How to Become an Addiction Counselor in Ohio

Ohio issues chemical dependency counselor credentials directly through a state board: the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDP). Ohio uses a mixed model — the entry tier is a state certificate, while the counselor tiers above it are state licenses.

Credential tiers

• CDCA — entry certificate required before supervised counselor work in an OhioMHAS-certified program.
• LCDC-II — associate degree with approved coursework, supervised experience, licensing exam.
• LCDC-III — bachelor's degree with approved coursework, supervised experience, licensing exam.
• LICDC — master's degree with additional supervised hours and the independent-tier licensing exam. Authorizes independent practice.

Adjacent licenses

LPC / LPCC is a separate mental-health license issued by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board — a different agency from OCDP.

What this page is not

A structural reference. Not career advice. Not a substitute for the exact hour totals and application forms published by OCDP.