How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor 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 according to data published by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This surge is largely attributed to the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses. In 2021 alone, Kansas saw a 54% increase in drug overdose deaths compared to the previous year, 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 a number of resources and programs aimed at education, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Kansas means stepping into a crucial role in this fight against addiction. Counselors provide vital 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 Kansas. They offer the following certification levels for front-line counselors and supervisors based on experience and education:

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

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

2. Participate in a 400-Hour Supervised Practicum

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

4. Take and Pass the NCAC Level II Exam

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 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 in Addiction Counseling, while 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 be working under the direct oversight of a licensed addiction counselor who provides 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 effectively support individuals struggling with addiction

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 processing.

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:

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

The BSRB will review your application once all materials are 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 the NCAC Level II Exam

After your application is approved, it’s time to get ready for the next exciting step: passing the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) 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 choose the day, time, and location that works best for you at one of the approved testing sites statewide.

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

Register for the Exam: Follow the instructions in the approval email to register for the NAADAC NCAC II exam. The email will provide a link to the registration portal where you can select your preferred testing date, time, and location. The exam is offered four times a year in one-week windows.
Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for the exam using study guides and practice tests available through NAADAC. Focus on key areas such as counseling theories and techniques, addiction pharmacology, co-occurring disorders, and ethical and legal issues in counseling.
Exam Format: The NAADAC NCAC II exam consists 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 the NAADAC NCAC II 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 next steps for obtaining your licensure.

With a Master’s Degree and More Experience 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 also will need to complete 6 hours of continuing education in diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.

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:

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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 those committed to making a difference.

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 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $35,610 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $75,790.

Topeka: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $53,970 for substance abuse counselors in Topeka. Less experienced counselors earned about $33,950 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $72,470.
Wichita: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Wichita earned a median salary of $48,160 as of May 2023. 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 plenty of options to consider when pursuing a substance abuse counselor degree program in 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 allow students to complete their degree from the comfort of their home, thereby offering a superb level of convenience.

Ottawa University

Online and Evening, School of Arts and Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Degrees

Washburn University

School of Applied Studies
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Degrees

2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.