Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Pathway
University of Montana BSW and MSW students can plan coursework that supports the educational requirements for Montana Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) licensure. The pathway combines Social Work coursework with addiction-focused electives and other approved learning opportunities.
The University of Montana does not award the Licensed Addiction Counselor credential. Licensure is granted by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health. The Board determines whether an applicant has satisfied current education, supervision, examination, and other licensing requirements.
How the LAC Pathway Works
Students can complete much of the required education while earning their BSW or MSW. The general pathway is:
- Complete the required degree and addiction-related education. Montana currently requires 285 hours of addiction coursework for the Licensed Addiction Counselor Candidate (ACLC) credential.
- Apply for the ACLC credential. After meeting the educational requirements, graduates apply to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health and meet the Board's candidate and supervision requirements.
- Complete supervised post-degree work experience. After the candidate credential is issued, individuals complete the supervised experience required by the Board.
- Complete the examination and full licensure requirements. Applicants then meet the Board's examination and other requirements for the full LAC credential.
Review current LAC and ACLC licensure checklists, applications, and forms.
Coursework for UM Social Work Students
The LAC pathway uses a combination of required Social Work coursework, addiction-focused electives, and other approved coursework or training to address Montana's educational requirements. Students should work with their academic advisor to plan coursework early in their BSW or MSW program.
Key LAC Pathway Courses
- SW 423 Addiction Studies: available to BSW and MSW students
- SW 553 Addiction Studies: available to MSW students
- SW 426 Substance Use Disorders and Social Work Skill Sets: 3 credits
- SW 427 Motivational Interviewing: 2 credits
- PHARM 110 Use and Abuse of Substances: 3 credits
- Gambling and gaming disorder education: additional approved education or training may be needed to meet current Board requirements
Other required BSW or MSW courses may also contribute educational content toward the Board's requirements. Course applicability is subject to Board review and current licensing requirements.
BSW Pathway
BSW students should use the current BSW LAC planning guide with their academic advisor to identify how required BSW coursework, LAC-focused electives, and other approved education can be combined to support the state educational requirements.
View the BSW LAC Pathway Planning Guide
MSW Pathway
MSW students should use the current MSW LAC planning guide with their academic advisor to identify how required MSW coursework, LAC-focused electives, and other approved education can be combined to support the state educational requirements.
View the MSW LAC Pathway Planning Guide
Planning While You Are a Student
Students interested in the LAC pathway should begin planning early so required courses and other educational experiences can be incorporated into their degree plan.
- Discuss your interest in the LAC pathway with your academic advisor.
- Use the current BSW or MSW LAC planning guide when selecting courses.
- Keep course syllabi, certificates of completion, and other documentation that may be needed to demonstrate completion of required educational content.
- Review Montana Board of Behavioral Health requirements regularly because licensure requirements may change.
- Consider practicum opportunities involving substance use disorder treatment when they support your professional goals.
A practicum in a substance use disorder treatment setting can provide valuable professional experience, but social work practicum hours do not replace the supervised post-degree experience required for Montana LAC licensure.
Montana Licensure Requirements
Montana uses two related addiction counseling credentials:
Licensed Addiction Counselor Candidate (ACLC)
The ACLC credential allows qualified graduates to complete the supervised experience required for full LAC licensure. The Montana Board of Behavioral Health currently requires 285 hours of addiction coursework as part of the candidate's educational preparation.
For applicants with a bachelor's degree or higher, the Board also requires educational preparation that includes specified coursework in human behavior, sociology, psychology, or a similar emphasis; psychopathology; group counseling; and theory of counseling. Applicants must also meet the Board's supervisor requirements.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
For full LAC licensure through the candidate pathway, the Board currently requires 1,000 hours of supervised work experience completed over a minimum of seven months in no more than two treatment programs, along with successful completion of a Board-approved examination and all other licensing requirements.
Review Montana behavioral health license information.
Access LAC and ACLC licensure forms and checklists.
Questions and Advising
Students interested in the LAC pathway are encouraged to discuss their interest with their academic or faculty advisor so the pathway can be considered as part of their overall degree planning.
BSW Students
For questions about the BSW LAC pathway, course planning, or how BSW coursework can support the pathway, contact:
Deanna Cooper
deanna.cooper@mso.umt.edu
MSW Students
For questions about the MSW LAC pathway, course planning, or how MSW coursework can support the pathway, contact:
Logan Cook
logan.cook@mso.umt.edu
Questions about whether coursework, supervised experience, examinations, or other qualifications satisfy Montana licensure requirements should be directed to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Licensure requirements are established by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health and are subject to change.