To become a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma, you need a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field recognized by the Oklahoma Board, complete 270 clock hours of education plus 45 hours in co-occurring disorders, finish a 300-hour supervised practicum and 4,000 hours of supervised work experience (including 2,000 hours providing direct services to clients), and pass the IC&RC exam to earn your Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential.
Table of Contents
- CADC vs. LADC: Understanding Oklahoma’s Two Credential Levels
- Step-by-Step Path to CADC Certification
- Advancing to Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Timeline and Costs: What to Expect
- Oklahoma Job Market and Career Opportunities
- Salary Expectations Across Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Degree Programs and Education Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Oklahoma’s substance use disorder crisis demands skilled professionals now more than ever. In 2021 alone, more than 600 people in Oklahoma died from methamphetamine use, while fentanyl claimed another 300 lives. The state also ranks among the top 10 nationally for alcohol-related deaths.
Substance abuse counselors stand on the frontline of this epidemic, offering essential treatment and support to individuals struggling with addiction. Whether you’re just starting your career journey or considering a transition into this meaningful field, becoming a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma offers the chance to make a real difference in your community.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about earning your Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential in Oklahoma, from education requirements to finding your first position.
CADC vs. LADC: Understanding Oklahoma’s Two Credential Levels
The Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors oversees two distinct credentials for substance abuse counselors in the state. Understanding the difference helps you chart your career path from the start.
| Credential | Education Required | Training Hours | Work Experience | Practice Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) | Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field recognized by OBLADC | 270 clock hours education + 45 hours co-occurring disorders + 300-hour practicum | 4,000 hours total (about 2 years), including 2,000 hours of direct client services | Provides counseling under supervision. Cannot independently treat co-occurring disorders. |
| LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) | Master’s degree in a recognized field OR licensed mental health professional with 15 additional hours | 270 clock hours education + 45 hours co-occurring disorders + 300-hour practicum | 2,000 hours (about 1 year), including 1,000 hours of direct client services | Independent practice. Can assess, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders. LADC/MH can also treat co-occurring mental health disorders. |
For those at the beginning of their career journey, the CADC is your entry point into the field. This guide focuses on the path to CADC certification and the skills you’ll develop along the way.
Step-by-Step Path to CADC Certification
Four Steps to Becoming a CADC in Oklahoma
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral science field recognized by the Oklahoma Board
- Complete Education and Training Requirements, including 270 clock hours of education, 45 hours focused on co-occurring disorders, and a 300-hour supervised practicum
- Complete Supervised Work Experience totaling 4,000 hours with at least 2,000 hours providing direct services to clients
- Apply for CADC Certification and Pass the IC&RC Exam, demonstrating your knowledge and competency
The process takes commitment, but each step builds the foundation you need to effectively help people overcome addiction. Let’s break down each requirement.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Your journey begins with earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Oklahoma requires your degree to be in a behavioral science field recognized by the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (OBLADC). This typically includes degrees in counseling, psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related fields.
Key educational requirements for CADC:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a behavioral science field recognized by OBLADC
- 270 clock hours of education in alcohol and drug counseling
- 45 clock hours of specialized training focused on co-occurring disorders (such as abnormal psychology courses)
- 300-hour supervised practicum (typically completed as part of your degree program)
- Foundational knowledge in counseling theories, ethics, and addiction science
Most accredited programs integrate these educational hour requirements directly into the curriculum. The 300-hour practicum gives you real-world experience working with clients in treatment settings while still in school under faculty supervision. These field placements are your first opportunity to connect with agencies that may hire you for the supervised work experience you’ll need after graduation.
Don’t overlook online programs. Many accredited universities offer online bachelor’s degrees in addiction counseling that meet Oklahoma’s requirements, allowing you to complete coursework on your schedule while maintaining other commitments. Just verify that any program covers the required 270 clock hours of education plus 45 hours in co-occurring disorders.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Work Experience
After earning your bachelor’s degree and completing the required educational hours, you’ll need to accumulate substantial supervised work experience before you can apply for certification. This is where classroom learning transforms into clinical competence.
Work experience requirements for CADC:
- 4,000 total hours of work experience in substance use disorder treatment (approximately two years full-time)
- At least 2,000 of those hours must be direct client services (providing treatment, counseling, assessment, or case management directly to clients or their families, not administrative tasks or observation)
- Weekly face-to-face supervision (one hour per week minimum)
- Formal supervision contract with a supervisor registered with the Oklahoma Board
Understanding what counts as “direct client services” is important. These hours must involve providing actual services to clients or their families, such as individual or group counseling sessions, client assessments, treatment planning meetings, case management activities, or family therapy. Time spent on administrative tasks, paperwork without client interaction, or simply observing others’ work doesn’t count toward your direct service hours.
Finding the right employment setting matters. State-licensed treatment facilities, community mental health centers, hospital-based programs, and private clinics throughout Oklahoma hire entry-level counselors who need supervised hours. Many of these agencies specifically recruit recent graduates, understanding that providing quality supervision benefits both the counselor and the organization.
The Supervision Requirement
Your supervisor must be registered with the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. You’ll enter into a formal supervision contract outlining the terms of your supervision.
During weekly one-hour supervision sessions, you’ll review cases, discuss clinical approaches, work through ethical dilemmas, and receive feedback on your counseling techniques. Quality supervision is invaluable for developing clinical judgment. Your supervisor helps you navigate complex situations, refine your skills, and ensure you’re following best practices in the field.
These sessions aren’t just a requirement to check off. They’re professional development that shapes the kind of counselor you’ll become.
Step 3: Apply for CADC Certification
Once you’ve completed your education, training requirements, and accumulated the required supervised hours, you’re ready to apply for CADC certification. The application process requires attention to detail and thorough documentation.
Application requirements:
- Complete the official CADC application form with accurate details about your education and work experience
- Notarize your application in the presence of a notary public
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $175 (as of 2024)
- Agree to adhere to the professional code of ethics for substance abuse counselors
- Provide three personal references who can speak to your character and suitability for the profession
- Write a personal philosophy statement (under 300 words) explaining your beliefs, values, and approach to substance abuse counseling
Your personal philosophy statement is your chance to articulate why this work matters to you. What draws you to addiction counseling? How do you view recovery? What values guide your approach? Keep it genuine and reflective of your actual perspective on the work.
Choose your references thoughtfully. Ideally, they should be professionals who’ve observed your work directly, such as clinical supervisors, professors, or colleagues in the field. Their insights carry more weight than general character references.
Step 4: Pass the IC&RC Exam
After the Oklahoma Board approves your application, you’ll receive instructions for scheduling the IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) exam. This standardized test measures your knowledge and competency across all domains of substance abuse counseling.
The exam covers:
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Assessment and treatment planning
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- Case management and coordination
- The science of addiction and recovery
- Co-occurring disorders
- Cultural competency and diversity issues
Preparation makes a difference. Study materials, review courses, and practice exams help you identify knowledge gaps and build confidence. Many counselors find study groups valuable, as discussing concepts with peers reinforces learning. The exam fee is approximately $195 (as of 2024).
Once you pass the exam, you’re officially a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Oklahoma. Your CADC certification is valid for two years. To renew it, you’ll need to complete 270 hours of continuing education and pay a renewal fee of $125 (as of 2024).
Advancing to Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
After working as a CADC, you may choose to pursue the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential. This advanced license requires additional education and opens up independent practice opportunities.
LADC requirements:
- Master’s degree in a behavioral science or counseling field recognized by OBLADC, OR be a licensed mental health professional with 15 additional clock hours in substance abuse counseling
- 270 clock hours of education in alcohol and drug counseling
- 45 clock hours of specialized training in co-occurring disorders
- 300-hour supervised practicum
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience (about 12 months full-time) with at least 1,000 hours of direct client services
- Successful completion of the appropriate licensing examination
The LADC credential allows you to practice independently and assess and treat substance use disorders without supervision. If you hold the LADC/MH designation (which requires specific qualifications for treating mental health disorders), you can also independently diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders. This represents a significant career advancement with corresponding increases in autonomy and earning potential.
Timeline and Costs: What to Expect
Understanding the full timeline and financial investment helps you plan your path realistically. Keep in mind these timelines are approximate and vary based on whether you attend school full-time or part-time, how quickly you find suitable employment for supervised hours, and your individual circumstances.
Typical Timeline to CADC (Approximate)
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years (full-time enrollment) to 6+ years (part-time enrollment)
- Supervised work experience: 2 years at full-time employment (4,000 hours), longer if working part-time
- Application processing: 1-3 months
- Exam scheduling and completion: 1-2 months
- Total timeline: Approximately 6-7 years from high school graduation to CADC certification for full-time students with consistent full-time employment, but individual timelines vary significantly
Cost Breakdown (As of 2024)
- Bachelor’s degree tuition: Varies by institution ($40,000-$100,000+ for four years at public universities in Oklahoma)
- CADC application fee: $175 (non-refundable)
- IC&RC exam fee: Approximately $195
- Biennial renewal: $125 every two years
- Continuing education: 270 hours per renewal cycle (costs vary by provider, typically $10-$50 per credit hour)
During your supervised work experience phase, you’ll be earning a salary while accumulating hours. This helps offset the earlier educational investment. Fees listed here are current as of 2024 but may change, so verify current amounts with the Oklahoma Board when you’re ready to apply.
Oklahoma Job Market and Career Opportunities
Demand for substance abuse counselors remains strong throughout Oklahoma, particularly in urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The ongoing addiction crisis ensures a steady need for qualified professionals.
Major employers in Oklahoma include:
- 12 & 12, Inc. (Tulsa) – Offers residential treatment, outpatient programs, and community support services
- Catalyst Behavioral Services (Oklahoma City) – Provides comprehensive behavioral health services
- Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic (Tulsa) – Hospital-based substance use disorder treatment
- Red Rock Behavioral Health Services (multiple locations) – Community mental health centers throughout the state
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services – State-operated programs across Oklahoma
Rural areas often have even greater need for counselors, and working in underserved communities can be particularly rewarding. Some organizations offer loan repayment programs or other incentives for counselors willing to work in rural settings.
Career advancement opportunities include clinical supervisor roles, program director positions, and eventually (with an LADC) private practice. The field offers multiple pathways for professional growth beyond entry-level counseling.
Salary Expectations Across Oklahoma
Compensation for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma reflects experience level, credentials, geographic location, and work setting. The figures below represent the broader occupational category of “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors” as tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level CADC salaries may be at the lower end of these ranges.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma earned a median salary of $57,200 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned around $32,990 annually, while highly experienced counselors with advanced credentials earned up to $95,970.
Major Metropolitan Areas
Oklahoma City: The state capital offers slightly higher compensation reflecting the urban cost of living. As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $62,358 for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma City. Entry-level counselors earned approximately $36,780, while top earners reached around $103,700.
Tulsa: Oklahoma’s second-largest city showed a median salary of $52,520 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned approximately $31,680, while more experienced counselors earned up to $82,470.
Salaries generally increase with credentials. Earning your LADC, pursuing specialized certifications, and gaining years of experience all contribute to higher earning potential. See our comprehensive substance abuse counselor salary guide for more detailed compensation information.
Oklahoma Degree Programs and Education Options
Several Oklahoma colleges and universities offer degree programs that meet the state’s requirements for CADC certification. Choosing the right program depends on your location, schedule, and career goals.
Cameron University
School of Graduate and Professional Studies, Department of Psychology
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Mental Health (Counseling option) with an Embedded Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Oklahoma State University
Social Services
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addictions Counseling
University of Central Oklahoma
College of Liberal Arts, Department of Sociology, Gerontology and Substance Abuse Studies
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Substance Abuse Studies (accelerated option to combine this with the MA in Addictions Counseling)
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Addictions Counseling
Many nationally accredited universities also offer online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in addiction counseling that meet Oklahoma’s requirements. Online programs provide flexibility for working adults or those without access to campus-based programs. Just verify that any program you consider is regionally accredited and includes the required 270 clock hours of education, 45 hours in co-occurring disorders, and the 300-hour supervised practicum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma?
The complete path to CADC certification typically takes 6-7 years from high school graduation for full-time students with consistent full-time employment. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree and approximately two years of full-time supervised work experience (4,000 hours). The application and exam process adds another few months. Your individual timeline may vary based on part-time vs. full-time enrollment, employment opportunities, and personal circumstances.
Can I get certified as a substance abuse counselor online in Oklahoma?
You can complete your bachelor’s or master’s degree through accredited online programs, and many Oklahoma counselors do. The degree itself can be earned online, but you must complete in-person supervised work experience in Oklahoma treatment settings. The certification process requires working directly with clients under supervision, which can’t be done entirely remotely.
What’s the difference between a CADC and an LADC in Oklahoma?
A CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) requires a bachelor’s degree and 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and works under supervision. An LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) requires a master’s degree (or licensed mental health professional status with additional training) and 2,000 hours of supervised experience, and can practice independently. The LADC/MH designation allows independent treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders. The LADC has greater autonomy and typically higher earning potential.
Do I need a master’s degree to work as a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma?
No, you can work as a certified counselor with a bachelor’s degree. The CADC credential requires only a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field recognized by OBLADC. A master’s degree is required only if you want to advance to the LADC license for independent practice.
How much does it cost to get certified as a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma?
The certification fees are relatively modest as of 2024: $175 for the application and approximately $195 for the IC&RC exam. The main cost is your bachelor’s degree, which varies by institution but typically ranges from $40,000-$100,000 for four years at a public university. During your supervised work experience phase, you’ll be earning a salary while accumulating hours. Verify current fee amounts with the Oklahoma Board, as fees may change.
Where can I find approved supervisors in Oklahoma?
Most substance use disorder treatment facilities, community mental health centers, and hospital-based programs employ supervisors registered with the Oklahoma Board. When you interview for entry-level positions, ask about supervision availability. Many agencies specifically hire recent graduates and provide supervision as part of the job. The Oklahoma Board maintains information about supervision requirements, and you can contact the board directly for guidance on finding registered supervisors.
What happens if I move to another state after getting certified in Oklahoma?
The IC&RC credential offers reciprocity with many other states, meaning your certification may transfer more easily than starting over. The Oklahoma Board may also issue certification by endorsement to applicants from other states if the board deems the qualifications comparable. Each state has its own specific requirements, but having an IC&RC-based credential simplifies the process. Check the requirements of your destination state early if you anticipate moving.
How often do I need to renew my CADC certification?
CADC certification renews every two years. You’ll need to complete 270 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle and pay a $125 renewal fee (as of 2024). Continuing education keeps your skills current and exposes you to evolving best practices in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, 270 clock hours of education plus 45 hours in co-occurring disorders, a 300-hour practicum, 4,000 supervised work hours (including 2,000 hours direct client services), and passing the IC&RC exam for CADC certification
- The complete path from high school to CADC certification takes approximately 6-7 years for full-time students with consistent full-time employment, though individual timelines vary
- Median salary for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma is $57,200 (May 2023 BLS data for the broader counselor category), with higher compensation in Oklahoma City ($62,358) compared to Tulsa ($52,520)
- Direct client services must involve providing treatment, counseling, assessment, or case management to clients or families, not administrative tasks or observation
- Advancing to LADC requires a master’s degree or licensed mental health professional status with additional training, plus 2,000 hours with 1,000 hours of direct services, and enables independent practice
- The Oklahoma Board may issue certification by endorsement to out-of-state applicants with comparable qualifications, and IC&RC credentials offer reciprocity with many states
Ready to Start Your Substance Abuse Counseling Career?
Explore accredited degree programs that meet Oklahoma’s CADC requirements and connect with schools offering the specializations that match your career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
