A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) is a behavioral health professional authorized to provide substance use counseling services to individuals and families in Texas. The rigorous process for obtaining this license is overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This credential allows practitioners to apply specialized principles of chemical dependency counseling to help clients achieve and maintain recovery. Obtaining licensure requires attention to educational prerequisites, supervised practice, and a standardized examination.
Establishing the Educational Foundation
The educational requirements for becoming an LCDC vary based on a candidate’s existing academic credentials. Individuals without a qualifying degree must complete 270 classroom hours of board-approved instruction in chemical dependency counseling curriculum.
This instruction is divided into two areas. One hundred thirty-five hours must focus directly on the study of addictions and evidence-based treatment modalities. The remaining 135 hours must cover related topics in counseling and behavioral science, such as psychology, sociology, ethics, and patient assessment. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (e.g., psychology or sociology) may be exempt from the 270 classroom hours and the subsequent 300-hour practicum component. To qualify, candidates must submit an official college transcript to the HHSC for verification of their degree.
The Practicum and Supervised Experience Component
Candidates must first register with the HHSC as a Counselor Intern (CI) to begin the supervised practical experience phase. This phase is necessary to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting. Most applicants must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in chemical dependency counseling services.
The work must be completed under the guidance of a Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) or a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) at a registered Clinical Training Institution (CTI). These supervised hours must cover the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) dimensions of addiction counseling, including activities such as direct client contact, group counseling, assessment, and treatment planning. Candidates holding a master’s or doctoral degree in a counseling-related field, along with 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework, may request a waiver for the 4,000-hour supervised work experience requirement. The 300-hour practicum, often required for CI registration, cannot be counted toward the final 4,000 hours of supervised work experience.
Navigating the Examination Process
Candidates must pass a standardized licensing examination after completing educational requirements and while accumulating supervised experience hours. The Texas Certification Board (TCB) administers this test on behalf of the HHSC to assess proficiency in required competencies. All candidates, regardless of their academic background, must be registered as a Counselor Intern before they are eligible to sit for the exam.
The examination, often called the Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam, is a computer-based test that evaluates knowledge across the KSA domains of practice. Candidates must achieve a minimum scaled score of 500 to pass. Registration is handled directly through the TCB and involves a separate fee, after which candidates are given a limited window of time to schedule their testing appointment.
Submitting Your Final License Application
The final step is the formal submission of an application package to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This administrative process confirms that the applicant has successfully completed all necessary education, supervision, and testing requirements. The candidate must submit the official LCDC License Application, Form 3266, along with the required initial licensing fee.
The application package must include verification of all completed requirements, such as official transcripts proving the necessary degree or coursework and the official letter from the TCB confirming a passing score on the licensing exam. The candidate’s supervisor or CTI must also submit Form 3262, which verifies the completion of the 4,000 supervised work experience hours. The process requires two letters of recommendation from licensed LCDCs and the completion of a criminal history check, which involves fingerprinting.
Maintaining Your LCDC License
The license operates on a biennial renewal cycle, requiring renewal every two years through the HHSC. This renewal is contingent upon the completion of mandatory Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
The number of required CEUs varies based on the counselor’s academic level. LCDCs without a master’s degree must complete 40 hours of continuing education during the two-year period, while those who hold a master’s or advanced degree are required to complete 24 hours. These hours must be specific to substance use disorders or related counseling fields and must include:
At least three hours of ethics training.
Six hours covering HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases.
A course on human trafficking prevention.
Career Opportunities for Licensed Counselors
The LCDC credential opens doors to a wide array of professional settings where chemical dependency counseling services are in high demand across Texas. Licensed counselors frequently find employment in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, providing both individual and group therapy. Many LCDCs also work within the public sector, including community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and probation departments.
The scope of practice for an LCDC focuses on applying the principles and methods of chemical dependency counseling, which includes screening, assessment, treatment planning, and crisis intervention. Employment opportunities also exist in integrated healthcare settings, such as hospitals and primary care clinics, and in private practice. The consistent need for qualified professionals allows LCDCs to make a significant positive impact on public health.