensive and allows you to meet the education requirements you need to pursue a careers in counseling. Click one of the titles below to learn the requirments for becoming an:

• Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC)
• Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)

Our program will help you be well on your way to a new career in as little as six months, or at your own pace. Created by professionals working in the fields of addiction and addiction treatment, our training course will provide you with the knowledge and education you need to reach your goals.

Texas Alcohol & Drug Counselor Requirements To Become An Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC)

Below are the requirements for becoming an Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC) in Texas based on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) site.

Texas Alcohol & Drug Counselor Requirements

The minimum Texas alcohol & drug counselor requirements for certification of an ADC shall include academic achievement, work experience, and formal training, including the following:

• Verification of a three hundred (300) hour Chemical Dependency Counseling Practicum. The practicum must take place in a setting where alcohol and other drug abuse counseling is being performed. Training must be specifically related to the knowledge and skills necessary to perform all of the 12 Core Functions of the Substance Use Counselor and must include at least ten (10) hours in each core function.
• Verification of successful IC&RC International ADC Written examination scores. (The Texas Dept. of State Health Services uses the ICRC International ADC Written examinations for LCDC licensure.)
• Verification of 270 chemical dependency education hours, of which 135 must be Alcohol/Drug specific, 6 of which must be HIV/AIDS specific, and 6 of which must be Ethics specific. The ADC domains are: Screening, Assessment, and Engagement; Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral; Counseling; Professional and Ethical Responsibilities.
• This credential will have reciprocity with other IC&RC/ADC member boards.
• Sign and agree to comply with the ethical standards as set forth in the Texas System of Certification for Alcohol Drug Counselors.
• All persons who apply for the ADC certification through the Texas Certification Board should be a resident of Texas. At least fifty percent (51%) of the applicant’s work should be done in the State of Texas. Exceptions to the residency requirement will be considered on an individual basis by petition to the Texas Certification Board.
• Verification of 6,000 hours (approximately three years) of chemical dependency counseling experience (note: an Associate’s degree in behavioral science may substitute for 1,000 hours; a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science may substitute for 2,000 hours; a Master’s degree in behavioral science may substitute for 4,000 hours).

Texas Alcohol & Drug Counselor Requirements To Become An Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor(AADC)

Below are the Texas alcohol & drug counselor requirements for becoming an AADC in Texas based on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) site.

Requirements

The minimum requirements for certification of an AADC shall include academic achievement, work experience, and formal training, including the following:

• A Master’s degree in a Human Services Behavioral Sciences field with clinical application (i.e. practicum) from a regionally accredited college or university.
• One hundred eighty (180) Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Specific course work, which includes at least six (6) hours of professional ethics and six (6) hours specific to HIV/AIDS, STD’s and Hepatitis. The AADC domains are: Clinical Evaluation; Treatment Planning; Referral; Service Coordination; Counseling; Client, Family & Community Education; Documentation; Professional & Ethical Responsibilities; Research, Design Analysis & Utilization; and Clinical Supervision
• Verification of 2,000 hours (approximately one year) of supervised work experience in the alcoholism and drug abuse counseling field.
• Verification of a three hundred (300) hour Chemical Dependency Counseling Practicum. The practicum must take place in a setting where AODA counseling is being performed. Training must be specifically related to the knowledge and skills necessary to perform all of the 12 Core Functions of the Substance Use Counselor and must include at least ten (10) hours in each core function.
• Verification of a successful score on the IC&RC International Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Written Examination.
• This credential will have reciprocity with other IC&RC/AODA member boards.
• Sign and agree to comply with the ethical standards as set forth in the Texas System of Certification for Alcohol Drug Counselors.
• Residency: All persons who apply for the AADC certification through the Texas Certification Board should be a resident of Texas. At least fifty percent (51%) of the applicant’s work should be done in the State of Texas. Exceptions to the residency requirement will be considered on an individual basis by petition to the Texas Certification Board

Continue learning about our online counselor education program by either exploring our application or getting familiar with our affordable program tuition rates.