Steps to Earning Substance Abuse Counselor Certification in Kansas

The drug epidemic doesn’t discriminate, even affecting the nation’s heartland in profound and heartbreaking ways. In recent years, Kansas has faced a significant increase in drug overdose deaths, with the state recording the nation’s second-highest increase in drug fatalities in 2021. This surge is attributed mainly to the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, with Kansas seeing a 54% increase in drug overdose deaths in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to data published by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The KDHE reports that overdose deaths continue to rise, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds across both urban and rural areas of the state and putting immense pressure on healthcare and public safety systems statewide.

In response to this growing problem, Kansas has been implementing various strategies to combat substance abuse and support those affected. These efforts include expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services, creating and expanding substance use disorder programs, and improving data collection to better track and respond to overdose trends.

For example, Kansas City’s First Call, an initiative that provides wraparound services for communities in the metro area, is home to an addiction crisis hotline, alongside various resources and programs focused on education, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Kansas means assuming a vital role in the fight against addiction. Counselors provide essential support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance use disorders, helping them navigate the path to recovery and reclaim their lives. Whether working in the urban centers of Wichita and Topeka or the rural communities of the state, substance abuse counselors are essential to addressing this public health crisis and making a positive impact on countless lives across the state.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kansas

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) is responsible for certifying substance abuse counselors in the state of Kansas. They offer the following certification levels for front-line counselors and supervisors based on experience and education:

• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
• Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC)
• Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC)

For most aspiring substance abuse counselors in Kansas, the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential serves as the primary entry point into the field of substance abuse counseling. That’s what we’ll be covering in this guide.

1. Obtain A Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Addiction Counseling or a Related Major

To become a substance abuse counselor in Kansas, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field like psychology, social work, or human services.

Your degree must include specific courses that are essential for a career in addiction counseling. You’ll need at least 3 hours in each of the following areas:

• Introduction to Addiction
• Methods of Individual Counseling
• Methods of Group Counseling
• Addiction Pharmacology
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Addiction Services Coordination
• Legal and Ethical Issues
• Family and Community Studies
• Research Methods

Fortunately, a large number of colleges and universities in Kansas offer programs that meet requirements for LAC certification. In addition to the wide availability of online programs, Kansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling. In contrast, Fort Hays State University offers a BA/BS in Sociology with an Addictions Counseling track.

2. Participate in a 400-Hour Supervised Practicum

Once you’ve completed your degree, you must complete a 400-hour supervised practicum. This practicum involves direct counseling experience where you will apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. During your practicum, you’ll engage in various activities, such as:

• Intake Assessments: Conducting initial evaluations of clients to understand their needs and determine appropriate treatment plans.
• Treatment Planning: Developing comprehensive treatment plans that outline goals, strategies, and interventions tailored to each client.
• Case Management: Coordinating various aspects of client care, including referrals to other services, follow-up, and documentation.

Good news! Your bachelor’s degree is likely to include an internship that satisfies the practicum requirement for licensure.

Throughout your practicum, you will receive supervision from experienced professionals in the field. You will work under the direct supervision of a licensed addiction counselor, who will provide feedback and guidance on your counseling techniques. During this supervision, you’ll undergo regular evaluations to assess your progress and areas for improvement.

As part of the licensure process, you’ll need to document your practicum and supervision experience. This includes:

• Practicum Review Form: Completed by the program director or supervisor, detailing your practicum hours and the nature of your supervised activities. This form should be returned to you in a sealed envelope with the supervisor’s signature across the seal.
• Experience Resume: Documenting your supervised experience in the four domains of addiction counseling, which are:

• Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
• Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
• Counseling
• Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

By participating in a practicum and receiving on-the-job supervision, you gain valuable experience and develop the competencies required to support individuals struggling with addiction effectively.

3. Apply to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

Congratulations on getting this far in your journey! Now it’s time to apply for your LAC license! Ensure that all sections are completed accurately to avoid delays in the processing of your application.

Make sure your official transcripts are sent directly from the Registrar’s office of your college or university to the BSRB. The transcripts must show the degree earned and the date it was conferred. Only transcripts received directly from the educational institution are accepted.

You will also need to provide three professional references. These references must include:

• One reference from your on-site practicum supervisor.
• Two additional references from professionals authorized to practice addiction counseling or a related field.

Gather all the completed forms and documents, including the application form, academic background form, practicum review form, verification of educational requirements, and the three sealed professional reference forms. Mail your complete application packet to the BSRB office. Incomplete applications may be returned, which can delay the licensure process.

The BSRB will review your application once all required materials have been received. This process may take up to 30 days. You can check the status of your application on the BSRB website under “Services.” Upon approval, you will be notified of your eligibility to sit for the licensure examination.

4. Take and Pass a National Certification Exam

After your application is approved, it’s time to get ready for the next exciting step: passing a national certification exam. Kansas accepts two exams for LAC licensure: the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam or the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. You’ll know your application is approved when you receive an email from the BSRB with instructions detailing how to register for the exam. You can schedule your test during one of the available testing windows at approved sites throughout the state.

Here’s what you need to know about the exams:

1. Register for the Exam: Follow the instructions in the approval email to register for either the NAADAC NCAC II or IC&RC ADC exam. The email will provide a link to the registration portal. The NAADAC NCAC II is offered during four one-week windows each year, while IC&RC ADC testing may have different scheduling options. Select your preferred testing date and location from available options.
2. Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for the exam using study guides and practice tests available through NAADAC or IC&RC. Focus on key areas such as counseling theories and techniques, addiction pharmacology, co-occurring disorders, and ethical and legal issues in counseling.
3. Exam Format: Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge and competency in various areas of substance abuse counseling, including counseling techniques, ethics, and case management.

Achieving a passing score on either exam is a significant milestone in your certification process. Once you pass, the results will be sent to the BSRB, and you will be notified of the following steps to obtain your licensure.

With a Master’s Degree Comes Advanced Certification Options

Once you’ve obtained your LAC license, the next logical step is to become a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC). Here’s how you do it:

You’ll need to have a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field. Your degree program should include coursework in the following areas:

• Addiction Recovery Services
• Advanced Methods of Individual and Group Counseling
• Advanced Pharmacology and Substance Use Disorders
• Integrative Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Professional Ethics and Practice
• Applied Research

In addition to your master’s degree, you may also need to complete 6 hours of continuing education in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders if this coursework isn’t already included in your graduate program.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wichita, Topeka, and Throughout Kansas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This significant growth highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Kansas offers a variety of settings where substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact. In Wichita, facilities like COMCARE of Sedgwick County provide comprehensive treatment programs, while Heartland RADAC in Kansas City offers both inpatient and outpatient care. Other notable facilities include:

• Valley Hope Association, Wichita: Specializing in comprehensive addiction treatment services.
• Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Topeka: Offering a range of behavioral health services.
• Mirror Inc., Topeka: Providing residential and outpatient treatment services.
• Kansas City CARE Clinic, Kansas City: Offering outpatient services and recovery support.
• Prairie View, Newton: Providing mental health and addiction treatment services.

As a substance abuse counselor in Kansas, you’ll be at the forefront of helping individuals and families overcome addiction, contributing to healthier communities throughout the state. With a variety of job settings and a strong demand for services, this is a rewarding career path for individuals committed to making a positive impact.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wichita, Topeka, and Throughout Kansas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Kansas earned a median salary of $50,990 as of May 2024. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $35,610 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $75,790.

Here’s how substance abuse counselor salaries compare in Kansas’s major cities:

• Topeka: As of May 2024, the BLS reported a median salary of $53,970 for substance abuse counselors in Topeka. Less experienced counselors earned approximately $33,950 during this period, while the top counselors earned around $72,470.
• Wichita: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Wichita earned a median salary of $48,160 as of May 2024—those with less experience earned around $33,560, while more experienced counselors earned about $67,750.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Kansas

There are numerous options to consider when pursuing a degree in substance abuse counseling in the state of Kansas. For example, Washburn University offers a BAS in Family and Human Services – Addiction Counseling, and Kansas State University offers a Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling.

A growing number of colleges and universities also offer online bachelor’s degrees in areas related to addiction counseling. These programs enable students to complete their degree from the comfort of their own homes, thereby offering a superb level of convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an LAC in Kansas?

The typical timeline to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas is approximately 4-5 years. This includes earning your bachelor’s degree (4 years), completing the 400-hour supervised practicum (often included in your degree program), applying to the BSRB (up to 30 days for review), and preparing for and passing either the NCAC II or ADC exam (offered during scheduled testing windows throughout the year).

Can I become a substance abuse counselor in Kansas with an online degree?

Yes, Kansas accepts online degrees for LAC licensure, provided the program includes the nine required coursework areas and the 400-hour supervised practicum. Many Kansas residents complete their degrees through accredited online programs while gaining practical experience through local practicum placements.

Does Kansas accept substance abuse counselor licenses from other states?

Kansas does not have automatic reciprocity for addiction counselor licenses. If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply through the Kansas BSRB and demonstrate that your education and experience meet Kansas’s LAC requirements. Some coursework or supervised hours may transfer, but you’ll need to verify this with the BSRB.

What’s the difference between LAC, LMAC, and LCAC in Kansas?

A Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a bachelor’s degree and is the entry-level credential for this profession. A Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) requires a master’s degree and additional continuing education. LCAC (Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor) is the highest level, allowing for independent clinical practice and supervision of other counselors.

How much does it cost to get licensed as an LAC in Kansas?

Total costs include your bachelor’s degree tuition (varies by institution), BSRB application fees, and either the NCAC II or ADC exam fee. Application processing fees and exam costs typically range from several hundred dollars, while degree costs depend on whether you attend in-state, out-of-state, or online programs.

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.