How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Missouri

Missouri is grappling with a serious substance abuse crisis, with drug overdoses now the leading cause of death among adults aged 18-44.

Take a minute to let that sink in.

In 2022 alone, the state saw 2,178 overdose deaths, continuing the unsettling upward trend from recent years. Fentanyl, a potent opioid, was involved in a staggering 70% of these deaths.

While the Kansas City metro area experienced the highest increase in overdose deaths, Mid-Missouri offered a ray of hope with an 8% decrease in fatalities during the same period.

Still, the impact of this crisis is felt across Missouri, cutting across all demographics and regions. Stimulants, often used in combination with opioids, are compounding the problem, contributing to the rise in overdose deaths.

In the face of these grim statistics, the role of Missouri’s Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs) becomes even more critical. These professionals are on the front lines, providing essential support and treatment to those struggling with addiction. They help individuals navigate the challenging path to recovery, offering a lifeline in a time of crisis.

For those passionate about making a difference, the path to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Missouri is both challenging and rewarding. It involves rigorous training, supervised work experience, and a dedication to ongoing education. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can join the ranks of these professionals and contribute significantly to saving people from the disease of addiction. Here’s how you can get started.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Missouri

The Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) is the nonprofit professional association that certifies substance abuse counselors, granting various certification levels to front-line counselors and supervisors based on experience and education:

Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor I (MAADCI)
Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II (MAADCII)
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC)
Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRAADC)

To build toward a career in professional practice that involves the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder, the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) certification is where you’ll be setting your sights. We’ll walk you through the steps to achieving this certification:

There are five main steps you’ll take to earn your CADC in Missouri:

1. Complete 180 Contact Hours of Substance Use Disorder Education Through a Certificate or Degree Program

2. Complete a 300-Hour Supervised Practicum and a Period of Supervised On-the-Job Experience

3. Apply for CADC Certification through the Missouri Credentialing Board

4. Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

Embarking on a career as a substance abuse counselor in Missouri is a rewarding journey. It might look a bit overwhelming at first, but with our straightforward guidance, you’ll find the process much simpler.

1. Complete 180 Contact Hours of Substance Use Disorder Education through a Certificate or Degree Program

Holding a degree or earning one in preparation to become a CADC is quite standard, but it’s not a state-mandated requirement. In plenty of cases, though, employers prefer candidates who have qualified through a combination of earning a degree and gaining the required real world experience. Gaining a significant amount of on-the-job experience is a given when becoming a CADC, but the requirement will be lowered based on the degree you hold:

With a high school diploma, you’ll need 4,000 hours (2 years) of documented work experience
With an associate degree, you’ll need 3,000 hours (1.5 years) of documented work experience
With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need 2,000 hours (1 year) of documented work experience
With a master’s degree, you’ll need 1,000 hours (6 months) of documented work experience

At any level, degrees in these fields would qualify to reduce the documented experience hours:

Psychology
Social Work
Criminal Justice
Family Studies
Communication
Sociology
Chemical Dependency
Counseling
Nursing
Human Services
Art Therapy
Applied Behavioral Science
Education

In all cases, you’ll additionally need to complete a minimum of 180 contact hours of education (about four courses), including six hours in ethics. Fifteen contact hours is equal to one college credit.

It’s easy to complete these courses. The MCB maintains a list of online agencies/schools offering a course sequence specifically designed to satisfy CADC certification requirements.

While a full degree program isn’t necessary to earn CADC certification, an associate degree or higher may prove helpful for more reasons than just the reduced work experience requirements:

Degree programs will include the required 300-hour practicum (described below).
Earning a degree allows you to reduce the amount of work experience and training required after you graduate.
Most colleges and universities offer job placement services that will help you secure a position in substance abuse counseling where you can begin accruing experience hours.

2. Complete a 300-Hour Supervised Practicum and a Period of Supervised On-the-Job Experience

Once you’ve completed the 180 contact hours, you’ll need to gain practical experience that demonstrates competence in the four IC&RC performance domains. This is achieved through a combination of supervised work experience and a 300-hour practicum.

If you qualify for CADC certification with just a high school diploma, you’ll need to complete a 300-hour practicum, followed by at least 4,000 hours (about two years) of experience. That means reaching out to prospective employers interested in

But if you earn a degree program in one of the fields listed above, you’ll be able to complete the 300 practicum as part of your degree program AND qualify for certification with fewer experience hours:

Regardless of your educational background, all work experience must have been acquired within the past 10 years, performed under a qualified supervisor, and documented.

3. Apply for CADC Certification through the Missouri Credentialing Board

Once you’ve completed the required education and work experience, you’re ready to apply for your CADC certification with the MCB. Here’s how:

Download and complete the CADC application form from the MCB website, ensuring all sections are accurate. Submit the completed application along with the $400 application fee and supporting documents, such as transcripts, work experience verification forms, a supervised practicum form, and a competency rating form from an MCB-qualified supervisor. Also, sign the MCB Code of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct.

The MCB will review your application and documents, typically within two weeks. If additional information is needed, you’ll have 90 days to provide it. Upon approval, you’ll receive instructions to register for the certification exam.

The CADC credential must be renewed every two years. For the first renewal, you will complete 20 hours of continuing education, including six hours in ethics. For subsequent renewals, complete 40 hours of continuing education, with six hours in ethics.

Note that the CADC credential is only valid in Missouri and is not reciprocal with other states.

4. Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

The final step to becoming a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) in Missouri is passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering various topics relevant to substance abuse counseling. You will have three hours to complete the exam.

Once you receive word from the Board, you’ll schedule your exam through Prometric, choosing either a testing center or remote proctoring if available. On exam day, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Candidate Admission Letter.

Prepare using resources like the ADC Candidate Guide and study guides available for purchase. After the exam, your results will be sent to the MCB. If you pass, you’ll receive your CADC credential; if not, you’ll get information on retaking the exam. Preliminary scores are available immediately, with official scores sent within two to three weeks.

With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options in Missouri

As you continue to gain experience and education in the field of substance abuse counseling in Missouri, advanced certification options become available. These certifications not only recognize your enhanced expertise but also open doors to higher-level positions, increased responsibilities, and potentially higher salaries.

1. Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC)

The CRADC certification is one of the advanced credentials you can pursue as you advance in your career. This certification is recognized reciprocally across many states, which adds to its value if you ever plan to move or work in another state.

To qualify for the CRADC, you must meet the following criteria, which vary based on your degree level:

With a Master's Degree: 2,000 hours (1 year) of work experience, 300 hours of supervised practicum, 300 contact hours of education.
With a Bachelor's Degree: 4,000 hours (2 years) of work experience, 300 hours of supervised practicum, 300 contact hours of education.
With an Associate Degree: 5,000 (2.5 years) hours of work experience, 300 hours of supervised practicum, 300 contact hours of education.
With a High School Diploma/HSE: 6,000 (3 years) hours of work experience, 300 hours of supervised practicum, 300 contact hours of education.

2. Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRAADC)

The CRAADC is another step up and requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree, along with more extensive experience. This certification is ideal for those aiming to take on supervisory or higher administrative roles.

To qualify for the CRAADC, you must meet the following criteria:

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Throughout Missouri

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, substance abuse counselor jobs in Missouri are projected to increase by 14 percent in the years leading up to 2030, which represents ample opportunities to make your mark in this profession in the coming years.

The state offers various opportunities for substance abuse counselors in urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis, as well as in other communities across the state. For instance, the Addiction Recovery Center in Kansas City specializes in residential and outpatient treatment programs, while Bridgeway Behavioral Health in St. Louis provides complete, comprehensive care. Some other notable programs recognized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services include:

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Throughout Missouri

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Missouri earned a median salary of $48,131 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $34,000, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned about $77,470.

Kansas City: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $50,981 for substance abuse counselors in Kansas City. Less experienced counselors earned about $36,820 during this time, while the top counselors earned $81,100 or more.
St. Louis: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in St. Louis earned a median salary of $49,358 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $36,230, while more experienced counselors earned at least $79,280.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Missouri

For many aspiring substance abuse counselors in Missouri, the journey begins with earning an associate degree or higher in a behavioral health field. While in-state options like the University of Missouri offer relevant programs, many out-of-state colleges and universities also provide online programs that meet the requirements for reduced practice hours in preparation to become a CADC. These programs equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue certification through the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB). The MCB recognizes degrees in fields like psychology, social work, and human services, giving you a variety of academic paths to choose from on your way to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Missouri.

City Vision University

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Accreditation: DEAC
Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Drury University

Drury GO (Global Online)
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Undergraduate Certificates

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.