Based on Kansas vital statistics data, drugs caused 10.9 deaths per every 100,000 Kansan citizens. In comparison to the population, we are talking hundreds of drug related deaths in 2016 alone. Are you considering a career path that could potentially lower these numbers and help your community? Here we will explain how to become a substance abuse and addictions counselor in Kansas.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) issues all substance abuse counselor licensure within the state. They currently offer 3 different addiction counselor licenses: Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC).
Degree Requirements & Other Education
- LAC requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health related field with at least 33 semester credits in addiction related course work
- LMAC and LCAC both require a master’s degree in a behavioral health related field with at least the 33 semester credits in addiction related course work
Course Requirements
All courses must be at least 3 credit hours unless otherwise stated.
LAC Course Requirements
- Introduction To Addiction
- Addiction Pharmacology
- Practicum (at least 6 credit hours) where the applicant must complete at least 400 hours of practice and 40 of these hours must be under direct supervision
LMAC Course Requirements
- Advanced Pharmacology and Substance Use Disorders
- Integrative Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Professional Ethics and Practice
- Applied Research
- Additional Courses (at least 6 credit hours
LCAC Course Requirements
- Addiction Recovery Services
- Advanced Methods of Individual and Group Counseling
- Clinical Supervision
- Advanced Pharmacology and Substance Use Disorders
- Integrative Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Professional Ethics and Practice
- Applied Research
- Practicum (at least 6 credit hours)
Reference Letters
Upon turning in an application, reference letters should be mailed to the Board. All the different levels of licensure require 3 reference letters from professionals in the addiction counseling field. 1 of these letters must be from a clinical supervisor who directly supervised the applicant. It is very important that the envelope be signed across the seal and must be mailed directly to the Board from the actual reference. Reference letters cannot be turned in by the applicant.
Application
Those who have completed the necessary education and experience requirements may apply directly with the Board. There is a $50 application fee for all levels of licensure. For those who are interested in becoming a LCAC, they will need to file a Clinical Supervised Training Plan. LCAC applicants can find those forms here: Filing Forms For Clinical Supervision Training Plan. The Board asks that the applicant allow 30 days to process applications. The status of the application can be checked on the Board’s website under “applicants.”
Applications for each license can be found here:
If applicants are wanting to upgrade from LAC to LMAC they will need to obtain a master’s degree. All of the requirements to upgrade can be found here: LAC To LMAC Information.
Temporary License
All applicants have the opportunity to obtain a temporary license. There is not a separate application. Upon initial application, the Board will let the applicant know if they qualify for a temporary license. This allows them to practice prior to passing the required exam.
Exam
The different licenses require different exams. All of the exams are administered by NAADAC. LAC requires the applicant take and pass the NCAC II exam. The LMAC and LCAC both require the MAC exam. Applicants may find useful books to help prepare for their exams here: NAADAC Bookstore.
Renewal
In order to apply for recertification in Kansas, the counselor will need to take 30 clock hours of continuing education. All applicants will need to complete 3 hours of Ethics. LMACs and LCACs will need to complete 6 hours of diagnosis and substance abuse disorder treatment. The renewal form can be found here: Renewal Application.
Other Sources
http://www.preventoverdoseks.org/download/Kansas_Prescription_Drug_and_Opioid_Misuse_and_Overdose_Strategic_Plan.pdf
