How to Become an Addictions Counselor in Indiana
If helping people is your calling, you may want to consider a career as an addiction counselor in Indiana. Not only is this job gratifying, but it’s also sorely needed.
There has never been a more critical need for professionals in this field, between the heightened awareness surrounding mental health and addiction, and the pandemic’s added strain.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that the Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health job sectors are growing rapidly. The BLS projects a 25 percent increase in the job outlook for the three positions combined in the ten years between 2019 and 2029. In a field with approximately 319,400 workers nationally, that means an estimated 79,000 jobs will be added before 2030.
What Does It Take to Be An Addictions Counsellor in Indiana?
You’ll need to meet the rigorous criteria set by the state to qualify for a job as a substance abuse counselor. Each state regulates the certification of its addictions counselors differently. Be sure you know your state’s expectations, or you may encounter issues when it comes time to license.
There are two different streams for aspiring addictions counselors in Indiana. Before you make any concrete plans for your education, consider what kind of future you see for yourself in this field.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
An LAC is a counselor who is licensed to work in a supervised clinical setting. To qualify for this position, you’ll need:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or another related field.
- Coursework that meets state standards.
- Practicum or internship experience involving a minimum of 350 hours of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) counseling; this can be acquired as you study for your Bachelor’s degree.
- Two years of post-graduate supervised clinical experience with a supervisor who is approved by the governing board.
- One hundred fifty hours of face-to-face, 100 hours individual, and 50 hours group supervision.
- Pass the examination; either:
- The International Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors (ADC), as administered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC & RC)
- The National Certified Addiction Counselor II (NCACII) exam as administered by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
- Pass the Indiana Jurisprudence examination
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC)
An LCAC may run an independent practice. This position requires:
- A Master’s degree in a Behavioral Science discipline
- Coursework that meets the standards
- Practicum or internship experience with a minimum of 350 hours of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) counseling, which can be acquired while you study for your Master’s degree.
- Two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience with a board-approved supervisor, including:
- Two hundred hours face-to-face, 100 hours individual, and 100 hours of group supervision.
- Pass either of the following examinations:
- The International Advanced Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors (AADC), as administered by the IC & RC
- The Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam as administered by the NAADAC
- Pass the Indiana Jurisprudence examination
While this is by no means an easy profession to get into, it is highly rewarding and increasingly important. At Landmark Recovery, all staff members are trained and licensed per Indiana state regulation. With the best help, our clients have the best chance of recovery, and our people are a big part of that success.
To learn more about joining our team, reach out today.
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