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Louisiana Substance Abuse Counselor Credential Pathway
The Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) credentials chemical dependency professionals at many levels. CEU Matrix is an ADRA-approved education provider (provider #E026) and provides course packages for the following credentials:
- Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC). High School Diploma or GED also required.
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC). Bachelor’s degree also required.
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Master’s degree also required.
- For those just beginning their careers we can also provide training for the Counselor in Training (CIT) certification in Louisiana. High School Diploma or GED also required.
We also have a 48 hour course package for recertification (renewal) of your RAC, CAC, and LAC certifications, which is required every 2 years. The renewal package allows counselors the opportunity to select their own courses from our library.
- Affordable & On-Demand
- Louisiana Board Approved
- Instant Certificates Upon Completion
Initial Certification Packages
- Degree / Education Required
- LAC: Master’s degree in human services, behavioral science, or approved discipline. CAC: Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral science, or related discipline. RAC: High school diploma or equivalent (minimum age 21).
- Work Experience Hours Required
- LAC: 2,000 hours; CAC: 4,000 hours; RAC: 6,000 hours. All must be supervised work experience in an agency or facility that regularly treats clients with addictive disorders (paid or voluntary). Maximum 2,000 hours credited per year. Must be attested to by a licensed mental health provider, CAC, RAC, or designated facility administrator.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 300 hours of direct clinical supervision, provided face-to-face with a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Supervision covers the 123 competencies outlined in TAP 21 (Addiction Counseling Competencies). Minimum 1 hour per week. Must be documented and verified by the supervising CCS.
- State Certification Exam
- LAC: IC&RC AADC examination. CAC and RAC: IC&RC ADC examination. Administered per ADRA examination requirements.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 300 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
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Louisiana requires 300 hours of education for the RAC, CAC, and LAC credentials. This CEU Matrix 300-hour package provides full coverage of the required education hours. At least 180 hours must be substance use disorder-specific, aligned with the 12 Core Functions of addiction counseling: Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping, and Consultation. A minimum of 6 hours must be in professional ethics. The remaining hours may be in related counseling education (psychology, sociology, human development, etc.). Louisiana places no restrictions on completing education through distance learning.
- Degree / Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- Work experience hours are accumulated during CIT status toward the target credential: 2,000 hours for LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor), 4,000 hours for CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor), or 6,000 hours for RAC (Registered Addiction Counselor).
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 300 hours of direct clinical supervision from a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), with a minimum of 1 hour of face-to-face supervision per week.
- State Certification Exam
- No exam is required for CIT status.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 180 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
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Louisiana requires 180 hours of addiction-specific education for the CIT. CEU Matrix’s Louisiana CIT package covers all 180 required hours aligned with TAP 21 addiction counselor competencies across 8 practice dimensions:
– Clinical Evaluation
– Treatment Planning
– Referral
– Service Coordination
– Counseling
– Client, Family, and Community Education
– Documentation
– Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Please visit your state’s credentialing board for additional and current information on your credential.
Renewals
Louisiana Substance Abuse Counselor Credential FAQs
What is the Value Package offer?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
How do I purchase the Value Package?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
Do I have to order all of my courses at one time?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
How do I find Louisiana-approved courses on CEU Matrix?
Click “Course Listing” at the top of our homepage, select Louisiana from the map, then choose your credential level or “All Available Courses.” All courses shown are LA-ADRA-approved for Louisiana counselors working toward CIT, RAC, CAC, or LAC credentials.
What's the best value for Louisiana continuing education courses?
We offer several money-saving options:
- Value Package (10 hours for $99, saves $31)
- 48 Hour Renewal Package ($240, saves $360)
- Custom packages for specific credential levels
Plus, we offer specialized credential packages with significant savings for initial certification requirements.
When will my courses be available and how do I access them?
Courses are available immediately with credit card payment in your Student Center under “My Courses.” For renewal packages, you’ll receive credits to select individual courses.
How does Louisiana's complete online flexibility benefit CEU Matrix users?
Louisiana places no restrictions on the number of hours you can complete through distance learning, unlike many states that limit online education. This means you can complete your entire education requirement (180 hours for CIT or 300 hours for RAC/CAC/LAC) through CEU Matrix online courses without needing to find in-person training.
What are the differences between Louisiana's credential levels?
- CIT (Counselor in Training): Entry-level status requiring high school diploma and 180 hours of substance-specific education. Allows supervised practice for up to 6 years (72 months) while completing full credential requirements. Must be renewed annually.
- RAC (Registered Addiction Counselor): Entry-level credential requiring high school diploma, 300 hours of education (180 substance-specific + 114 related + 6 ethics), and 6,000 hours of supervised work experience including 300-hour practicum. Provides independent practice certification at the foundational level.
- CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor): Mid-level credential requiring bachelor’s degree, 300 hours of education (180 substance-specific + 114 related + 6 ethics), and 4,000 hours of supervised work experience including 300-hour practicum. Provides enhanced independent practice certification.
- LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor): Highest level requiring master’s degree, 300 hours of education (180 substance-specific + 114 related + 6 ethics), and 2,000 hours of supervised work experience including 300-hour practicum. Full licensure with maximum scope of practice and supervision capabilities.
Which CEU Matrix packages work best for Louisiana credentials?
We’ve designed specific packages for Louisiana requirements:
- CIT Package: Provides the 180 hours of substance-specific education required for Counselor in Training status
- RAC/CAC/LAC Initial Package: Covers the full 300 hours required including 180 substance-specific, 114 related, and 6 hours of professional ethics
- 48-Hour Renewal Package: Structured for all Louisiana credentials with required ethics and substance-specific components available for you to choose.
- Custom Packages: Tailored for individuals who have already completed some category requirements
How does CEU Matrix help with Louisiana's specific education requirements?
Louisiana requires 300 total hours with 180 hours being substance-specific, 114 hours in related subjects, and 6 hours in professional ethics. CEU Matrix clearly identifies which courses count toward substance-specific vs. related requirements.
How do I track my progress toward Louisiana requirements using CEU Matrix?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center automatically tracks your completed hours.
Can I retake CEU Matrix exams if I don't pass the first time?
Yes, you can retake any CEU Matrix exam multiple times at no additional cost. Exams are scored immediately online, and you can print your certificate of completion as soon as you pass.
Do I need to complete all my CEU Matrix courses at once?
No, there’s no time limit on CEU Matrix courses. The system tracks your credits automatically, so you can work at your own pace 24/7 from anywhere with internet access while meeting Louisiana’s requirements.
Where do I find my CEU Matrix certificates for Louisiana credential applications?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center under “My Courses” has all certificates for immediate download/printing. These certificates are specifically formatted for Louisiana LA-ADRA applications and include all required information for your credential submissions.
What are Louisiana's continuing education requirements?
All Louisiana credentials require 48 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including:
- 6 hours of professional ethics
- 42 hours of substance abuse specific or related education
- CCS (Certified Clinical Supervisors) need an additional 14 hours including 8 hours of clinical supervision training
Louisiana Substance Abuse Counselor Resources
Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA)
Official state licensing and credentialing board for Louisiana addiction counselors and prevention professionals. View official regulations, application requirements, and credential guidelines through their regulatory portal.
IC&RC Louisiana Credential Information
Official examination and reciprocity information for Louisiana’s participation in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium system, including ADC and AADC exam requirements and interstate practice benefits.
Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers (LASACT)
Professional association for networking opportunities and regulatory updates for Louisiana addiction professionals. Contact for information about professional advocacy and industry developments.
Louisiana Department of Health - Behavioral Health Services
Official state information about substance abuse treatment services, regulatory requirements, and professional practice guidelines for addiction counselors in Louisiana.
Your Roadmap to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Starting Your Career (CIT)
Foundation Practice (RAC)
Advanced Practice (CAC)
Professional Licensure (LAC)
Achieve Licensed Addiction Counselor status for the highest level of practice and professional recognition. This master’s-level licensure requires the least supervision hours (2,000 hours) due to advanced academic preparation and provides maximum scope of practice and supervision capabilities.
Specialized Certifications Explore specialized areas such as clinical supervision (CCS), compulsive gambling counseling (CCGC), or prevention specialist credentials to expand your practice areas and meet diverse client needs in specialized treatment settings.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Louisiana
Complete Education
Enroll in our distance learning program to fulfill educational requirements for certification. Our self-paced, home-study course bundles can be completed anywhere at any time!
Complete Supervised Work Experience
Accrue supervised work experience hours by working in a treatment facility or other relevant setting.
Pass the State Exam
Register with your state certification/licensing board and sign up to take the state exam.
Apply for Certification
Submit application to the state certification/licensure board, including proof of completed education, work experience, exam results, and other required information.
Need Help?
Ready to advance your Louisiana addiction counseling career? Our team understands Louisiana’s three-tier certification system and complete online learning advantages. We’ll help you choose the perfect courses for your current credential level and career goals while ensuring compliance with LA-ADRA requirements and maximizing your professional development.
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