Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)


Download Interactive Worksheet

  

Description of a CADC

A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor provides individual or group alcohol and drug counseling services within an agency setting. A CADC will lead/ perform individual and direct group counseling under the supervision of a certified clinical supervisor. Note: An alcohol and drug counseling aide may not engage in independent or private practice.

CADC Work Settings and Populations Served

  • A CADC works directly with people of all ages in recovery from alcohol and/or drug use disorders
  • Work in a variety of settings

Hiring Requirements

A person applying as a CADC must pass a criminal background check given by the employing agency.

  

TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS

Be at least 18 years old

Have a high school diploma or GED and minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience as Alcohol and Drug Counseling Aide (ADCA)

OR

Associate’s level degree from accredited institution in a related field, or 30 hours of approved related coursework

 

CAREER

PATHWAY

A person who is working as a CADC can move into the following positions with additional education:

Health Services:

  • LADC
  • CNA
  • CNA-M
  • LPN
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing Degree

Human Services:

  • MHRT-I
  • DSP
  • CIPSS
  • MHRT-C