Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Program
About the Profession - Scope of Practice

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A licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) is licensed to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods, and procedures of the chemical dependency profession as defined by the profession's ethical standards and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) as defined by rule in 25 TAC ch. 441 (relating to General Provisions). The license does not qualify an individual to provide services outside this scope of practice.

The scope of practice for a chemical dependency counselor includes services that address substance abuse/dependence and/or its impact on the service recipient subject to the following:

• the counselor is prohibited from using techniques that exceed his or her professional competence;
• the service recipient may only be the user, family member or any other person involved in a significant relationship with an active user;
• LCDCs may diagnose substance disorders, but anything other than a mental health diagnostic impression must be determined by a qualified professional; and
• LCDCs are not qualified to treat individuals with a mental health disorder or provide family counseling to individuals whose presenting problems do not include chemical dependency.

The Practice of Chemical Dependency Counseling Services is defined by rule as "Providing or offering to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods, and procedures of the chemical dependency counseling profession as defined by the activities listed in the domains of TAP 21 "Addictions Counseling Competencies: the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice" published by CSAT".

Last Updated June 9, 2005