Certification is a voluntary process that is supervised by your professional peers. This is different than Licensure, which is supervised by the government (in New Mexico, this is through the Regulation and Licensing Department).
There are two major bodies that issue certification in the substance abuse field. One of these is IC&RC, and the other is NAADAC. Both have several levels of certification. Certification is recommended for persons who have a license such as LPCC, or LMFT, but want to let the public and their professional peers know that they have a specialty in substance abuse. A person with these licenses is legally authorized to treat substance abuse clients, so they don't need a LADAC.
There are some situations in which a person with another license will need to obtain a LADAC also. Certain funding streams require a LADAC for funding. Check with your employer or contractor to see if a certification is permitted instead of a license.
There is also a provision in the current rules that allows licensure by credentials, which means if a person has a valid certification, they may be issued a LADAC upon completing the application and paying the required fees.
What are the benefits of certification over licensure?
- Certification is
generally more portable. The LADAC is only good in the State of New
Mexico, whereas Certifications are recognized by most States. If you
might be relocating, it is wise to check with the State where you are going
in order to plan best.
- The IC&RC (C ADAC) does
not require formal academic preparation (college). Persons who are not
able to acquire a degree in the near future are likely to find the CADAC
more expedient. Presently, there is a grandfathering period in New
Mexico until 2010 so persons with a CADAC can present this credential, pay a
fee, and obtain a LADAC. It behooves those who will not have a college
degree before 2010 to take advantage of this opportunity.
- The IC & RC will credit the applicant with any previous work experience that was appropriately supervised. This is a benefit to those who have worked in the field for many years, and are seeking recognition of their experience. In New Mexico, no experience can be used that occurred prior to Licensure of some sort.