Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Maryland - MD

Substance abuse counselors continue to be in increasing demand throughout Maryland. In fact, the Maryland Department of Labor Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning has projected that between 2008 and 2018 the number of professional substance abuse counselors employed in the state will rise from 2,070 to 2,405. Those aspiring to develop a career as a substance abuse counselor will need to be officially licensed or gain certification prior to employment.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Board of Professional Counselors is the licensing agency for substance abuse counselors in the state. In order to become a certified professional alcohol and drug counselor or a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, eligibility requirements must be fulfilled. The board will only issue licenses to individuals that hold a master’s degree in a health and/or human services counseling discipline from an accredited institute of higher learning. Also, a minimum of three years of clinical training experience in alcohol and drug counseling is likewise mandated. Furthermore, the successful passing of the Examination for Master’s Addiction Counselors (EMAC) of the National Board for Certified Counselors and State Law Test is absolutely necessary. If all three requirements are met, substance abuse counselors in Maine will need to submit a complete application, three professional references, an application fee ($75), and an initial certification fee ($100) to the board an await approval. Once approved, a license to practice in the state is granted.