In Massachusetts, both Licensure (LADC) and Certification (CADC) are available to recognize specialty training in addiction.
Employers often prefer to hire people with specialty training; third-party reimbursement is increasingly available for people who hold licenses or certifications; and the preparation required will increase your ability to provide quality services to clients.
The downloadable PDF provides a general overview of the similarities and differences between the Licensure and Certification:
- Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors is provided by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). There are three levels of licensure: LADC Assistant, LADC II, and LADC I.
- Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counselors is provided by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), the MA chapter of IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium). There are three levels of certification: CAC, CADC, CADC II.
Important Note:
While efforts are made to keep this information up to date, changes by the Licensing or Certifying bodies may not yet be reflected.
Individuals must contact the appropriate personnel at BSAS for Licensure, and at the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC) for Certification, to discuss applicability of the information for their own circumstances.
Contact Information
Licensure (LADC) – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS):
Ian Bain (BSAS)
Certification (CADC) – Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC):
@email /508-842-8707/https://www.mbsacc.com