How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Ohio

In the heart of America’s Rust Belt, Ohio is battling a relentless wave of substance abuse that shows no signs of receding. The opioid crisis has gripped the state with an iron fist, leading to 4,313 Ohioans dying from opioid overdoses in 2021 alone, among the highest in the nation. As communities across Ohio—from bustling cities like Columbus to rural areas—grapple with this epidemic, the need for dedicated substance abuse counselors has never been more urgent. Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Ohio offers a vital opportunity to be on the front lines of this fight, providing hope and recovery to those in need.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Ohio

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals (ODCP) Board is the state government agency responsible for certifying and licensing substance abuse counselors in Ohio. They offer four different levels of certification and licensure based on experience and education:

The Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) credential is the standard for practicing substance abuse counselors in Ohio. It provides a solid foundation for career advancement and broader opportunities within the field. That’s what we’ll be covering here in this guide.

1. Earn an Associate Degree in a Behavioral Science Field Plus 180 Hours of Additional Training in Substance Use Disorders

2. Complete 2,000 Hours of Supervised and Documented Work Experience

3. Apply for LCDC II Licensure

4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam

The road to becoming a CADC in Ohio just got a whole lot easier! We’ve broken down the entire process to provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the education, experience, and testing you need to become certified in Ohio.

1. Earn an Associate Degree in a Behavioral Science Field Plus 180 Hours of Additional Training in Substance Use Disorders

To become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) in Ohio, the initial requirement is to earn a minimum of an associate degree. This degree must be in behavioral science or nursing from an accredited college or university. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution is also acceptable.

In addition to the degree, you must complete 180 hours of specific education related to substance use disorders. These educational hours must cover the following content areas essential for substance abuse counseling:

Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Knowledge
Counseling Procedures & Strategies in SUD
Group Process & Techniques
Assessment & Diagnosis of SUD
Family Dynamics
Pharmacology
Relapse & Recovery Strategies
Treatment Planning
Legal & Ethical Issues for SUD Professionals

At least 50% of these educational hours must have been completed within the last five years from the application date. It is important that these hours are documented on the and accompanied by OCDP board approved CEU certificates or college education transcripts.

2. Complete 2,000 Hours of Supervised and Documented Work Experience

The next step to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Ohio is to complete some supervised training and gain the required work experience.

You’ll need to rack up 2,000 hours (about one year) of chemical dependency counseling-related work experience or complete a supervised internship/practicum.

Employers in Ohio hire recent graduates who are actively working towards becoming certified. Since you can’t earn credentials in Ohio without a year of experience, this is a routine process in the local substance treatment community. The end result is a win-win situation where new hires get the supervised training and guidance they need to learn the ropes and become eligible for certification, while employers end up with loyal employees trained in their particular methods and work culture.

Here’s what your practical work experience should include:

Screening, Assessment, and Engagement: 40 hours (with at least 25 hours in Assessment)
Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral: 70 hours (with at least 35 hours in Treatment Planning)
Counseling (Individual, Family, and Group): 90 hours (with at least 35 hours each in Individual and Group counseling)
Professional and Ethical Responsibilities: 20 hours

If you’re doing a supervised internship/practicum, these hours can count toward your total experience, as long as they’re verified on an official transcript from an accredited college or university.

Get ready to dive in and gain some valuable experience on your journey to becoming an LCDC II in Ohio!

3. Apply for LCDC II Licensure

After completing your education and supervised training, the next step to becoming a LCDC II in Ohio is to apply for your license. Here’s how to do it:

Gather all necessary documents for your application, including education transcripts and CEU certificates. Scan these certificates into one PDF in the order listed on the grid for upload. Ensure that your supervisor has verified your experience with the board and order an official college transcript to be sent directly to the board via email ([email protected]) or mail.

Navigate to the eLicense portal and select “Apply for a New License.” Upload and attach all required forms and pay the non-refundable $50 application fee.

Once your application is approved, the board will send you an email stating you are now an exam candidate. It also means you’re ready to move on to the final step to becoming licensed as a substance abuse counselor in Ohio!

4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam

Within 10-14 business days of receiving an email from the board letting you know you are eligible for the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, they will forward an exam candidate report to IC&RC. IC&RC will then send you a pre-registration email within 30 business days. This email will include a link to pay the $150 exam fee and instructions for pre-registering for the exam.

Within two weeks of pre-registering, you will receive an email from SMT/Prometrics with instructions for scheduling the exam. You will have three hours to complete the computer-based exam, available at various regional sites in Ohio and neighboring states.

After you’ve finished the exam, you’ll get your scores right away. If you pass, the OCDP Board will license you within 10-14 business days. If you don’t pass, no worries – you’ll just need to wait 90 days before you can retake the exam. You can reschedule by paying the exam fee, and you have up to a year from your last exam date to try again.

With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options

A higher degree and more experience in the substance abuse counseling field opens doors to advanced certifications, leading to better job opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to make a greater impact in your profession. In Ohio, you have the option of advancing to the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) license and further to the Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) certification. Here’s what you’ll need to do for each of them:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III):

- Counseling Procedures & Strategies with Addicted Populations: 30 hours
- Group Process and Techniques Working with Addicted Populations: 18 hours
- Assessment and Diagnosis of Addiction: 24 hours
- Family Dynamics: 24 hours
- Pharmacology: 18 hours (6 hours specific to medication-assisted treatment/recovery)
- Relapse and Recovery Strategies: 6 hours
- Treatment Planning: 18 hours
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Chemical Dependency Counseling: 18 hours
- Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Knowledge: 24 hours

- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement: 40 hours (with at least 25 hours in Assessment)
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral: 70 hours (with at least 35 hours in Treatment Planning)
- Counseling (Individual, Family, and Group): 90 hours (with at least 35 hours each in Individual and Group counseling)
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities: 20 hours

Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC)

- Addiction/substance use disorder counseling
- Clinical counseling
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Pediatrics psychology
- Social work.

- Counseling Procedures & Strategies with Addicted Populations: 30 hours
- Group Process and Techniques Working with Addicted Populations: 18 hours
- Assessment and Diagnosis of Addiction: 24 hours
- Family Dynamics: 24 hours
- Pharmacology: 18 hours (6 hours specific to medication-assisted treatment/recovery)
- Relapse and Recovery Strategies: 6 hours
- Treatment Planning: 18 hours
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Chemical Dependency Counseling: 18 hours
- Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Knowledge: 24 hours

- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement: 40 hours (with at least 25 hours in Assessment)
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral: 70 hours (with at least 35 hours in Treatment Planning)
- Counseling (Individual, Family, and Group): 90 hours (with at least 35 hours each in Individual and Group counseling)
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities: 20 hours

Pursuing advanced certifications like the LCDC III and LICDC in Ohio not only elevates your professional standing but also enhances your ability to provide comprehensive and effective care to those struggling with substance use disorders.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Throughout Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of settings where substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact. In Columbus, facilities like Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center provide comprehensive treatment programs, including residential and outpatient services, medically assisted treatment, and specialized programming for various populations. In Cleveland, the Genesis Center provides a broad range of services, including medication-assisted treatment and counseling for substance use disorders.

Other notable facilities throughout Ohio include:

As a substance abuse counselor in Ohio, 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 Columbus, Cleveland, and Throughout Ohio

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Ohio earned a median salary of $50,580 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $37,060 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $81,500.

Columbus: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $56,760 for substance abuse counselors in Columbus. Less experienced counselors earned about $39,400 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $86,540.
Cleveland: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Cleveland earned a median salary of $50,920 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $35,400, while more experienced counselors earned about $97,600.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of degree programs for aspiring substance abuse counselors. For example, the University of Cincinnati provides comprehensive programs in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, including certificates and bachelor’s degrees, equipping students with the skills needed for effective addiction treatment and support.

Additionally, the University of Toledo and Malone University offer specialized programs in addiction counseling that prepare students for licensure and practical work in substance abuse counseling.

Many of these programs are also available online, providing flexibility for working adults or those with other commitments. This makes it easier for students to complete their degrees from the comfort of their homes while balancing other responsibilities.

Ashland University

College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Addictions Counseling Prevention and Human Services
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Associate Degrees

Belmont College

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Humanities and Sciences Division
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Addiction Studies Certificate can be combined with Associate’s degrees in Human and Social Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Nursing

Clark State College

School of Health, Human and Public Services
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Bachelor's Degrees

Columbus State Community College

Social Work and Human Services
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Kent State University

College of Education Health and Human Services, School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Malone University

Department of Psychology and Counseling
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Bachelor's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Marion Technical College

Healthcare Programs
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

North Central State College

Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Ohio Christian University

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online

Bachelor's Degrees

Sinclair Community College

Health Sciences Division, Mental Health and Addiction Services Department
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Stark State College

Human and Justice Studies
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

The University of Akron

College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Social Work and Family Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Degrees

Addiction Services Basic Certificate can be combined with Bachelor’s programs in Social Work or Child and Family Development

Tiffin University

Accreditation: HLC
Online

Bachelor's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

University of Cincinnati

College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Bachelor's Degrees

Walsh University

Accreditation: HLC
Online

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Wright State University

School of Education and Leadership, Human Services Department
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online

Master's Degrees

Graduate 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.