Psychology Department

Rhode Island Licensure

Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP) in Rhode Island

To earn licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional, you must be certified by the Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB) and apply to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). The RICB offers three primary certifications for substance abuse professionals: Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PADC), which is meant to be a transitional certification for a maximum of two years; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC); and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Each certification has different education and experience requirements. The minimum education for PADCs and CADCs is a high school diploma or GED, while CAADCs must have a master’s degree with relevant coursework. Substance abuse professionals in Rhode Island use specialized counseling knowledge and skills to address issues related to recovery and develop treatment plans to prevent and treat substance abuse disorders; this may include referring clients to related medical, psychological, social, or legal services as necessary. To become licensed as a chemical dependency professional, follow these steps:

  • Complete formal education related to alcohol and drug education, if not completed as part of a degree (140 hours for PADCs, 300 hours for CADCs, and 180 hours for CAADCs).
  • Apply for PADC certification, if desired.
  • Earn supervised experience.
  • Pass the required exam (CADC applicants must pass the IC&RC Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors and CAADC applicants must pass the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors).
  • Apply for and receive a CADC or CAADC certification.
  • Apply for and receive an LCDP license, if you are a CAADC holder.

 

https://www.counselingdegreeguide.org/licensure/rhode-island/#substance