Oklahoma’s substance use disorder professionals are witnessing a deadly trifecta — In 2021 alone, more than 600 people in Oklahoma died as a result of meth use, while fentanyl overdose took another 300. Oklahoma also ranked among the top 10 states in the nation with the highest number of alcohol-related deaths.
In the face of this evolving crisis, the role of substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma has become increasingly crucial. These dedicated professionals are holding the frontline in the midst of this deadly epidemic, offering essential support and treatment to those grappling with addiction.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC) here bring expertise and compassion to the problem, playing the key role in helping people overcome substance use disorder and rebuild their lives.
As Oklahoma confronts this complex and evolving crisis, there’s a greater need than ever for skilled CADCs.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors is the state agency that issues certifications and licenses to substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma. Based on experience and education, counselors in the state can earn one of two designations:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): CADCs are certified to provide counseling for substance use and abuse disorders under supervision. They focus on diagnosing and treating alcohol and drug dependency, working within accredited agencies but cannot practice independently for co-occurring disorders.
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC): LADCs are licensed to independently counsel clients on substance use, abuse, and co-occurring disorders. They can conduct assessments, establish treatment goals, and implement and evaluate treatment plans without needing supervision.
For aspiring professionals at the beginning of their journey, becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is the goal. This guide will walk you through it.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling or Another Area of Behavioral Science
2. Complete a Period of On-the-Job Supervision and Related Work Experience
3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC Exam
Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma may appear rather intimidating. But not to worry! We’ve broken the process down into easily manageable steps to simplify the path to earning the CADC.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling or Another Area of Behavioral Science
To become a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma, you must first earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, counseling, or related field offered through an accredited college or university.
The educational path will include 45 hours of coursework focused on co-occurring disorders, such as a class in abnormal psychology.
2. Complete a Period of On-the-Job Supervision and Related Work Experience
You must also complete a period of on-the-job supervision and related work experience to become a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma:
- A 300-hour practicum: You’ll have already likely satisfied the 300-hour practicum requirement by completing an internship as part of your bachelor’s degree
- 4,000 hours (about two years) of work experience: This work experience requirement must include at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact.
The college or university you’re attending will take care of practicum and internship placements to cover the 300 hour requirement. This is where you begin connecting with agencies where you could eventually get the 4,000 hours of work experience you’ll need. These field placements and practicums put you out into the real world working with real patients under supervision in state and municipal substance use disorder programs and private clinics. This is not just your chance to get familiar with the field, it also gets you familiar with local employers who often hire graduates into full-time positions, providing the supervision necessary to fulfill work experience requirements for CADC licensure.
During this period, you must work with a supervisor registered with the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, and enter into a supervision contract. You must meet with your supervisor face-to-face for one hour each week. These supervision sessions are designed to provide ongoing feedback, support, and professional development, helping to refine counseling techniques and address any challenges you may encounter during your practice. The supervisor will also help navigate ethical dilemmas, enhance your clinical skills, and ensure you are adhering to best practices in the field.
3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Once you have completed the necessary educational and practical experience requirements, the next step is to apply for certification as a CADC in Oklahoma. Here are the steps involved:
- Complete the Application Form: You will need to fill out the official CADC application form. This form requires detailed information about your education, work experience, and supervision. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information.
- Notarize the Application: After filling out the application form, it must be notarized. This means you need to sign the application in the presence of a notary public who will verify your identity and witness your signature.
- Submit the Application Fee: Along with your application, you must submit a non-refundable application fee of $175. This fee covers the processing of your application and the evaluation of your qualifications.
- Adhere to a Code of Ethics: As part of the application process, you must agree to adhere to the professional code of ethics for substance abuse counselors. This code outlines the standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior expected of certified counselors.
- Provide Personal References: You will need to submit three personal references with your application. These references should be individuals who can attest to your character, work ethic, and suitability for the role of a substance abuse counselor. Ideally, these references should come from professionals in the field or those who have supervised your work.
- Write a Personal Philosophy Statement: You are required to write a personal philosophy statement that outlines your beliefs, values, and approach to substance abuse counseling. This statement must be under 300 words and provide insight into your motivation for entering the field and your commitment to helping individuals overcome substance abuse issues.
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC Exam
After the application is approved, you’ll receive notice from the Board with instructions for taking the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam.
This exam tests your knowledge and competency in substance abuse counseling. It covers various topics such as counseling techniques, ethics, case management, and the science of addiction. To prepare for the exam, you should be reviewing study materials, attending review courses, and possibly even participating in study groups.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’re officially a CADC in Oklahoma! Your certification is good for two years. To renew it, you’ll have to complete 270 hours of continuing education and pay a renewal fee of $125.
With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
After becoming a CADC, you’ll be able to start considering the next steps in your career, which could mean earning a master’s degree and becoming an Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Oklahoma. The requirements for the LADC credential are:
- Earn a master’s degree in behavioral science or counseling.
- Complete a practicum of at least 300 hours
- Complete at least 12 months of employment totaling 2,000 hours
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Throughout Oklahoma
The demand for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma remains strong, particularly in cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Facilities such as 12 & 12, Inc. in Tulsa offer a range of services such as residential treatment, outpatient programs, and community support.
Other notable facilities include:
- Catalyst Behavioral Services, Oklahoma City
- Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic, Tulsa
- Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, various locations
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Throughout Oklahoma
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 earned up to $95,970.
- Oklahoma City: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $62,358 for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma City. Less experienced counselors earned about 36,780 while the top counselors earned around $103,700.
- Tulsa: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Tulsa earned 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.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Oklahoma
Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, counseling, or a related field. This foundational degree provides the knowledge and fieldwork experience needed to begin a career in this field. To further specialize or pursue advanced certifications like the LADC, a master’s degree will be required.
There are a handful of colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degree programs that meet the requirements for CADC certification. For example, Oklahoma State University offers a BS in Human Development and Family Science, with a focus on addiction counseling.
A number of schools, both in and outside of Oklahoma, offer online bachelor’s degrees in areas related to addiction counseling. These programs are designed to allow students to earn the required education for CADC certification without leaving the comfort of home.
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
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.