Minnesota Education Requirements & Certification for Substance Abuse Counselors

Overview

Minnesota is one of a few states that have only one licensure for substance abuse counselors: the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). You must have at least a bachelor’s degree as well as specific supervised clinical experience before you are eligible to test for this credential.

Substance abuse counselors in Minnesota are overseen by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT). The BBHT recognizes several pathways to licensure to give flexibility to those joining the profession.

Although the basic educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree there are other rigorous educational requirements that must be met such as coursework covering the 12 Core Functions of substance abuse counseling.

Your required experience is called a Practicum and must be performed under a clinical supervisor that is recognized by the state. As soon as you meet all the prerequisites you may test for the licensure as indicated.

Once licensed as a LADC you must renew your credential periodically, and during the time frame before renewal must meet education requirements as set by the BBHT.

Becoming a substance abuse counselor isn't easy, and you should plan to join one or more professional associations as soon as you register for your first classes. Membership in an organization can provide you with the support you'll need while you earn your degree and credential.

Minnesota Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors

As previously mentioned Minnesota has only one credential for substance abuse counselors: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). There are two paths to choose from when earning the credential: Method I and Method D. Here's a look at the requirements for each:

Education Requirements

As previously stated, you must hold a bachelor's degree and complete specific coursework to be eligible to test for the LADC. All coursework must be through an accredited institution. Although your bachelor’s degree does not have to be specific to substance abuse counseling if you attend a program dedicated to the field you will have the advantage of meeting the coursework requirements while earning your degree.

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for licensure the BLS states over half of all practicing substance abuse counselors hold a master’s degree or higher. You should make this your long-term goal and plan accordingly.

Make sure you coordinate your licensure requirements with your school of choice before enrollment. Verify they offer all the required coursework and practicum as set by the BBHT so you can clearly see your progress as you work towards your degree and licensure.

CACREP Accredited Online Certification

Two types of accreditation are recognized in the United States; institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation takes the entire institution into account while the specialized focus on professional preparation programs. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accreditation that focuses on master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling at colleges and universities worldwide. Only already-accredited institutions are eligible for CACREP review. The review for accreditation will center on programs offering graduate degrees in counseling.

Choosing a CACREP-accredited program ensures that the program meets the highest of quality standards. Many counseling specialties are accredited bythe CACREP, including addiction counseling. Accredited addiction counseling programs prepare individuals to work with those affected by addictive behavior and their families. Addictive behaviors include alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, and anything else that negatively affects your personal or work life by creating addiction behaviors.

CACREP-accredited programs will focus on treatment models and the phases of addiction including prevention, recovery, and relapse prevention. These 60-semester hour programs will include the application of interventions. When students choose a CACREP-accredited program they can be confident that:

Counselor Testing & Examination Process

You may download the credential application from the BBHT website. Once you complete the form you will have to have it notarized before you send it to the Board with your application fee. Here's what you'll need to complete the application:

After your application is received you will receive a fingerprint information packet via the postal service. Once your application is approved you'll be notified on the exam process. Your testing procedure will depend on which test route you've decided to take. The BBHT accepts the IC&RC written comprehensive exam as well as the NAADAC (NCC-AP-NCAC) Level 2 written comprehensive exam.

Clinical Supervision Explained

Clinical supervision is the term used to verify your practicum and experience meets the standards of the BBHT. The person or persons overseeing your practicum must have a minimum of three years experience as an LADC and have taken a minimum of 12 hours of training in clinical and ethical supervision. They will be responsible for mentoring, training, counseling, and recommendations for your formal training period. Supervisors must be approved by the BBHT and will be tasked with filling out the Verification of Completion of Supervision Plan in your application packet.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Your LADC credential expires every two years and is subject to renewal after that time period. During the two years you are required to complete at least 40 clock hours of continuing education. The 40 hours must include a minimum of three hours of professional ethics as well as a minimum of nine hours on cultural diversity. The following are accepted population groups for the cultural diversity requirement; other groups may also be accepted.

The following activities meet the requirement for continuing education clock hours:

Attendance at educational programs of:

College or university courses at a regionally accredited school or education program; one semester credit is equal to 15 clock hours

Home study or online courses from an accredited school or education program that require a you to demonstrate knowledge following completion of the course

Teaching a course directly relate to the practice of alcohol and drug counseling at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Continuing education hours may be earned only for the first time the course is taught; 10 continuing education hours may be earned for each semester credit hour taught

Presentations related to alcohol and drug counseling given at:

A presenter may claim one hour of education for each hour of presentation time as well as development time credit at the rate of three hours for each hour of presentation time.

Potential Counselor Career Path Options

Associations & Organizations

As you work towards your career in substance abuse counseling you'll find professional associations to be invaluable and you should plan to join one or more as soon as you enroll in school. Membership in organizations will give you a source for mentorship and networking as well as information on the latest news, changes in laws, and other aspects of the counseling field. You'll also have them as a source for continuing education, conferences, seminars, and job boards as your career progresses. Here are a few associations you can join in Minnesota and on the national level: