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 a licensed chemical dependency counselor. 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 a completed Form 3248, Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Registration Application, supporting documents including fingerprint receipts as described by the LCDC fingerprint instructions document, and applicable fees. You must also 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 which time you must complete all licensed chemical dependency counselor licensure 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 licensure as a licensed chemical dependency counselor by reciprocity, you must hold a chemical dependency counselor license or certification in another state and meet the requirements under 25 TAC Section 140.414.

• For more information and to apply for licensure by reciprocity, refer to Form 3236, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure by Reciprocity Application.

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

Submit a completed Form 3244, Clinical Training Institution Application.

Training and Supervision Forms

• Form 3262 Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Supervised Work Experience Documentation
• Form 3260, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Supervision Assessment
• CTI Intern File Checklist (PDF)
• Form 3261, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Direct Observation Documentation

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:

• Be a QCC in accordance with the definition in 25 TAC Section 140.400
• Submit verification of current certification as a clinical supervisor from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium or one of its member boards
• Submit a plan of activities to be implemented for any CI the CCS supervises
• Serve individuals with substance-related disorders as its primary population
• Provide confirmation of submission of fingerprints through the Texas Department of Public Safety via the FAST process.

To renew your CCS registration

Submit a completed Form 3237, Certified Clinical Supervisor Application with the applicable fees.

Training and Supervision Forms

• Form 3262, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Supervised Work Experience Documentation

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:

• A public or private hospital
• A detoxification facility
• A primary care facility
• An intensive care facility
• A long-term care facility
• An outpatient care facility
• A community mental health center
• A health maintenance organization
• A recovery center
• An ambulatory care facility
• Any other facility that offers or purports to offer treatment

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

• A school
• A federal facility
• A criminal justice facility
• A church

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 on the TCBAP website.