At a Glance
To become a substance abuse counselor in Texas, you’ll need to earn a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The path requires at least an associate degree, 270 classroom hours, a 300-hour practicum, 4,000 supervised work hours, and passing the IC&RC exam.
Drug poisoning deaths in Texas increased 68% from 2019 to 2024, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, and fentanyl has been a central driver of that increase. Demand for qualified substance abuse counselors has followed. If you’re looking to work in this field, Texas offers a clear credential ladder, from entry-level certifications through full licensure. This guide walks through every step, from the counselor intern registration to the advanced certifications available once you’re licensed.
The primary license in Texas is the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). For those pursuing voluntary certifications beyond the LCDC, the Texas Certification Board (TCB), formerly known as the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP), administers the ADC, AADC, CCDS, and CCS credentials.
Steps to Become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
The LCDC is the designated state license for chemical dependency counselors in Texas, required for individuals who hold themselves out as chemical dependency counselors or provide those services as their primary professional function. Certain other licensed professionals (including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), LMFTs, licensed social workers, and physicians) may provide chemical dependency counseling within their authorized scope of practice without an LCDC. For those entering the field specifically as addiction counselors, the LCDC is the credential that governs practice, and it’s required before pursuing any advanced TCB certification. Here’s how to earn it.
Step 1: Complete 270 Classroom Hours
Texas requires 270 hours of chemical dependency education at an accredited college, university, or approved career school. Of those, 135 hours must be alcohol- and drug-specific, with at least 6 hours on HIV/AIDS and 6 hours on ethics. The remaining 135 hours cover related counseling topics but don’t need to be addiction-specific. Distance learning courses are not accepted for LCDC purposes.
Step 2: Complete a 300-Hour Practicum
Before registering as a Counselor Intern, you must complete a 300-hour Chemical Dependency Counseling Practicum in a setting where addiction counseling is actively performed. The practicum covers all 12 Core Functions of substance use counseling (Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping, and Consultation) with at least 20 hours in each area.
Step 3: Register as a Counselor Intern (LCDC-I)
You must hold the LCDC-I registration before you can apply for the full LCDC. The intern registration is issued by HHSC, not the Texas Certification Board. To qualify, you must be 18 or older, hold at least a high school diploma or GED, and have completed the 270 classroom hours and 300-hour practicum. The application and exam fee for the LCDC-I is $65. You can apply through HHSC at hhs.texas.gov. The LCDC-I is valid for five years. You must complete all LCDC requirements within that window.
Step 4: Earn a Qualifying Degree
The LCDC requires at least an associate degree or higher. A bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field counts toward your supervised experience hours (see Step 5), so your degree choice can affect how long the path takes.
Step 5: Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
You’ll need 4,000 documented hours of supervised work experience in the substance abuse counseling field, roughly two years of full-time work. Applicants who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a counseling-related field (such as social work, counseling, addiction studies, or psychology) and have completed 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework may request that HHSC waive this requirement entirely. Contact HHSC at hhs.texas.gov for waiver eligibility details.
Step 6: Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam and Apply for Licensure
Once you’ve met the education and experience requirements, apply for the LCDC exam through the Texas Certification Board at least 30 days before your planned test date. The exam fee is $250. After passing, submit your LCDC license application (Form 3266) to HHSC with a license fee of $85 ($75 license fee plus a $10 peer assistance surcharge), two LCDC letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
Salary for Substance Abuse Counselors in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,190 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned under $39,090, and the highest 10% earned more than $98,210. Texas-specific state data from the BLS indicates a median closer to $60,630 for the same occupation, though figures vary by employer type, setting, and metro area.
| Percentile |
Annual Wage (National, May 2024) |
| 10th percentile |
$39,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) |
$59,190 |
| 90th percentile |
$98,210 |
Texas Certification Board Credentials at a Glance
Beyond the LCDC, the Texas Certification Board (TCB) offers four voluntary credentials for counselors at various career stages. These aren’t required to practice, but can demonstrate advanced competency and support career advancement.
| Credential |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
| ADC (Alcohol Drug Counselor) |
High school diploma or GED |
6,000 hours |
| AADC (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) |
Master’s degree (behavioral health) |
2,000 hours |
| CCDS (Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist) |
Master’s degree (counseling-related) |
4,000 hours (any counseling) |
| CCS (Certified Clinical Supervisor) |
Varies (degree credit applied to hours) |
10,000 hours + 4,000 supervisory |
ADC: Alcohol Drug Counselor
The ADC is the entry-level TCB certification and a good starting point for those new to the field. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, 270 hours of chemical dependency education (including 135 alcohol/drug-specific hours, 6 HIV/AIDS hours, and 6 ethics hours), and 6,000 documented hours of experience. A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science reduces the experience requirement by 2,000 hours; a master’s reduces it by 4,000. Applicants must pass the IC&RC written examination. Application fee: $140. Exam fee: $250.
AADC: Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
The AADC requires a master’s degree in a behavioral health field, 180 hours of alcohol- and drug-specific education, and 2,000 documented hours of supervised experience in substance abuse counseling. Applicants must pass the AADC written exam by IC&RC. Application fee: $140. Exam fee: $250.
CCDS: Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist
To earn the CCDS, applicants must already hold a valid ADC or AADC from the Texas Certification Board. Additional requirements include a master’s degree in a counseling-related field, 4,000 documented hours of counseling experience under a licensed supervisor (not required to be substance-abuse-specific), and 135 educational hours in substance abuse. A letter of recommendation from a certified or licensed colleague is required. Applicants in private practice need two letters. There is no exam for the CCDS. Application fee: $125 plus $15 for the application packet.
CCS: Certified Clinical Supervisor
The CCS is designed for experienced clinicians moving into supervisory roles. Applicants must already hold an ADC or AADC and meet the following: 10,000 work hours in addiction counseling (with degree credit applied as with the ADC), 4,000 hours of documented supervisory experience, 30 hours of didactic training covering the six CCS domains (Counselor Development, Professional and Ethical Standards, Program Development and Quality Assurance, Performance Evaluation, Administration, and Treatment Knowledge), and three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a clinical supervisor who directly supervised the applicant. Applicants must also pass the Clinical Supervision Exam.
Background Checks
All applicants for LCDC licensure or counselor intern registration must undergo a criminal history background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI, as required by 26 TAC §562.31. HHSC evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis using a framework that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the duties of the credential. Certain offenses result in permanent or time-limited bars to licensure. Prospective applicants who are concerned about their history can request a criminal history evaluation from HHSC before entering a preparatory program using Form 3233 (fee: $50).
Continuing Education and Renewal
LCDC licenses renew on a two-year cycle. CE requirements vary by degree level: LCDCs who hold a master’s degree or higher must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period; those without an advanced degree must complete at least 40 hours. All LCDCs must include at least 3 hours of ethics training and 6 hours of HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted disease education in their CE hours. LCDCs whose duties include clinical supervision must also complete 3 hours of clinical supervision training. Human trafficking prevention training is required for all LCDCs per Texas Occupations Code Chapter 116. The Texas Certification Board (TCB) is among the CE approvers recognized by HHSC under 26 TAC §562.18.
Fees Summary
The fees below reflect current HHSC and TCB fee schedules. Fees are subject to change, so confirm current amounts at hhs.texas.gov and tcbap.org before applying.
| Credential |
Application Fee |
Exam Fee |
| ADC |
$140 |
$250 |
| AADC |
$140 |
$250 |
| CCDS |
$125 + $15 packet |
None |
| CCS |
$140 |
|
| LCDC-I registration |
$65 |
Included |
| LCDC license |
$85 |
$250 |
Exam Prep and Study Materials
The Texas Certification Board maintains a list of recommended study materials on its website. IC&RC also offers practice exams to help you prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LCDC and TCB certifications, like the ADC?
The LCDC is a state-issued license administered by HHSC that grants legal authority to practice as a chemical dependency counselor in Texas. TCB certifications (ADC, AADC, CCDS, CCS) are voluntary credentials issued by the Texas Certification Board that demonstrate professional competency at various levels. You don’t need a TCB certification to work as an LCDC, but many counselors pursue them to advance their careers or move into supervisory roles.
Can I start working in addiction counseling before I get my LCDC?
Yes. The LCDC-I (Counselor Intern) registration allows you to work in supervised addiction counseling settings while you accumulate the 4,000 experience hours required for full licensure. The intern registration is valid for five years, giving you time to complete all requirements before applying for the LCDC.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to become an LCDC in Texas?
No. The minimum education requirement for the LCDC is an associate degree or higher. If you hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a counseling-related field and have completed 48 graduate semester hours, you may be eligible to request a full waiver of the 4,000 supervised experience hours from HHSC. There is no partial reduction for bachelor’s degrees. The standard 4,000-hour requirement applies unless a full waiver is granted.
Who regulates LCDC licensure in Texas?
As of January 31, 2025, LCDC rules were administratively transferred from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) under 26 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 562. HHSC now handles all LCDC licensing, renewals, and enforcement.
What continuing education is required to renew my TCB certification?
LCDC CE requirements depend on your degree level. LCDCs with a master’s degree or higher must complete 24 hours per two-year renewal period. Those without an advanced degree must complete 40 hours. All LCDCs must include ethics training (3 hours), HIV/HepC/STD education (6 hours), and human trafficking prevention training. The Texas Certification Board (TCB) is one of the CE approvers recognized by HHSC for Texas counselors.
Key Takeaways
- The LCDC is the only state license for substance abuse counselors in Texas and is required before pursuing any advanced TCB certification.
- The path to LCDC involves 270 classroom hours, a 300-hour practicum, an associate degree or higher, 4,000 supervised work hours, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam.
- As of January 31, 2025, LCDC licensing moved from DSHS to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) under 26 TAC Chapter 562.
- The Texas Certification Board (TCB), formerly TCBAP, administers four voluntary advanced credentials: ADC, AADC, CCDS, and CCS.
- The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,190 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Texas state data indicates a similar or slightly higher figure.
Ready to start your path toward LCDC licensure? Browse accredited addiction counseling programs in Texas and find options that fit your goals.
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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 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
