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State Requirements and Scope of Practice
Grand Canyon University: PCN-404
, 2
In the addiction counseling field, it is important to know what each respective
state requirements are for licensure as well as the scope of practice prior to entering into
that field. As with many other professions, many people choose to enter into a certain
field to help others. “Many substance abuse counselors have a personal history of
alcoholism or drug addiction” (Northpoint Staff, 2016). These counselors can offer a
different degree and/or perspective that is different from those who have never struggled
with addiction. However, it is important to know what is required for many reasons.
This paper will discuss the requirements for the state of Ohio and the steps that need to be
taken to obtain a licensure in that state. It will also discuss the scope of practice and how
falling out of that scope of practice could impact the counseling relationship.
In the state of Ohio, there are different levels that an addiction counselor can
function at. This is based up educational requirements, hours worked in the field, and
completion of the online application (Editorial Staff, 2020). The first level that a
counselor can obtain is a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). This is
the lowest level of licensure and requires no degree, 40 hours of substance abuse and the
applicant must not be on parole or probation. After obtaining the CDCA, the applicant is
eligible for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) certificate. There is a
LCDC 2 and LCDC 3. The difference between the two is the ability to diagnose. The
LCDC 2 requires a minimum of an Associates degree in nursing or behavioral science or
a bachelors’ degree in any field, over 2,000 hours related work, a job description signed
by a clinical supervisor, 180 hours of chemical dependency specific education, and
successful completion of the ADC examination (Editorial Staff, 2020). The LCDC 3
requires all of the above for the LCDC 2 and requires a minimum of a bachelors’ degree
State Requirements and Scope of Practice
Grand Canyon University: PCN-404
, 2
In the addiction counseling field, it is important to know what each respective
state requirements are for licensure as well as the scope of practice prior to entering into
that field. As with many other professions, many people choose to enter into a certain
field to help others. “Many substance abuse counselors have a personal history of
alcoholism or drug addiction” (Northpoint Staff, 2016). These counselors can offer a
different degree and/or perspective that is different from those who have never struggled
with addiction. However, it is important to know what is required for many reasons.
This paper will discuss the requirements for the state of Ohio and the steps that need to be
taken to obtain a licensure in that state. It will also discuss the scope of practice and how
falling out of that scope of practice could impact the counseling relationship.
In the state of Ohio, there are different levels that an addiction counselor can
function at. This is based up educational requirements, hours worked in the field, and
completion of the online application (Editorial Staff, 2020). The first level that a
counselor can obtain is a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). This is
the lowest level of licensure and requires no degree, 40 hours of substance abuse and the
applicant must not be on parole or probation. After obtaining the CDCA, the applicant is
eligible for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) certificate. There is a
LCDC 2 and LCDC 3. The difference between the two is the ability to diagnose. The
LCDC 2 requires a minimum of an Associates degree in nursing or behavioral science or
a bachelors’ degree in any field, over 2,000 hours related work, a job description signed
by a clinical supervisor, 180 hours of chemical dependency specific education, and
successful completion of the ADC examination (Editorial Staff, 2020). The LCDC 3
requires all of the above for the LCDC 2 and requires a minimum of a bachelors’ degree
