Licensed Addiction Counselor
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions, substance abuse, and substance use disorders. A Licensed Addiction Counselor can assume clinical supervision duties.
Annual openings
1,676
BLS median wage
n/a
Typical education
A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Clinical Behavioral Health is required, plus completion of required [Certified Addiction Counselor education](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1892z4b5A0gz-fy8pP271f8iCoiLg3n7r/view).
10-year growth
+26%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Clinical Behavioral Health is required, plus completion of required Certified Addiction Counselor education.
Credential requirement
A LAC certification is required. A LAC must also pass Colorado’s Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Exam, the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam within 5 years, and complete the required supervised work experience.
Work experience
To become LAC certified, 5,000 hours of work experience is required.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
A typical day
- Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
- Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
- Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.