Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Certification in Montana
To become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Montana, you’ll need at minimum an associate’s degree in a behavioral science or addiction-related field, 330 hours of approved addiction coursework, 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on a nationally recognized exam. The LAC is the only addiction counselor credential in the state.
Montana has one pathway to licensure for addiction counseling professionals: the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). This credential is administered by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health (BBH), which operates under the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. If you’re pursuing a career in substance abuse treatment in the state, the LAC is the license you need. Counselors interested in broader mental health practice may also want to review Montana’s counseling licensure requirements.
LAC Degree Requirements
Montana is one of the few states that accepts an associate’s degree as a qualifying credential for addiction counselor licensure. There are four recognized degree pathways. You can meet the education requirement through any of the following:
- An associate’s degree in alcohol and/or drug studies from an accredited institution
- An associate’s degree in any field, plus at least 6 semester hours in human behavior, sociology, or psychology; 3 hours in psychopathology or abnormal behavior; and 9 hours of counseling coursework (6 in group counseling, 3 in counseling theory)
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in alcohol and drug studies, psychology, sociology, social work, or counseling from an accredited institution
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in any field, plus the same supplemental coursework described in option 2 above
All degree requirements must be completed before you begin accumulating your supervised clinical hours.
Required Addiction Coursework
In addition to your degree, you must complete 330 contact hours of addiction-specific education approved by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health. For reference, one semester credit equals 15 contact hours. The board requires coursework spread across nine areas:
| Coursework Area | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Chemical dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing, diagnosis, referrals, and patient placement | 60 |
| Addiction counseling | 45 |
| Alcohol and drug studies | 30 |
| Addiction treatment planning and documentation | 15 |
| Pharmacology | 12 |
| Multicultural competency | 12 |
| Ethics in alcohol and drug counseling | 6 |
| Case management | 6 |
| Crisis intervention | 6 |
The total across all nine areas must equal 330 hours. Coursework completed as part of your degree program can count toward this requirement, provided it’s documented on an Addiction Specific Courses form.
LAC Candidate Status
Once your educational requirements are complete, you can apply to the Board for Licensed Addiction Counselor Candidate (LACC) status before you’ve completed your clinical hours. This is the intermediate step that allows you to begin working in a qualified treatment setting under supervision. Employers typically require LACC status before you can begin accumulating your clinical hours, and it’s the standard pathway for most applicants.
Your supervisor must be a qualified Licensed Addiction Counselor who meets Montana’s supervisory standards. They’re responsible for logging your hours weekly and signing off on your Evaluation of Supervised Experience form when you’re ready to apply for full licensure.
Supervised Clinical Hours
The LAC requires 1,000 hours of supervised work experience in a qualified addiction treatment program. There are a few parameters to keep in mind:
- Hours must be completed in no more than two different qualified treatment settings
- The experience period must span at least seven months
- Your supervisor must provide a minimum of 80 hours of direct supervision
- Supervision must cover the specific practice areas defined by the Department of Labor and Industry
Finding a qualified supervisor can be a challenge in Montana’s rural and frontier areas. The Board of Behavioral Health can sometimes assist in locating supervisors, and some candidates complete supervision via telehealth.
Certification Exam
Before applying for licensure, you must pass one of the following nationally recognized exams. Montana accepts several options:
- NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I)
- NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II)
- Northwest Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (NCADC II)
- Northwest Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III (NCADC III)
- Southwest Certification II
- IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
- IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)
If you’re not currently licensed in another jurisdiction, you must have passed your exam within four years of your application date. The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) offers online study guides and practice tests if you’re looking for exam prep resources.
Background Check and Application
Before applying for the LAC, you’ll need to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through either your local law enforcement agency or the Montana Department of Justice. Background check results are sent directly to the Department of Labor and Industry. Processing times vary, so build this into your timeline early.
You can submit your LAC application online through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s licensing portal at ebiz.mt.gov. Paper applications are also available from the Board of Behavioral Health. Your application will require official transcripts, documentation of completed coursework, your completed Evaluation of Supervised Experience form, and proof of exam passage.
License Renewal
Montana LAC licenses expire annually and must be renewed by June 30. To renew, you’ll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) during the license year, including at least 2 hours of suicide prevention education. The Department of Labor and Industry publishes an approved CE list each year, and coursework through NAADAC is also accepted. The Montana Board of Behavioral Health sets renewal fees and may change them, so verify current amounts before renewing.
Salary and Job Outlook for Montana Addiction Counselors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Montana earned a median annual salary of $57,350 as of May 2024. Salaries ranged from approximately $32,930 at the entry level to $80,870 at the upper end, with the middle range falling between $39,220 and $68,360.
Montana’s job growth projections for mental health and substance abuse social workers show an 18.8% increase between 2022 and 2032, with an estimated average of 70 annual job openings. That’s a strong growth rate, reflecting the ongoing demand for qualified counselors across the state’s urban centers and rural communities alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LAC the only addiction counselor license in Montana?
Yes. Montana has a single level of addiction counselor licensure: the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). There is also a clinical supervisor credential for those who want to supervise other counselors in training. Still, the LAC is the standard professional license for practicing addiction counselors in the state.
Can I get an LAC in Montana with an associate’s degree?
Yes. Montana accepts an associate’s degree as the minimum educational requirement for the LAC, provided the degree is in alcohol and drug studies, or you’ve completed the required supplemental coursework in human behavior, psychopathology, and counseling theory. Montana is one of the few states that allows this entry point.
What is the LAC Candidate status,s and do I need it?
LAC Candidate (LACC) status is an intermediate credential you can apply for after completing your educational requirements. It allows you to work in a qualified treatment setting while accumulating your 1,000 supervised hours. Most employers require LACC status before you can begin your clinical hours, so in practice, it’s the standard pathway for most applicants.
How long does it take to get an LAC in Montana?
The timeline depends on your starting education level. If you’re completing an associate’s degree and all coursework requirements from scratch, expect roughly two to three years before you’re ready to begin your clinical hours. Add at least seven months for the supervised experience requirement. Most applicants complete the full process in three to five years.
How do I renew my Montana LAC?
Montana LAC licenses must be renewed annually by June 30. You’ll need 20 hours of continuing education during the license year, including at least 2 hours on suicide prevention. Renewals can be completed online through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry licensing portal. Check the board’s website for current renewal fees.
Key Takeaways
- One license, one path. Montana’s only addiction counselor credential is the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), administered by the Board of Behavioral Health.
- Associate’s degrees qualify. Montana accepts an associate’s degree in alcohol/drug studies, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another field with required supplemental coursework.
- 330 hours of addiction coursework required. Coursework from your degree program can count across nine specific content areas if properly documented.
- Get LAC Candidate status first. Apply for LACC status after finishing your education, before starting your 1,000 supervised clinical hours.
- Multiple exams accepted. Montana accepts NAADAC, IC&RC, Northwest, and Southwest certification exams, so you’re not limited to a single test.
- Strong job growth. BLS projects 18.8% growth for Montana mental health and substance abuse social workers through 2032, with a median salary of $57,350.
Ready to take the next step? Explore degree programs that align with Montana’s LAC coursework requirements and get closer to licensure.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.