How to Become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Massachusetts

“The drug supply is poisoned.” This grim statement by Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein confirmed what many in Massachusetts feared: drug overdoses here have reached terrifying levels. In 2022, there were 2,357 overdose deaths in Massachusetts, a state record that represents a marked increase over 2021 totals. That means every day, six people in the Bay State die from a drug overdose. Take a moment to consider the gravity of that. Those deaths are primarily attributed to fentanyl, which during the first three months of 2023 was present in 93 percent of all fatal overdoses. In Boston, the drug crisis is on full display in notorious locations like Mass and Cass, an intersection where tents, makeshift shelters, and scores of people who have an opioid addiction line the streets. But everyone from state and local legislators to advocates to professionals like the state’s Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors are hard at work, providing resources, solutions, and compassion, lending a hand to help curb Massachusetts’ drug epidemic. Several new state programs are emerging. Among them are:

• Clean needle distribution points throughout Boston by way of specialized vending machines
• An overdose prevention hotline
• The expansion of crisis stabilization services
• A data dashboard that will help shed light on where help is needed most

The state is also vowing to raise MassHealth reimbursement rates for substance use disorder treatment programs and provide student loan forgiveness to people who enter mental health and substance use fields. Whether you’re lending your talents to major hospital programs, private residential and outpatient treatment facilities, or community-based centers in places like South Boston or Worcester, it’s an exciting time to become a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts and provide hope for those suffering from the disease of addiction.

How to Become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, substance abuse counselors are licensed by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services’ (BSAS) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Unit as Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs). The BSAS licenses three levels of LADCs in Massachusetts:

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant – licensed to provide recovery-based services under direct clinical and administrative supervision
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) – licensed to practice alcohol and drug counseling under clinical supervision
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) – authorized to conduct alcohol and drug counseling on an independent basis and provide supervision to other alcohol and drug counselors.

In this guide, we’ve detailed the process of becoming an LADC II, the standard credential in the field that allows you to provide substance abuse counseling services under clinical supervision. In an interesting flip in how the license-level hierarchy is laid out, in Massachusetts, the level-II license is actually a prerequisite for the level-I license. We also provide details on the process of becoming an LADC I as you progress in your career. You’ll find that information toward the bottom of this guide in the section titled With a Master’s Degree and More Experience, You Can Become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) in Massachusetts. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to earn certification as a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts: Between October 2022 and September 2023, the CDC reported a national opioid overdose rate of 32.3 deaths per 100,000 people. The crisis in Massachusetts far exceeded this benchmark in several counties:

• Suffolk County (Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area): 61.6 deaths per 100,000 people
• Hampden County (Springfield): 61.2 deaths per 100,000 people
• Bristol County (New Bedford, Fall River): 55 deaths per 100,000 people

You’re sure to have plenty of questions when it comes to earning the credential that will allow you to practice as a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts. Not to worry. We’ve broken down the process into easily manageable steps that will enable you to move toward certification with confidence.

1. Complete a 260-Hour Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Education and a 300-Hour Practicum

The first step to becoming an LADC II involves completing a program in alcohol and drug education through a BSAS-approved Addiction Education Program. The program must include at least 260 hours of classroom-based alcohol and drug education, and a 300-hour hands-on substance abuse practicum. You may choose to complete a program that the BSAS does not approve; however, it must be reviewed by the BSAS during the application process. Many programs in Massachusetts meet the 260-hour education requirement. Offered through community colleges, treatment centers, and four-year colleges and universities throughout the state, substance abuse counseling certificate programs take about a year to complete and include the required practicum.

Of course, you always have the option of meeting these requirements through a full bachelor’s degree program. Even though attaining a bachelor’s degree isn’t part of the state requirements for certification in Massachusetts, doing so comes with some clear benefits. Through general undergraduate coursework, you would naturally come away with a broader skillset in communication and critical thinking, and a broader understanding of the social and cultural contexts that can contribute to addiction. And at the most practical level, a bachelor’s degree would not only include the 300-hour practicum requirement, it would reduce the number of supervised work experience hours required for certification by a third.

2. Document 6,000 Hours of Supervised Work Experience in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention

Once you’ve completed the required education and practicum, it’s time to land a job where you can begin to accrue the 6,000 hours (about three years) of supervised experience required to earn the LADC II credential. Like many fields with significant practice-hour requirements for licensure, employers throughout Massachusetts routinely hire licensed candidates to provide the guidance and supervision they need. This opens the door to a years-long mentorship with an employer that fosters your growth and advancement, helping you achieve your LADC II license and, eventually, even an LADC I. During this time, you’ll be gaining experience in diagnostic assessment, intervention, and alcoholism and/or drug counseling to establish and maintain recovery and support relapse prevention. Your experience must include providing direct patient services. All experience must be obtained within the last ten years.

If you earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, you’ll only need to complete 4,000 hours (about two years) of supervised work experience. Earning a bachelor’s degree may position you for more professional opportunities and will also serve as an excellent precursor to a master’s degree and the LADC I credential (see the section below on advancing to LADC I).

3. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam

Once your application has been approved, you’ll need to take and pass the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC) exam, a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The ADC exam is required for LADC II licensure. The Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC) administers all IC&RC exams. You must download, complete, and submit the Licensing Test Reservation form on the MBSACC site when you’re ready to take the ADC exam. Upon approval, the MBSACC will forward your information to the testing company, ISO Quality Testing, which will then contact you (via email) with instructions for registering for the exam. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the location, date, and time of your exam. ISO Quality Testing will email you the results of your exam. Note: After passing the ADC exam, you may also apply to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with the MBSACC. Understanding the difference between certification and licensure is important: CADC is a separate but complementary certification to your LADC licensure. The CADC credential is reciprocal with other IC&RC members, enabling interstate mobility.

4. Apply to Become an LADC II through the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Unit

You must apply for licensure through the BSAS eLicensing System. To obtain initial access, call 781-774-6627. To maintain your LADC II credential, you must renew your license every two years upon the completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education in addictions, counseling techniques, and/or behavioral science.

With a Master’s Degree and More Experience, You Can Become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) in Massachusetts

The ability to practice substance abuse counseling independently in Massachusetts is reserved for those who have earned the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) credential. The credential also comes with the authority to act as a supervisor to other drug and alcohol counselors. To become an LADC I, you’ll need to 1) earn a master’s or doctoral degree in substance use disorder counseling, psychology, or any other behavioral science; and 2) pass the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) Exam. The additional practicum training, classroom hours, and experience requirements are the same as those for the LADC II, and don’t have to be repeated, assuming you completed all 6,000 hours of supervised experience, a 300-hour practicum, and 260 alcohol and drug education hours in the course of becoming an LADC II. Note: Once you meet the requirements for LADC I and pass the AADC exam, you may also pursue the Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor – Advanced Level (CADC II) through the MBSACC. The CADC II requires a master’s degree and passing the IC&RC AADC exam, and is typically pursued after or alongside LADC I licensure. This credential is offered in alignment with the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) standards, which are recognized throughout the US. The CADC II credential is reciprocal with other state board members of the IC&RC, enabling greater mobility from state to state and broader recognition of your skill level.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Massachusetts

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, the need for substance abuse counselors is also reflected in the state’s growing number of substance abuse treatment facilities, which rose from 322 in 2011 to 440 in 2020. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Massachusetts ranked first in the nation in May 2024 for the concentration of substance abuse counselor jobs. During this time, the state had 17,950 jobs in this field.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Boston and Throughout Massachusetts

There are countless ways to become part of Boston’s significant efforts aimed at helping those suffering from substance use disorder. For example, Recovery Services, a City of Boston program, works with communities and programs throughout the region to provide resources and services to those affected by drug addiction. Recovery Services works with neighborhood engagement teams operating on the frontlines; low-threshold day spaces like the Whittier Street Health Center and the Boston Living Center; and the Nubian Square Task Force, a coalition of communities, public health organizations, and businesses that support the homeless and addicted in the Nubian Square area. Substance abuse counselor jobs in the Boston metro region are also often found in private inpatient and outpatient facilities, such as Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment in Woburn, the Chapters Recovery Center in Danvers, and Victory Programs, which serves people in the Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boston, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, and Throughout Massachusetts

According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Massachusetts earned a median salary of $59,030 as of May 2024. Early career professionals here earned about $43,220 during this time, while those at the top of the career ladder earned about $91,260. As of May 2024, the Boston metro area reported the highest median salary for substance abuse counselors in Massachusetts:

• Boston-Cambridge-Newton: $60,780 (median), $91,260 (90th percentile)
• Worcester: $56,480 (median), $85,560 (90th percentile)
• Barnstable Town: $59,600 (median), $94,090 (90th percentile)
• Amherst Town-Northampton: $58,110 (median), $96,690 (90th percentile)

Program Costs and Financial Considerations

Understanding the financial investment required to become an LADC in Massachusetts helps you plan your educational pathway effectively.

Education Costs by Pathway

Educational Pathway	Typical Cost Range	Timeline	Leads To
Certificate Program Only (260 hours)	$2,000 – $5,000	1 year + 3 years supervised experience	LADC II
Bachelor’s degree (with certificate)	$40,000 – $100,000	4 yearsDegreeears supervised experience	LADC II (faster path)
Master’s Degree	$30,000 – $60,000	2 years + 3 years supervised experience	LADC I (independent practice)

Additional Costs

• IC&RC ADC Exam Fee: $195 – $350
• MBSACC CADC Certification: $200 – $300
• LADC II License Application: $200 – $400
• Biennial License Renewal: $150 – $250
• Continuing Education (40 hours every 2 years): $500 – $1,500

Financial Aid and Support

Massachusetts offers several programs to help aspiring substance abuse counselors manage educational costs:

• Student loan forgiveness programs for behavioral health professionals
• Workforce development grants through MassHealth
• Employer-sponsored training for supervised experience positions
• Federal financial aid for degree programs (FAFSA)
• Community college tuition assistance programs

Return on Investment

With a median salary of $59,030 in Massachusetts, most LADCs can expect to recover their educational investment within the first few years of practice, particularly those who pursued certificate-only pathways. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders benefit from reduced supervised experience requirements and higher earning potential over their careers.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Massachusetts

The vast majority of substance abuse counseling programs in Massachusetts are offered as certificate programs that meet the requirements to become an LADC II. Just some of the schools offering these programs include Bristol Community College, University of Massachusetts, and Worcester State University. But Massachusetts also offers a growing number of bachelor’s degrees in the field for those who want to advance their education and open up more professional doors. For example, Springfield College offers a BS in Human Services – Addiction Studies, and Curry College offers a Substance Use Counseling minor and concentration. There are also options for advancing your education in substance abuse counseling to the graduate level. For example, the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis offers an MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Addiction Counseling. In contrast, Antioch University offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addictions Counseling concentration.

Educational Pathway Comparison

Pathway	Education Required	Supervised Hours	Total Timeline	Credential Achieved
Certificate Only	260 hours + 300 practicum	6,000 hours	3.5-4 years	LADC II
Bachelor’s Degree	4-year degree + 300 practicum	4,000 hours	2.5-3 years post-degree	LADC II
Master’s Degree	Master’s + practicum	6,000 hours	3.5-4 years post-degree	LADC I (independent)

Bay Path University

Psychology Department Graduate College Accreditation: NECHE Online

Bachelor’s Degrees

• BA in Psychology-Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling

Master’s Degrees

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration

Berkshire Community College

Human Services Department Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Addiction Recovery Assistant Certificate

Bristol Community College

Health and Wellness Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counseling

Cambridge College

School of Education and Counseling Accreditation: NECHE Campus, Online, Hybrid

Undergraduate Certificates

• Undergrad Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Undergraduate concentration in Addiction Studies (18 credits) can be added to any bachelor’s degree.
• BS in Wellness and Health Promotion-Addictions concentration

Master’s Degrees

• Graduate Studies concentration (9 credits) in Addiction Counseling can be added to any master’s degree.e

Graduate Certificates

• Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Greenfield Community College

Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Certificate in Addiction Studies

Associate Degrees

• AA in Human Services-Liberal Arts option (includes Addiction Studies Certificate)

Holyoke Community College

Social Sciences and Integrative Learning area of study Accreditation: NECHE Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

• Addiction Studies Certificate

Associate Degrees

• AS in Human Services with an Addiction Studies Certificate included

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Education and Human Services Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Substance Abuse Certificate

Associate Degrees

• AA in Liberal Arts-Human Services with a simultaneous Substance Abuse Certificate

Mount Wachusett Community College

Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Certificate-Substance Addiction Counseling

Associate Degrees

• AS in Human Services with a Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate included

North Shore Community College

Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate

Associate Degrees

• AS-Human Services Practitioner with a Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate

Northern Essex Community College

Human Services Department Accreditation: NECHE Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

• Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate

Associate Degrees

• Associate Degree in Human Services

Quincy College

Social Science and Education Accreditation: NECHE Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

• Substance Addiction Certificate
• Substance Addiction Assistant Certificate

Associate Degrees

• AS in Human Services with a Substance Addiction Certificate or SA Assistant Certificate included

Regis College

School of Nursing Accreditation: NECHE Hybrid

Master’s Degrees

• MA in Counseling-Addictions Counseling track

Graduate Certificates

• Transdisciplinary Addiction Professional Certificate (Graduate level)

Springfield College

School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences Accreditation: NECHE Online

Bachelor’s Degrees

• BS in Human Services-Addiction Studies
• Minor in Addiction Studies

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LADC in Massachusetts

How long does it take to become an LADC in Massachusetts?

The timeline depends on your educational pathway. With a certificate-only route, expect 3.5-4 years total (1 year of education + 3 years of supervised experience). Bachelor’s degree holders complete the process in approximately 2.5-3 years post-degree due to reduced supervised hour requirements (4,000 vs. 6,000 hours).

What’s the difference between LADC I and LADC II in Massachusetts?

LADC II is the entry-level supervised practice credential requiring a certificate or degree, 6,000 supervised hours (or 4,000 with a bachelor’s degree), and passing the IC&RC ADC exam. LADC I requires a master’s or doctoral degree, the same supervised hours, and passing the IC&RC AADC exam. The key difference: LADC I allows independent practice and supervision of other counselors, while LADC II requires ongoing clinical supervision.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts?

No, a bachelor’s degree isn’t required for LADC II licensure in Massachusetts. You can meet requirements with a 260-hour certificate program and a 300-hour practicum. That said, earning a bachelor’s degree reduces supervised experience requirements by the number of degree hours (from 6,000 to 4,000), effectively saving one year. It also positions you better for career advancement and eventual LADC I licensure.

How much do LADCs make in Massachusetts?

According to May 2024 BLS data, substance abuse counselors in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $59,030. Entry-level professionals (10th percentile) earn approximately $43,220, while experienced counselors (90th percentile) earn $91,260. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area reports the highest median salary at $60,780.

Can I get licensed with just a certificate program in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can earn LADC II licensure with a 260-hour certificate program that includes a 300-hour practicum, followed by 6,000 hours of supervised work experience and passing the IC&RC ADC exam. This certificate-only pathway is the most common route for entering the field, though it requires more supervised hours than the bachelor’s degree pathway.

Is the Massachusetts LADC license reciprocal with other states?

The LADC license itself is Massachusetts-specific. However, the IC&RC CADC certification you’re eligible for after passing the ADC exam provides reciprocity with other IC&RC member states. The advanced CADC II credential (earned with LADC I) offers even broader interstate recognition and mobility.

How do I find supervised experience positions in Massachusetts?

Many Massachusetts treatment facilities, hospitals, and community-based organizations routinely hire LADC candidates specifically to provide the required supervision. Search for positions titled “LADC Candidate,” “Substance Abuse Counselor in Training,” or “Recovery Support Specialist.” Contact the BSAS and MBSACC for lists of approved supervisors and employers who support credential candidates.

What continuing education is required to maintain my LADC license?

Massachusetts requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years for LADC renewal. Coursework must focus on addictions, counseling techniques, or behavioral science. The state offers various approved providers, and many organizations provide online options to accommodate working professionals. 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (proxy for Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (proxy for Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may var—dataa accessed November 2025.