Maryland

The MAPCP Prep Overview

The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists regulates the state’s certification and licensure of addiction counselors. Maryland offers several levels of certification, including Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD), and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC).

Each certification level has specific educational and experience requirements, as well as exams that need to be passed. Let’s break down the steps to achieve certification.

1. Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for substance abuse counselors in Maryland vary depending on the certification level you are pursuing:

• Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD): Requires an associate’s degree in a behavioral science field (e.g., psychology, counseling, or social work) with at least 30 credits in alcohol and drug counseling courses.

• Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD): Requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited institution, with 33 credits in alcohol and drug counseling-related coursework.

• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC): Requires a master’s degree or doctoral degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. The degree program must include 60 credits of relevant coursework in substance abuse counseling, client assessment, ethics, treatment planning, and clinical supervision.

Tip:

Consider enrolling in Maryland-based universities such as the University of Maryland or Johns Hopkins University, which offer accredited programs in psychology, social work, and counseling that meet state certification requirements.

2. Experience Requirements

To become certified in Maryland, you must complete supervised clinical experience hours providing practical, hands-on addiction counseling training.

• CSC-AD: Requires 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in alcohol and drug counseling if you hold an associate’s degree.

• CAC-AD: Requires 2,000 hours of supervised experience for those with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• LCADC: Requires 2,000 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical experience in alcohol and drug counseling, with at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.

Practical Advice:

Seek out internships or supervised clinical positions in addiction treatment facilities such as Sheppard Pratt Health System or Gaudenzia Treatment Centers, which offer addiction counseling services throughout Maryland.

3. Certification Exams

Once you’ve completed the education and experience requirements, the next step is passing the required certification exams. Maryland uses exams provided by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) for addiction counselor certification.

• IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam: This exam is used for the CSC-AD and CAC-AD certifications and covers key topics such as client assessment, treatment planning, addiction counseling theories, case management, and ethical issues.

• National Counselor Examination (NCE): This exam is required for the LCADC certification and covers a broader range of topics, including mental health counseling, ethical practices, clinical supervision, and addiction treatment.

Study Tips:

Make use of IC&RC-approved study guides, practice exams, and exam preparation workshops available through organizations like Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC) or Maryland Counseling Association (MCA).

4. Application Process

Once you have completed your education, experience, and passed the certification exam, you are ready to apply for certification through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete the Application: Download the appropriate certification application from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists website.
2. Submit Required Documentation: You will need to submit:
   • Official transcripts from your educational institution
   • Proof of completed supervised clinical hours
   • Certification exam results
3. Pay the Application Fee: The fees for certification in Maryland range from $150 to $300 depending on the level of certification.
4. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online through the Maryland Board’s portal or by mail.

Renewal and Continuing Education

In Maryland, addiction counselors must renew their certification every two years. Continuing education units (CEUs) are required to ensure that you stay updated on current best practices in addiction treatment and counseling techniques.

• CSC-AD and CAC-AD Renewal: Requires 40 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years, with at least 3 hours of ethics training.
• LCADC Renewal: Requires 40 hours of CEUs, with additional coursework in advanced counseling techniques, ethics, and clinical supervision.

Continuing education opportunities can be found through organizations like NAADAC, IC&RC, or local universities that offer workshops, webinars, and training programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to become a certified addiction counselor in Maryland?
The time frame depends on your level of education and the certification you’re pursuing. If you have an associate’s degree and are pursuing CSC-AD certification, it can take 1 to 2 years to complete the supervised hours and pass the exam. For those seeking LCADC certification with a master’s degree, the process typically takes about 2 to 4 years post-master’s.

Can I complete my certification education online?
Yes, many accredited institutions offer online coursework that meets Maryland’s certification requirements. However, your supervised clinical hours must be completed in person at an approved facility.

Is my Maryland certification transferable to other states?
Maryland participates in reciprocity agreements through IC&RC, which allows your certification to be recognized in other states that also accept IC&RC credentials. Be sure to check with the certification board in the state you plan to move to for specific requirements.

What is the cost of certification in Maryland?
The total cost for certification, including exam fees and application fees, typically ranges from $150 to $300. Renewal fees and costs for continuing education courses will apply every two years.

How do I find a supervisor for my clinical hours?
You can find qualified supervisors through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists or by networking with local addiction treatment centers. Additionally, many organizations offering internships or clinical positions will have supervisors to oversee your work.

Can previous work experience count toward my supervised hours?
Yes, previous work experience can count toward your supervised clinical hours, but it must meet the board’s specific criteria and be verified by a licensed supervisor.

Additional Resources for Maryland Substance Abuse Counselors

• Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
• IC&RC Exam Information
• Maryland Counseling Association (MCA)
• Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC)

Mental Health and Addiction in Maryland

Addiction is often coupled with mental health challenges, and as an addiction counselor in Maryland, you will work with individuals who experience both. According to the Maryland Department of Health, more than 80% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that poses a significant risk to users (Maryland Department of Health, 2021). Addressing these issues requires integrated care, where addiction treatment is combined with mental health support to foster long-term recovery.

Substance abuse counselors in Maryland are instrumental in providing this care, ensuring that clients not only overcome addiction but also receive the necessary support to manage their mental health.

Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming a Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD) or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in Maryland? Follow the steps in this guide to complete your certification, and take the first step toward making a meaningful difference in your community.

Do you have any questions or want to connect with fellow professionals? Join our forum to ask questions, share your journey, and get support from others in the field. Join the Forum.

Sources:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2021. Available at: SAMHSA Report.
2. Maryland Department of Health. Opioid Overdose Death Report, 2021. Available at: MDH Report.