| Organization | North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board | Addiction Professionals of North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 10126 Raleigh, NC 27605 |
P.O. Box 71814 Durham, NC 27722-1814 |
| Phone # | (919) 832-0975 | (800) 723-4851 |
| Website | Click Here | Click Here |
| National Affiliate | IC&RC | NAADAC |
Welcome to the North Carolina Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Guide, your comprehensive resource for navigating the certification process in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina, like many states, faces significant challenges with substance abuse, particularly with opioids and alcohol addiction. Certified addiction counselors are crucial in helping individuals overcome these challenges and find a path to recovery.
This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in North Carolina, covering everything from educational requirements to certification renewal and continuing education.
Why Become Certified in North Carolina?
Substance abuse has become a critical issue in North Carolina, particularly with the opioid epidemic. In 2020, North Carolina saw over 2,000 opioid overdose deaths—a number that has been steadily rising (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Alcohol addiction is also a significant issue, contributing to health problems and societal costs.
By becoming a certified substance abuse counselor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction. This certification opens up career opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations, allowing you to make a meaningful impact.
North Carolina Certification Requirements
Substance abuse counselor certification in North Carolina is regulated by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB). The primary certifications are the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS).
Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for certification vary depending on the level of certification you’re pursuing:
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC): Requires a high school diploma or GED and 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling education. Courses should cover addiction counseling, ethics, client assessment, and treatment planning.
- Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS): Requires a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, plus 300 hours of specialized education in addiction counseling.
Tip:
Schools such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University offer degree programs that meet the requirements for LCAS certification.
Experience Requirements
In addition to the educational requirements, candidates must complete supervised clinical experience:
- CSAC: Requires 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience for those with a high school diploma or GED. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree need 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and those with a master’s degree need 2,000 hours.
- LCAS: Requires 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, typically completed after earning a master’s degree.
Practical Advice:
You can gain supervised clinical experience at organizations such as Daymark Recovery Services, Coastal Horizons Center, or Carolina Outreach, all of which provide substance abuse treatment services throughout North Carolina.
Certification Exams
After completing the educational and experience requirements, candidates must pass the certification exam. North Carolina uses the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam for CSAC certification and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) exam for LCAS certification.
- IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam: This exam covers topics such as ethics, counseling techniques, addiction treatment planning, and client assessment.
- NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Exam: This exam is required for the LCAS certification and covers advanced counseling techniques, co-occurring disorders, and clinical supervision.
Study Tips:
You can use IC&RC-approved study materials and practice exams to prepare. Many local organizations, including the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB), offer study groups and workshops to help you prepare.
Application Process
Once you meet the education, clinical experience, and exam requirements, you can apply for certification through the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB).
Steps to Apply:
- Complete the Application: Download the certification application from the NCSAPPB website.
- Submit Required Documentation: You will need to provide:
- Official transcripts and educational certificates
- Proof of completed supervised clinical hours
- Exam results
- Pay the Application Fee: Application fees range from $100 to $250, depending on the certification level.
- Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Certification renewal is required every two years in North Carolina. Continuing education is necessary to maintain your certification and stay current on new developments in addiction counseling.
- CSAC and LCAS Renewal: Requires 40 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years, with at least 6 hours dedicated to ethics training. Continuing education must focus on addiction counseling, clinical supervision, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Continuing education opportunities are available through NCSAPPB, Duke University Continuing Education, and other local organizations offering workshops, seminars, and webinars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in North Carolina take?
The time frame depends on your education level. Candidates with a high school diploma can take 2 to 4 years to accumulate the necessary supervised clinical hours and pass the exam. For those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the process typically takes 1 to 2 years post-graduation.
Can I complete my certification education online?
Many accredited institutions offer online programs that meet North Carolina’s educational requirements for addiction counselors. However, supervised clinical experience must be completed in person at an approved facility.
Is my North Carolina certification transferable to other states?
Yes, North Carolina participates in reciprocity agreements through IC&RC, allowing your certification to be transferable to other states that accept IC&RC credentials. Be sure to check with the state’s certification board for specific reciprocity requirements.
What is the cost of certification in North Carolina?
The total cost of certification, including exam and application fees, typically ranges from $200 to $500. Renewal fees and continuing education costs will apply every two years.
How do I find a supervisor for my clinical hours?
Supervisors can be found through NCSAPPB, or by contacting local addiction treatment centers and behavioral health organizations, such as Fellowship Hall, The Insight Program, or First Step Services.
Additional Resources for North Carolina Substance Abuse Counselors
- North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB)
- IC&RC Exam Information
- NAADAC Exam Information
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS)
Mental Health and Addiction in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 50% of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse in the state also experience co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety (NC DHHS, 2021). As a certified substance abuse counselor, you’ll address both addiction and mental health needs, offering a holistic approach to treatment that helps clients achieve long-term recovery.
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in North Carolina? Follow the steps in this guide to begin your certification process and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
For more information or to connect with other professionals, join our forum to share your experiences and gain support from fellow addiction counselors. Join the Forum.
Sources:
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Use and Mental Health Report, 2021. Available at: NC DHHS Report.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Alan Hunter, I have recently been attending class in Concord N.C. at the establishment under the name Promises 12. William Ingram “Bill”, is the owner operator at this location. Mr. Ingram has failed to fulfill his agrement to me and has pocketed 860.00$ of my hard earned money that I struggled to pay. I was assests to attend 40 hrs from Genesis, but do to a conflict of schedule I was forced to seek class.treatment elsewhere. Mr. Ingram up the hrs. to 42 hrs with no explination, all the while on my last class i was unable to pay. I still came to the place to tell him my situation in which he replied ” You cant attend this class and come and see me nxt week so we can figure this out”. I lefted work early to meet with him on Wednesday May 25. During this meeting Mr. Ingram solution was to add 18 more hrs. to my case and not to mention told me that I still had 6 more hrs. Instead of 3. Going off the money recipt I only owed 60.00$ which is one class. When he figures out this is an error Mr. Ingrim response to that is quote ” I HAVE A DRUG PROBLEM!!!! This incident must be adressed. This man is essentially
trying to force me to start over or lose all credit hrs. In regards to this, Mr. Ingram is showing visibale favoritism to certian individuals in the class by alowing them to miss more than the absences that are alowed. When this is brought to Mr. Ingrams attentions his response is ” we are not going to talk about other people” which is fine I can except that, but on the other hand he brings to my attention of the reason for having to start completly over for the fact that it wouldn’t be far for me to only do 6 more classes.
At this facility the organization of his system is very failable. Three different people hand right in the folders to mark the present constumers that attended the class. I’ve never system a system like this work in the past and there is no exception to that, too many people have their hand in the process. These problems need to be fur investigated for a higher power than himself. I have done everything I have been asked to do from staying in contact with him, being on time, passing drug test and fully perticipating in class.
Dear Alan,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’ve been facing with the program at Promises 12 in Concord, N.C. It sounds like you’ve made a genuine effort to comply with all the requirements and resolve the situation, and I understand how frustrating it must be to feel that your hard-earned money and time have not been relatively acknowledged.
To address your concerns effectively, I recommend taking the following steps:
I hope this information helps address your concerns. You deserve to be treated fairly, and your voice must be heard. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist with anything else.
I need help 9106761478 with many things
Dear Eugene,
Thank you for reaching out. We’re here to help! Please email us at info@substanceabusecertification.org with more details about the support you need, and our team will be happy to assist you.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Substance Abuse Certification Assistance Team