At a Glance
Becoming a licensed Massachusetts substance abuse counselor means earning one of three Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credentials through the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. Requirements vary by level, from 50 training hours and 2,000 field hours for the entry-level LADC Assistant up to a master’s degree and 6,000 field hours for the LADC I.
Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of substance abuse counselor jobs in the country, with 17,950 positions as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While opioid-related overdose deaths in the state declined significantly in 2024, the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) reports that the need for substance use disorder treatment services across Massachusetts remains substantial. The BSAS issues three tiers of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credentials under 105 CMR 168.000. Knowing which tier fits your background is the first step toward licensure.
LADC License Levels in Massachusetts
The BSAS licenses three levels of alcohol and drug counselors in Massachusetts. Each tier has different education, training, and field experience requirements. The scope of what you’re permitted to do on the job expands at each level, from supervised recovery work at the entry level to fully independent practice and supervision of others at the top.
Note: The Massachusetts DPH filed proposed amendments to 105 CMR 168.000 in March 2026, the first update to the regulation since 2004. Requirements in this article reflect the current regulation as of publication. Verify current requirements directly with the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services before applying.
| License Level |
Education Required |
Experience Required |
| LADC Assistant |
High school diploma or GED |
50 training hours + 2,000 field hours |
| LADC II |
High school diploma or GED (4,000 field hours if bachelor’s degree held) |
270 training hours + 300 supervised practical hours + 6,000 field hours |
| LADC I |
Master’s or doctoral degree in behavioral sciences |
270 training hours + 300 supervised practical hours + 6,000 field hours |
Most people entering the field pursue the LADC II first. It’s the standard working credential, allowing you to provide counseling services under clinical supervision. The LADC I is the advanced tier for those who want to practice independently or supervise other counselors. Candidates typically hold an active LADC II before pursuing the LADC I, though you should confirm the current sequence directly with BSAS, particularly given the pending regulatory update.
Detailed Requirements by License Level
All three license levels require applicants to be at least 18 years old and provide proof of age, pass the required IC&RC exam, and pay the applicable licensing fees. Per the original 105 CMR 168.000 regulations, applicants must also submit letters of recommendation, though you should confirm the current application checklist directly with BSAS, as requirements may be updated. Beyond those universal requirements, here’s what each level demands.
LADC Assistant
The LADC Assistant is the entry point for the field. Assistants may provide addiction recovery services under direct clinical and administrative supervision. To qualify, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, at least 50 hours of training across the five core substance abuse counseling domains, and 2,000 hours of work experience in the alcohol and drug addiction field.
The 50 required training hours must cover all five areas defined in the BSAS regulations: Assessment, Counseling, Case Management, Client and Family Education, and Professional Responsibility (which includes ethics).
LADC II
The LADC II is the standard license for practicing substance abuse counselors in Massachusetts. At this level, you can work directly with clients providing alcohol and drug addiction counseling under clinical supervision. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 270 hours of training covering all relevant substance abuse counseling domains, 300 hours of supervised practical training, and 6,000 hours of work experience in the field. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, the field experience requirement drops to 4,000 hours.
LADC I
The LADC I is the highest licensure level in Massachusetts. It’s the credential you’ll need for independent practice or to supervise LADC Assistants and LADC IIs. Requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree in behavioral sciences, 270 training hours, 300 supervised practical hours, and 6,000 field hours. Degrees in counseling, psychology, social work, or addiction studies have been accepted under current BSAS guidance, but confirm accepted fields directly with BSAS before enrolling in a program, particularly given the pending regulatory update. Candidates typically hold an active LADC II before applying for the LADC I, and field hours accumulated during the LADC II period may count toward this requirement.
Licensure vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
Massachusetts has two separate systems recognizing specialty training in addiction counseling, and it’s worth understanding both before you decide which path to pursue.
The BSAS licenses through the state’s Department of Public Health. These are the LADC credentials covered above. The Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), the Massachusetts chapter of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), offers a parallel set of certifications: Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II).
Both licensure and certification are recognized in Massachusetts as credentials for specialty training in addiction. The CAC and CADC require a high school diploma plus experience, while the CADC II requires a master’s degree for independent practice, similar to the LADC I. Some counselors in Massachusetts hold credentials from both systems. For current certification requirements and contact information, visit the MBSACC website directly.
If you’re also exploring mental health counseling or social work licensure in Massachusetts, the state’s counseling licensure requirements and social work licensure requirements are covered separately.
Application and Exam Process
The application process runs through the BSAS Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Unit. Here’s how it works at each stage.
Application
Applications are submitted either online or by phone through the BSAS Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Unit. Contact information and the application process may have changed since this page was last updated. Visit the BSAS website for current contact details and application access. If the process remains as previously described, candidates contact the LADC coordinator directly for application access and to confirm which license level they’re eligible for. If you’re not sure which level fits your qualifications, the BSAS also offers a LADC Self-Assessment Tool on the official Massachusetts.gov site.
Exam
All LADC exams are administered by the IC&RC. Once your application is approved by the BSAS, you’ll register for the exam through the MBSACC. Exam fees are set by MBSACC and are subject to change, so confirm the current fee at the MBSACC website before registering. The IC&RC also offers study guides and practice exams on its website for those who want structured prep before test day.
Renewal
All LADC licenses renew every two years from the original issue date. Renewal requires 40 clock hours of continuing education. Up to 50% of those hours may be completed online or through distance learning programs.
Approved Programs
The BSAS maintains a list of approved education programs for Massachusetts substance abuse counselors. When choosing a training program, confirm it’s on the Bureau’s approved list before enrolling. Training hours from non-approved programs won’t count toward your licensure requirements.
Salary and Job Outlook in Massachusetts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, well above the average for all occupations. Massachusetts had one of the highest location quotients in the country for this occupation as of May 2024, reflecting a dense concentration of positions relative to the overall workforce.
Across the state, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,030 in May 2024, according to BLS state data, slightly below the national median of $59,190 for the same period. The top 10% of earners in Massachusetts brought in around $91,260 annually, suggesting a meaningfully higher earning potential for senior practitioners and independent LADCs. For metro-area salary breakdowns, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook links to current OEWS state and regional data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LADC II and LADC I?
The LADC II allows you to practice alcohol and drug addiction counseling under clinical supervision. The LADC I is the advanced credential for independent practice and for supervising LADC Assistants and LADC IIs. Candidates typically hold an active LADC II before pursuing the LADC I. Confirm the current sequence directly with BSAS, particularly given the pending regulatory update to 105 CMR 168.000.
Do I need a degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Massachusetts?
Not necessarily. The LADC Assistant and LADC II require only a high school diploma or GED, though holding a bachelor’s degree reduces the LADC II field hours requirement from 6,000 to 4,000. Only the LADC I requires a master’s or doctoral degree in behavioral sciences.
How long does it take to get an LADC license in Massachusetts?
The LADC Assistant requires 2,000 hours of field experience, approximately one year of full-time work. The LADC II requires 6,000 hours (approximately three years full-time, or two with a bachelor’s degree). These are estimates, and individual timelines vary based on employment setting, hours worked, and program completion pace. Most candidates spend several years working toward the LADC II before pursuing the LADC I.
What is the difference between an LADC license and a CADC certification in Massachusetts?
LADC licenses are issued by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) through the state’s Department of Public Health. CADC certifications come from the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), the IC&RC’s Massachusetts chapter. Both are recognized credentials in the state. Some counselors hold both.
How do I renew my LADC license in Massachusetts?
LADC licenses renew every two years from the original issue date. Renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle. Up to half of those hours can be completed online or through distance learning. Renewal is processed through the BSAS Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing Unit.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts offers three LADC license tiers through BSAS: the entry-level LADC Assistant, the standard LADC II for supervised counseling practice, and the LADC I for independent practice and supervision.
- The LADC II requires a high school diploma, 270 training hours, 300 supervised practical hours, and 6,000 field hours (reduced to 4,000 with a bachelor’s degree).
- The LADC I requires a master’s or doctoral degree plus an active LADC II, making it the advanced credential for those seeking independent practice.
- Massachusetts had one of the highest concentrations of substance abuse counselor jobs in the nation as of May 2024 (BLS), with a statewide median wage of $59,030 for the occupation.
- A parallel certification system exists through the MBSACC (CAC, CADC, CADC II). Some Massachusetts counselors hold credentials from both the BSAS and MBSACC systems.
- The Massachusetts DPH filed proposed amendments to 105 CMR 168.000 in March 2026, the first update since 2004. Verify all current requirements directly with BSAS before applying.
Looking for approved education programs to meet Massachusetts LADC requirements? Browse accredited options by location and format.
Find Schools Near You
Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
