Who Can Apply?
The Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) credential is only available to persons who have completed a master’s degree with a clinical internship from a regionally accredited college or university.
Exceptions are not made for applicants based on experience or the various requirements for graduation.
This requirement is by law and is non-negotiable.
There is no grandfathering for this statutory requirement.
What Criteria Am I?
- Criteria A is the standard application procedure for all qualifying master’s degrees.
- Criteria B is the application procedure for persons who already hold a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) from NCASPPB and have earned a qualifying master’s degree.
- Criteria C is the application procedure for persons who have completed a pre-approved addictions master’s degrees. Please click here to see a list of Criteria C schools/programs. If your school program is not included, then your program is not Criteria C.
- Criteria D (Deemed Status) is the application procedure for persons who have received a national addictions certification from one of our Deemed Status entities. Please click here to see a list of national Deemed Status organizations. Applicants for Deemed Status must also hold qualifying master’s degree.
Download the LCAS Brochure
What can an LCAS do?
Scope of Practice: The practice of a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) may be independent and consists of the Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record keeping, consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services, referral to reduce the conditions that place individuals at risk of developing addictive disorder or disease with co-occurring disorders, and treatment for addictive disorder or disease. The Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist may provide the required ongoing supervision to maintain a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) credential.