IBADCC Certification Grid
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
for Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Taken From:
SAMSHA Publication, “Scopes and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorder Counseling, September 2011
Substance Use Disorder Associate (SUDA)
Substance Use Disorder Associate (SUDA) can only practice under the supervision of an IBADCC approved Clinical Supervisor.
The scope of practice for an SUDA includes the following activities with clinical supervision from an IBADCC approved Clinical Supervisor:
1. Diagnostic Impression and Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBRIT).
2. Monitor treatment plan/compliance
3. Referral
4. Service Coordination and case management for SUD
5. SUD education with individuals and groups
6. Client, Family and Community Education
7. Documentation
8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
The scope of practice for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) at the Bachelor’s level, includes the following activities with clinical supervision from an IBADCC approved Clinical Supervisor:
1. Clinical evaluation, diagnostic impression including SUD diagnosis or Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBRIT)
2. Treatment planning for SUDs and CODs, including initial, ongoing, continuity of care, discharge and planning for relapse prevention
3. Referral
4. Service Coordination and case management for SUD and CODs
5. Counseling, trauma informed care and psycho-education with individuals, families and groups for SUD
6. Client, Family and Community Education
7. Documentation
8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Advanced Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ACDAC)
Advanced Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ACADC) is more likely to provide clinical supervisory responsibilities. IBADCC recommends that the ACADC continue to seek clinical supervision for themselves in order to continue providing ethical and competent services to supervisees and/or clients.
The scope of practice for the ACDAC at the Master’s level (or post Master’s), includes the following activities:
1. Clinical evaluation, diagnostic impression including SUD diagnosis or Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBRIT)
2. Treatment planning for SUDs and CODs, including initial, ongoing, continuity of care, discharge and planning for relapse prevention
3. Referral
4. Service Coordination and case management for SUD and CODs
5. Counseling, therapy, trauma informed care, and psycho-education with individuals, families and groups in the areas of SUDs and CODs
6. Client, Family, and Community Education
7. Documentation
8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
9. Clinical supervisory responsibilities for the SUDA and CADC