Distance Learning - Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Training

Get the training when you want, where you want, and how you want via our Distance Learning Program.

  • Duration

    570 Hours

  • Category

    Chemical Dependency Counselor Training

  • Status

    Open for Enrollment
The objective of the Distance Learning Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Program is to provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere. Graduates of our program become effective, successful counselors and find jobs in a field with many employment opportunities. Working in a number of different areas such as:

  • Residential Treatment
  • Outpatient Treatment
  • Addiction Support, Sober Living Outreach
  • Screening and Referral Community Programs
  • Dual Diagnosis Programs
  • Adolescent Programs
  • Women and Children Programs
  • Domestic Violence Victims or Offenders
  • Criminal Justice Programs
  • Veteran’s Programs
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Prevention Programs
  • Court Diversion Programs

The Institute for Chemical Dependency Studies offers the required 570 hour curriculum necessary to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or a certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) in the State of Texas. The curriculum is composed of four (4) courses and a one (1) Practicum course consisting of 300 hours supervised by a Qualified Credentialed Counselor. The total time in weeks to complete program is 36 weeks. This training may count as credit towards your college education.


Enrollment Guidelines:
  1. Enrollment periods for both classroom and Distance Learning programs is year round.
  2. A deposit fee of $750 is required. The deposit applies to the tuition payment.
  3. All students must submit proof of the following:
    1. GED or High School Diploma
    2. Age (must be a minimum 18 years if age)
    3. Associates, Bachelor or Master Degree related to the field of chemical dependency such as Psychology, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Counseling, etc.
  4. All students must determine a tuition payment plan before they are eligible to enroll.
  5. All students must complete the required enrollment documents which include:
    1. The ICDS Enrollment Agreement
    1. Provide Proof of Education
    1. TWC Form CS-010 Record of Previous Education & Training
    1. TWC Form CS-005 Receipt of Enrollment Policies (to be completed by Student and the School Director)
  6. A student is not officially enrolled, nor eligible to receive credit for any course until all of the above documentation has been completed in its entirety and returned to the school.
  7. It is recommended, not required, that students have background or personal experience in the chemical dependency field as well as a desire to work in the field.
    Curriculum and Documents for the Course
    Course Curriculum: Chemical Dependency | Distance Learning
    • I: Basics of Addiction Counseling and the Physiology of Addiction 85 Hours
      This course will provide students with a general overview of the major theories and techniques used for addiction counseling, and prepare students for careers in the addiction counseling field. Students will be provided with the basic framework for understanding what substance abuse is and is not, and what substance abuse counseling is and is not. This course will offer exercises for students to develop their counseling skills and to prepare them to master the principles, theories, and skills introduced including but not limited to, 12-Step facilitation, cognitive−behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention and integrated treatment.
    • II: Basic & Advanced Counseling Skills and Methods/Chemical Dependency and The Family 150 Hours
      There are many different techniques that counselors can use with their clients. This course will examine the techniques that are most effective during a counseling session. This course is complex as it will provide students with both basic and advanced techniques in the provision of substance abuse counseling such as: active listening, attentiveness, reflection, paraphrasing, and summarizing, the basics of the group process, group dynamics, denial, resistance, defense mechanisms, psychodrama, and other specific group-related approaches. Students will be exposed various counseling approaches including Gestalt, REBT, Cognitive-Behavioral, Transactional Analysis, and Reality Therapy. Each student will explore the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. This course will also provide students with the basic knowledge of:
      • Individual Counseling Group Counseling
      • Effects on Family – Counseling Families and Significant Others Counseling Special Populations
      • Relapse Prevention
      • Vocational Education Counseling
      • Communicable Diseases: HIV/AIDS, STDs, TB, Hepatitis Human Growth and Development
    • III: The Twelve Core Functions of the Counselor 70 Hours
      This course will introduce students to the twelve core functions that a counselor implements, and will teach students the various skills and tools used to conduct an assessment of alcohol and other drug addictions. The DSM-V classifications of substance abuse disorders will be taught, as well as limits and parameters in identifying substance abuse disorders vs. other disorders, and dual and multiple diagnoses. This course will prepare students to develop the professional competence necessary to perform the following tasks in providing alcohol and/or drug abuse treatment to clients and significant others in a variety of treatment settings: Screening, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping.
    • IV: Ethics and Special Treatment Issues 45 Hours
      This 45 hour block of instruction is unique, in that the fluid nature of the field of addiction treatment requires a fluid "specialized" curriculum to meet the changing needs of the student and professional obtaining continuing education. With this in mind, the following is merely a short list of the topical issues met by ICDS. The objectives of each of the classes will be clearly stated by the various facilitators. Each Instructor will submit a lesson plan for approval to Director prior to facilitating the class. Specific lesson plans (proprietary) and Instructor qualifications (non-proprietary) are available to the appropriate monitoring authority and may be obtained by contacting the school office. The DSHS/LCDC required licensure and renewal hours will be provided during each part of the course. Students will learn the ethical guidelines that oversee the substance abuse counseling field. Critical topics will include, but not be limited to the dynamics of addiction and criminal behavior, criminal justice systems and processes, confidentiality laws, informed consent, client privilege, exceptions to confidentiality, dual relationships, peer confrontation. Students will also learn about special issues pertaining to chemical dependency such as:
      • HIV-AIDS
      • Counseling Special Populations
      • Women's Issues
      • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
      • Understanding Metal Health
      • DSM IV
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Psychiatric Medications and the CD Client
      • Suicide Assessment
      • Crisis Intervention
    • V: Practicum 300 Hours
      Practicum is field-based, practical experience student, who has completed all required coursework. As such, the Practicum allows students to work in an ICDS-approved setting, i.e. a chemical dependency or similar agency under the direct supervision of the ICDS Practicum Coordinator.
    Frequently Asked Questions
    • Do I need a degree in addiction counseling to become a counselor? Many states require a minimum of an Associate Degree in the behavioral sciences, as well as some education in addiction counseling. The addiction counseling education does not have to be from a college or university.
    • Why choose ICDS over a college or university? ICDS, though not a college or university, offers the same quality curriculum and education. The skills needed to treat addiction are rarely taught in the academic world, and there is no movement on state or local college levels to develop a specific addiction treatment tract
      within the Psychology or Counseling degree programs. So while many students study in accredited institutions, they may only get three to nine hours of focused study on the disease of addiction. Because our curriculum is specialized for prospective addiction counselors, you will finish faster and pay a lower tuition. You will also have the benefit of developing relationships with people working in the field through your instructor and mentor.
    • Once I've applied and paid, what happens next? All students, both classroom and distance learning, are required to complete the following forms:
      1. The ICDS Enrollment Agreement
      2. Provide Proof of Education
      3. TWC Form CS-010 Record of Previous Education & Training
      4. TWC Form CS-005 Receipt of Enrollment Policies (to be completed by Student and the School Director)
      You are not officially enrolled, nor eligible to receive credit for any course until all of the above documentation has been completed, signed dated and returned to the school. Upon enrollment, you will be contacted by the School Director and/or your Instructor with instruction on where and when to begin your training.
    • What is a Mentor and Proctor and how do I find them? Before starting the ICDS Distance Learning program you need to secure a Mentor and a Proctor.

      All Mentors are required to be licensed/certified as follows:
      1. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
      2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
      3. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
      4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
      5. Hold an MA in Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology, CCJP or CPS, and who has worked in a chemical dependency counseling setting for a minimum of five (5) years
      A Proctor is an approved person capable of supervising students taking their final exams. Proctors ensure educational integrity while students are taking their final exams. Students will need to use a proctoring site a total of four (4) times to take the final exam after end of each of the four (4) Distance Learning training courses. Relatives and co-workers are not eligible to be Proctors. Your proctor will be responsible for final exams. You may obtain a formal proctoring site through your local colleges or universities. Some public libraries offer proctoring services for a minimal fee.
    • What if I only need part of the course to become certified/licensed. Can I take only one or two courses, if necessary? Yes. We will work with you to decide which courses you need to satisfy the certification/licensure requirements in your state. Individual course price is $600.
    • Where will I be able to gain employment? An LCDC may find employment in a variety of fields including but not limited to:
      • Residential Treatment Programs
      • Outpatient Treatment Program
      • Social Work
      • Outreach Programs
      • Screening and Referral Community Programs
      • Criminal Justice Programs
      • Dual Diagnosis Programs
      • Adolescent & Women-Only Programs
      • Domestic Violence Victims or Offenders
      • Veteran’s Programs
      • Employee Assistance Programs
      • Intervention and Prevention Programs
      • Court Diversion Programs
    • How long does it take to complete the training? Total time in weeks to complete the Classroom Program is sixteen (16) weeks. Total time in weeks to complete the Distance Learning Program is thirty-six (36) weeks. There is a 90-day limit to complete each distance learning course.
    • Will a criminal history affect my ability to become a drug and alcohol counselor? Criminal history standards/statutes are different for every state. For information on criminal history standards that might affect you, contact the licensing body of your state. We are also happy to assist you with any questions you have regarding criminal history and you can contact us at 866-523-2669.
    • What are the requirements to become an LCDC in Texas? In Texas there are two levels of protected titles for those practicing as Substance Abuse Counselors. The first level is the internship level which allows you to obtain the experience you need to become fully licensed and is known as the Counselor Intern (CI). Once you have the necessary training provided ICDS you can apply to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).

      1. You must pass the Counselor Intern (CI)requirements.
      2. You must hold at minimum an Associate’s degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from a regionally accredited university.
      3. You are required to have 4,000 hours of supervised work experience under the supervision of an LCDC with a current active license in Texas. This experience must be within the 12 core functions.
      4. You must pass the Texas written Chemical Dependency Counselor Examination.
      5. You must pass the Texas oral Chemical Dependency Counselor Examination.
      6. You must provide two letters of reference from LCDCs with your application for licensure.
      7. You must present an acceptable case examination to The Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP).

      For more information click here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lcdc/default.shtm
    • How much money can I make as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual Chemical Dependency Counselor salary in Houston, TX is $50,862, as of September 06, 2017, with a range usually between $44,462-$56,533 not including bonus and benefit information and other factors that impact base pay.
    • What is the job outlook for LCDC professionals? In 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the overall employment growth for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to be 22% from 2014-2024. This rate is much faster than average and is expected to result in an increase of 21,200 jobs in the field over that decade. As a result of all this growth, the job outlook is expected to be favorable. There is a need for more counselors at mental health centers to meet demand for services. In addition, drug offenders are more often getting counseling, and workers will be needed to help with treatment programs.
    • What are the requirements to become a Counselor Intern (CI) in the state of Texas? Applying for registration as a counselor intern (CI) is the first step towards becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. To be eligible for a CI registration, a person must:

      1. Be at least 18 years of age.
      2. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
      3. Successfully complete 270 classroom hours of chemical dependency curricula as described in the rules 25 TAC §140.406 (relating to Standards for 270 Educational Hours) or meet the educational waiver contained in 25 TAC §140.405 (b).
      4. Complete 300 hours of approved supervised field work practicum as described in the rules 25 TAC §140.407 (relating to Practicum Standards) or meet the educational waiver contained in the rules 25 TAC §140.405 (b).
      5. Pass the criminal history standards described in the rules 25 TAC §140.430 (relating to Criminal History Standards).
      6. Sign a written agreement to abide by the ethical standards contained in the rules 25 TAC §140.423.
      7. Be worthy of the public trust and confidence as determined by the department.

      For more information go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lcdc/lcdc_intern.shtm
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    Tuition Fee:
    $3,875.00

    Practicum Fee (If charged separately, if enrolled in full course is included in tuition):
    $650.00

    Administration Fee:
    $100.00

    Shipping for Distance Learning Program:
    $25.00 (non refundable)

    Total Charges for Program:
    $4,000.00

    Individual coursefee:
    $500.00

    Scholarship Terms:
    N/A

    ICDS courses qualify for college transfer credit hours into the University of Phoenix's bachelor's or associate's degree programs.

    For a breakdown of which courses qualify for college credit and to see the full list of schools that accept our training, visit the college credit page.


    The billing policy of ICDS is that tuition payment must be made via cash, money order, cashier's check, or credit card. All accounts must be paid in full in order to receive transcript. A deposit of $750.00 is required upon enrollment. The deposit applies to the tuition payment. We offer three non-interest payment plans as follows: