Education: LCDC Education, Training Requirements
Chemical dependency counselors must meet specific education requirements to work effectively. Hands-on experience working with clients through the recovery process is a requirement for licensure, regardless of the state in which you intend to practice. Must have completed specialized training in substance use counseling or a related behavioral health area with substance abuse specialty.
Registration: Must be registered and licensed through the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Regulatory Services Division, which oversees the licensing of chemical dependency counselors.
Internship: Must have completed the required clinical training and internship hours as specified by the program.
Examination: Must have passed the necessary examinations to demonstrate competency in the field.
Experience: Must have minimum of 3 years detox, residential, or partial hospitalization experience in substance abuse specialty.
Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing education to maintain certification and stay updated on best practices in chemical dependency counseling.
Role of a LCDC Counselor
Licensed chemical dependency counselors provide guidance and support to their clients. A licensed chemical dependency counselor, or LCDC, plays a crucial role in helping people struggling with substance abuse disorders. They provide guidance and emotional support to clients as they try to recover from addictions. A chemical dependency counselor job description includes a variety of services to help their clients during the recovery process.
LCDC Individual Counseling Services
The exact chemical dependency counselor job description can vary by setting. However, regardless of where they work, most, if not all, chemical dependency counselors provide individual counseling and emotional support to their clients as they travel down the path to recovery. A component of individual counseling may involve completing intakes and assessments, formulating treatment plans and taking care of administrative tasks. Additionally, the role of the counselor often goes beyond just providing counseling, as counselors are often the only concerned party involved in a client's life. They may need to be available to their clients in crisis situations or be on-call during non-working hours.
LCDC Group Counseling Services
Chemical dependency counselors must often act as facilitators in group counseling sessions, intervening in heated situations or providing encouragement for shy or withdrawn members to share their experiences with the group. Participation in group counseling sessions is an important part of the recovery process. Groups help clients feel supported by others struggling with similar issues and provide a sense of camaraderie, empathy and connection.
Other Requirements
Must be CPR Certified