The Sober College School of Addiction Studies (SCSAS) offers the education you need to become an Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC) in Texas. SCSAS is a Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) Approved Education Provider. With our counselor training program you can become an ADC in Texas in as little as 6 months with our comprehensive curriculum. Created by Professionals working in the fields of Addiction and Addiction Treatment our courses will provide you with the knowledge and education you need to reach your goals and begin a new career.
How to Become an Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC) in Texas
Below are the requirements for becoming an Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC) in Texas based on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) site.
Requirements
The minimum 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).