LCDC New License Registration

To become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, you must start the process as a counselor intern unless you are currently licensed in another state and applying for reciprocity. Currently, an application for a license in Texas can only be submitted by filling out a paper application. We are in the process of developing an online application for LCDC counselor intern registration and LCDC licensure by reciprocity.

To apply, you must submit all required application forms, fees, and other documents to HHSC. HHSC must issue you a license or registration before you begin practicing or accumulating the required 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in Texas. Mail all documents and fees to the address listed on the application form.

Access the necessary forms and more information about the counselor intern and licensing process in the sections on this page.

Apply for Counselor Intern Registration

Applying for registration as a counselor intern is the first step toward becoming an LCDC. As a counselor intern, once you meet the requirements to upgrade to a full LCDC licensure, HHSC will send you a letter with instructions for obtaining the full LCDC license. Please note there is not an application for the full LCDC licensure process.

To be eligible for counselor intern registration, you must submit:

You also must meet the following requirements in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 25 (25 TAC) Section 140.405:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  3. Successfully complete 270 classroom hours of chemical dependency curricula as described in 25 TAC Section 140.406 or meet the educational waiver referenced in 25 TAC Section 140.405(b).
  4. Complete 300 hours of approved supervised field work practicum as described in 25 TAC Section 140.407 or meet the educational waiver referenced in 25 TAC Section 140.405(b).
  5. Pass the criminal history standards described in 25 TAC Section 140.431.
  6. Sign the application form, which includes an attestation to abide by the ethical standards required by 25 TAC Section 140.423.
  7. Be worthy of the public trust and confidence as determined by HHSC.

HHSC issues a counselor intern registration for a term of five years During this time you must complete all LCDC licensing requirements, including passing the required examination.

If you do not complete all counselor intern requirements during the five-year term, you may apply for a subsequent registration, which is valid for an additional three years or three additional examination attempts.

Apply for Chemical Dependency Counselor License by Reciprocity

To be eligible for an LCDC license by reciprocity, you must hold a chemical dependency counselor license or certification in another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for an LCDC license in Texas and meet the requirements under 25 TAC Section 140.414.

Military Service Members, Military Spouses, and Veterans Seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor License

Refer to Guidance Letter 24-5000 (PDF) and the Military Service Member, Veteran, or Military Spouse Supplemental Form (PDF) for information regarding a military service member, military spouse, and veteran seeking a chemical dependency counselor license.

Apply for Clinical Training Institute Registration

A clinical training institution (CTI) is a person or legal entity registered with the HHSC to supervise an LCDC counselor intern.

To be eligible for CTI registration, you must submit a completed Form 3244, Clinical Training Institution Application and meet the following requirements in accordance with 25 TAC Section 140.410:

  1. Provide activities in an array of the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA) dimensions, including assessment and counseling
  2. Serve individuals with substance-related disorders as its primary population
  3. Employ a full-time qualified credentialed counselor as the CTI coordinator
  4. Be in good standing with applicable licensing and regulatory agencies
  5. Agree to comply with applicable rules in 25 TAC Chapter 140, Subchapter I
  6. Submit a completed Form 3244, Clinical Training Institution Application.

To renew your CTI registration

Training and Supervision Forms

Apply for Clinical Supervisor Certification

To be eligible for certified clinical supervisor (CCS) registration, you must submit a completed Form 3237, Certified Clinical Supervisor Application with the applicable fees and meet the following requirements in accordance with 25 TAC Section 140.411:

To renew your CCS registration

Training and Supervision Forms

The knowledge, skills and attitudes of addictions counseling as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Technical Assistance Publication (TAP 21) "Addictions Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice."

Treatment facilities that can qualify as a clinical training institute include:

Other facilities that can qualify as a clinical training institute include:

Register for the Licensing Examination

The Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals is responsible for administering the written examination in Texas. You can download the application form for testing and access examination scores from the TCBAP.