Kansas Addiction Counselor License: LAC, LMAC, and LCAC Requirements
Kansas licenses addiction counselors at three levels through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB): the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a bachelor’s degree, the Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) a master’s, and the Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) a master’s plus supervised postgraduate hours. Each level builds on the one before it.
Kansas has one of the more clearly structured addiction counseling licensure systems in the country. You can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree as a Licensed Addiction Counselor, advance to the master’s-level LMAC as your education deepens, and eventually qualify for independent clinical practice as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor. Each step is a real credential, not just a placeholder. Counselors work across the state in community mental health centers, residential treatment programs, criminal justice settings, and private practice, including in metro areas like Wichita and Kansas City, as well as in smaller communities with significant treatment needs.
The Kansas BSRB oversees all three licenses. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current rules directly with the board. The information on this page reflects requirements as of 2026.
The Three Levels of Kansas Addiction Counselor Licensure
Kansas recognizes three distinct credential tiers for addiction counselors, each with its own education, supervision, and examination requirements. The table below summarizes the key differences.
| Credential | Degree Required | Exam | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAC — Licensed Addiction Counselor | Bachelor’s in addiction counseling or related field | NAADAC NCAC II or IC&RC ADC | Supervised practice; must work under an approved clinical supervisor, typically an LCAC |
| LMAC — Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor | Master’s in addiction counseling or related field | NAADAC MAC exam | Supervised practice; advanced clinical work under approved supervisor oversight |
| LCAC — Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor | Master’s plus postgraduate supervised hours | NAADAC MAC exam (plus supervised hours) | Independent practice; may diagnose co-occurring disorders and supervise others |
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Requirements
The LAC is the entry-level credential for addiction counselors in Kansas. It requires a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related behavioral health field. Your degree program typically requires around 33 semester hours of addiction-specific coursework (per BSRB guidelines), covering areas such as addiction treatment, individual and group counseling methods, pharmacology, co-occurring disorders, addiction services coordination, legal and ethical issues, family and community studies, and research. Course requirements can vary by pathway and evaluation, so confirm specifics with the board or your program advisor.
In addition to your degree, you’ll typically need to complete a supervised practicum, pass a criminal background check, and submit three professional reference letters. For the exam, Kansas accepts two options: the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II), administered by NAADAC, or the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, administered by IC&RC. Kansas may allow application prior to exam completion; confirm with BSRB whether temporary practice is permitted in your situation. Once licensed, LACs must work under an approved clinical supervisor, typically an LCAC.
Applications are submitted through the BSRB at ksbsrb.ks.gov. Processing times vary; check with BSRB for current timelines and fee schedules before submitting.
Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) Requirements
The LMAC was created to provide a master’s-level pathway for counselors who have advanced their education but don’t yet have the postgraduate supervised hours required for the LCAC. It allows more clinical responsibility than the LAC while still requiring approved supervisor oversight for independent practice.
To qualify, you’ll generally need a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related behavioral health field, typically including around 33 semester hours of addiction coursework (per BSRB guidelines). The master’s program must include a graduate-level practicum with direct client contact hours and documented supervision. The LMAC requires passage of the NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam, administered by NAADAC.
If you already hold a related Kansas license from the BSRB (such as an LMSW, LPC, LMFT, or master’s-level psychologist license), you may be eligible to apply for the LMAC through an alternate pathway. Check with the board for current pathway requirements.
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) Requirements
The LCAC is the highest addiction counseling credential in Kansas and the only tier that allows independent clinical practice. LCAC holders can diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health disorders without supervision, and they serve as approved supervisors for LACs and LMACs. As Kansas’s treatment system expands, the LCAC credential is increasingly important for building the supervision capacity the field needs.
To qualify for the LCAC, you must first meet LMAC requirements, then complete a substantial period of supervised postgraduate clinical experience. The BSRB generally requires at least 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate clinical work over a minimum of 24 months, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of individual supervision. You’ll need to submit a Clinical Supervision Training Plan to the BSRB before you begin accruing hours. The board does not backdate approved training plans, so this step must happen before hours are counted.
Clinical supervisors must meet qualifications as defined by BSRB regulations. An LCAC who has been licensed and practicing for at least two years typically serves as a supervisor, though other qualified licensed professionals may be acceptable when an LCAC is unavailable. Verify current supervisor qualification rules with the BSRB before beginning your training plan.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Kansas addiction counselors renew their licenses every two years. All license holders are generally required to complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period, including at least 3 hours focused on professional ethics. LMAC and LCAC holders typically must also complete 6 hours specifically covering the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. Excess hours typically cannot be carried over to the next renewal cycle.
Continuing education programs for Kansas addiction counselors are not automatically pre-approved by the BSRB. The board’s general guideline is that qualifying education should be clearly related to enhancing addiction counseling practice, values, skills, and knowledge. When in doubt, confirm with the board before completing hours.
Salary and Career Outlook for Kansas Addiction Counselors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Kansas earned a median annual salary of $57,760 as of May 2024 (across all experience levels and license types). Entry-level positions typically started near $36,710, while counselors in the upper range of the field earned around $80,720. Earnings tend to increase with license level, years of experience, and practice setting. LCAC holders who supervise staff or manage caseloads in clinical settings typically earn more than entry-level LACs in community programs.
The BLS projects approximately 18% growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors nationally between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average across all occupations. Kansas has documented shortages of licensed counselors, particularly in rural areas, which creates demand at all three credential levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LAC, LMAC, and LCAC in Kansas?
Kansas offers three addiction counselor credential levels through the BSRB. The LAC requires a bachelor’s degree and allows supervised practice. The LMAC requires a master’s degree and permits more advanced clinical work, still under the oversight of an approved supervisor. The LCAC is the highest level, requiring a master’s degree plus postgraduate supervised hours, and it’s the only credential that permits independent clinical practice and the ability to supervise other counselors.
What exam do I need to become an addiction counselor in Kansas?
The LAC requires passage of either the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II), administered by NAADAC, or the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, administered by IC&RC. The LMAC and LCAC both require the NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam. Kansas may allow application prior to exam completion for the LAC; confirm with BSRB whether temporary practice is permitted in your situation.
Can I upgrade from LAC to LMAC or LCAC?
Yes. The license levels are designed as a career ladder. Once you’ve completed a qualifying master’s degree, you can apply to upgrade from LAC to LMAC. From the LMAC, you can advance to LCAC by submitting a Clinical Supervision Training Plan, accruing the required postgraduate supervised hours, and meeting all other LCAC requirements. The board requires that your training plan be approved in writing before you begin counting hours toward the LCAC.
How long does it take to become licensed as an LCAC in Kansas?
The timeline varies by education path. If you’re starting from a bachelor’s degree, expect roughly four to six years to reach LCAC: two to three years to complete a qualifying master’s program, plus at least 24 months accruing the required supervised postgraduate hours. Some counselors take longer, depending on how quickly qualifying supervision is available.
How do I apply for an addiction counselor license in Kansas?
Applications are submitted to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). You’ll need official transcripts, a completed application form, three professional reference letters, and applicable fees. For the LCAC, you’ll also need to submit and receive written approval for a Clinical Supervision Training Plan before accruing postgraduate hours. The BSRB website at ksbsrb.ks.gov is the authoritative source for current application forms, fee schedules, and processing timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Three credential tiers: Kansas licenses addiction counselors at the LAC (bachelor’s), LMAC (master’s), and LCAC (master’s plus supervised postgraduate hours) levels through the BSRB.
- The LCAC is the only independent credential: Only LCAC holders may practice without supervision and diagnose co-occurring disorders; LACs and LMACs must work under an approved clinical supervisor.
- Training plans must be pre-approved: LCAC candidates must submit a Clinical Supervision Training Plan before accruing postgraduate hours; the board does not backdate approvals.
- Renewal is every two years: All Kansas addiction counselors complete 30 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, with additional topic requirements for LMAC and LCAC holders.
- Median Kansas salary was $57,760: According to the BLS, substance abuse and mental health counselors in Kansas earned a median of $57,760 as of May 2024, across all experience levels and license types.
Ready to explore your options? Use our state licensing guides and program search to find addiction counseling programs that meet Kansas BSRB requirements.
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.