What it takes to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor
To become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado, you need a master’s or doctoral degree in the behavioral health sciences, required addiction-specific training, the Master Addiction Counselor exam, the Colorado jurisprudence exam, and at least 2,000 direct clinical hours of clinically supervised work in the addiction field. Colorado LPC Supervision, part of My Denver Therapy, provides individual and group supervision for candidates working toward the LAC. Where a requirement comes from a statute or state agency, we’ve linked to the source.
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What are the requirements for an LAC in Colorado?
| Requirement | What Colorado requires |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 21 |
| Degree | Master’s or doctoral degree in the behavioral health sciences, or a board-determined equivalent |
| Training | Education requirements set by state rule, plus the board’s required hours of addiction-specific training |
| Supervised work | At least 2,000 direct clinical hours of clinically supervised work in the addiction field |
| Supervision | An average of 2 hours per month until you’re licensed |
| Format | In person or telesupervision |
| Exams | NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor exam, or an equivalent from a successor organization, and the Colorado jurisprudence exam |
Source: C.R.S. 12-245-804. The Behavioral Health Administration publishes the current training requirements for the CAT, CAS and LAC.
How many supervised hours do you need for an LAC?
Colorado requires 2,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience in the addiction field. You’ll need to average 2 hours of supervision per month until you’re licensed.
You may see totals of 3,000 or even 5,000 online, partly because the law has changed. The 2,000-hour requirement comes from C.R.S. 12-245-804.
How do the CAT, CAS, ADDC and LAC paths connect?
Colorado has two addiction counselor certifications, a candidate registration and a license. Which one you start with depends mostly on your degree.
| Credential | Education | Supervised hours | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) | High school diploma or equivalent | 1,000 over at least 6 months, averaging 3 hours of supervision per month | NCAC I and jurisprudence |
| Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) | Bachelor’s in a behavioral health concentration or human services equivalent | 3,000 over at least 18 months, which can include the CAT’s 1,000, averaging 3 hours of supervision per month | NCAC II and jurisprudence |
| Addiction Counselor Candidate (ADDC) | Master’s or doctoral degree in the behavioral health sciences | Registration while you work toward the LAC | Check current board rules |
| Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) | Master’s or doctoral degree in the behavioral health sciences | See the section above | Master Addiction Counselor and jurisprudence |
If you haven’t met the LAC requirements within three years of registering as an ADDC, your registration becomes subject to the state’s renewal provisions. Before a second or later renewal, you’ll need continuing professional competency hours.
Who can supervise LAC candidates in Colorado?
The board accepts a licensed addiction counselor as a supervisor, and it can approve other professionals with equivalent experience case by case. Group supervision can include no more than 10 people at a time. For CAT and CAS candidates, the rule also allows an LCSW, LMFT or LPC who has met the LAC education requirements or the equivalent. Supervisors must keep records of your exact hours of practice and supervision for five years from the date of supervision, and they sign a verified statement for your application.
Who provides LAC supervision at Colorado LPC Supervision?
Courtneyrose Chung, LPC, LMFT, LAC, AAMFT-approved supervisor, supervises ADDCs working toward the LAC. She founded My Denver Therapy, one of the largest therapy practices in Colorado, and works with acute and complex trauma. You can start with an online supervision group of 10 or fewer at $50 per supervision hour, or individual supervision at $150 per supervision hour. Our LAC supervision page covers how it works, and our rates page has the details.
Common questions about the Colorado LAC
Can I work toward the LAC and another license at the same time?
Yes. Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration says it’s acceptable for students and new professionals to work toward an addiction credential while also working toward an LPC, LMFT, LCSW or psychologist license.
Can graduate students earn hours toward the LAC?
Yes. The Behavioral Health Administration says a student in a clinical behavioral health master’s program can earn clinically supervised work experience hours if they’re supervised by a CAS or LAC during internship or practicum.
Can LAC supervision be online in Colorado?
Yes. The statute says clinical supervision for the LAC may be in person or by telesupervision.
Can an LAC supervise LPC or MFT candidates?
Yes, if the LAC holds a valid license and has met the education requirements for the license the candidate is pursuing, or the equivalent.
Ready to start your LAC supervision?
Tell us where you are in the process and whether you want group, individual supervision or both. We’ll help you figure out your next step.
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This page explains Colorado’s rules. DORA decides every application, so check the current rules with the State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners before relying on them.