CADC
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) assist those with with substance use disorders by providing individualized treatment, support and motivation along their journey toward wellness. CADC practice under the supervision of an approved supervisor and can make assessments.
NJPN’s shared CADC and LCADC course covers five (5) essential topics—client assessment, counseling, case management, client education, and professional responsibility—which fulfills the required educational hours needed to earn a CADC credential in NJ. Students must also complete 3,000 supervised internship hours and pass exams for state certification.
The primary difference between the CADC and the LCADC is that the LCADC is permitted to conduct unsupervised independent practice whereas the CADC is required to practice under the supervision of an approved supervisor. Both the LCADC and the CADC can make assessments; however, the CADC cannot make diagnoses. LCADCs are permitted to supervise CADCs, alcohol and drug counselor interns, and credentialed interns; the CADC cannot supervise.
Eligibility Requirements
The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) created the Addiction Training and Workforce Development Program to enhance and diversify New Jersey’s addiction workforce. A primary goal of the program is to increase the number of credentialed professional staff employed at DMHAS-licensed addiction treatment and mental health agencies by offering CADC and other professional development training opportunities. Class size is limited, and eligibility for the program is based on the following criteria:
Priority is given to individuals currently working at a DMHAS-licensed substance use disorder treatment agency who:
Are actively working towards the completion of a New Jersey license or certification as a LCADC, CADC or CDA;
Are accumulating work experience in the 12 core functions in the field of substance use disorder treatment;
Are being supervised by a LCADC or another licensed clinical professional who is qualified to supervise alcohol and drug counselor interns as specified under New Jersey statue (N.J.A.C.13:34C-6.2); (Qualified clinical supervisors include a LCADC, a NJ-licensed physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM], a psychiatrist with added qualifications in chemical dependency from the American Psychiatric Association, or an APN, licensed psychologist, LCSW, LMFT or LPC who also is certified as a Certified Clinical Supervisor [CCS].)
And has submitted a Proposed Plan of Supervision (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/adc/Applications/Proposed-Plan-of-Supervision-for-CADC-LCADC-Internship.pdf) to the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee.
Priority is also given to individuals currently working at a DMHAS-licensed mental health facility who:
Are serving clients with co-occurring disorders;
Are actively working towards the completion of a New Jersey license or certification as a LCADC, CADC or CDA;
Are accumulating work experience in the 12 core functions in the field of substance use disorder treatment;
Are being supervised by a LCADC or another licensed clinical professional who is qualified to supervise alcohol and drug counselor interns as specified under New Jersey statue (N.J.A.C.13:34C-6.2); (Qualified clinical supervisors include a LCADC, a NJ-licensed physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM], a psychiatrist with added qualifications in chemical dependency from the American Psychiatric Association, or an APN, licensed psychologist, LCSW, LMFT or LPC who also is certified as a Certified Clinical Supervisor [CCS].)
And has submitted a Proposed Plan of Supervision (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/adc/Applications/Proposed-Plan-of-Supervision-for-CADC-LCADC-Internship.pdf) to the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee.
Examination Information
Testing information can be found on the Certification Boards Website: https://certbd.org/testing/
Scholarship Details
NJPN provides the 270 education hours for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). These courses are no cost for counselor interns working in DMHAS SUD licensed treatment facilities. Scholarships are available to attend courses offered weekly. Currently all courses are held virtually.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
How to Apply
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Review the course or training details and ensure you meet or exceed eligibility requirements.
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If you are ready to sign up, fill out the application form (button link is to the right).
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NJPN will review your application and notify you if you have been accepted into the course or training.
Internship Opportunities
NJPN helps connect eligible individuals with DMHAS licensed treatment agencies statewide seeking ADC Interns. Students attending CDA courses through NJPN are provided one-on-one assistance to secure an internship while attending courses.
Learn more about the internship process and application details by clicking the button below.