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The Center for Addiction Studies and Research is a Montana Department of Labor and Industry approved distance learning provider of education for Montana LAC substance abuse certifications.
Montana LAC Certification Education Requirements and Courses
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas: alcohol and drug studies; psychology; sociology; social work; counseling; human services; psychiatric rehabilitation; or community health; OR
Associates degree or a certificate from an accredited institution in one of the following areas: alcohol and drug studies; addiction; or substance abuse.
Documentation of 330 hours of substance use disorder specific coursework across the following content areas:
- 90 hours – counseling
- 60 hours – chemical dependency assessment and patient placement (must include chemical dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing, diagnosis, referrals, and patient placement)
- 30 hours – alcohol and drug studies
- 30 hours – co-occurring disorders
- 30 hours gambling/gaming disorder assessment and counseling
- 30 hours – pharmacology (must include drug classification, effects, detoxification, and withdrawal)
- 30 hours – treatment planning and documentation
- 20 hours – multicultural competency (knowledge of and sensitive to the cultural factors and needs of diverse populations and demonstrate competency in applying culturally relevant skills)
- 10 hours – ethics
There is no limit on the number of hours that can be earned through approved home study distance learning trainings.
Required Courses
LAC 330-hour Required Content Training
Montana LAC 330-hour Required Content Training
$2,640
This course includes 330 hours of across the following content areas:
- 90 hours – counseling
- 60 hours – chemical dependency assessment and patient placement
- Includes chemical dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing, diagnosis, referrals, and patient placement
- 30 hours – alcohol and drug studies
- 30 hours – co-occurring disorders
- 30 hours gambling/gaming disorder assessment and counseling
- 30 hours – pharmacology
- Includes drug classification, effects, detoxification, and withdrawal
- 30 hours – treatment planning and documentation
- 20 hours – multicultural competency
- 10 hours – ethics
330 Hours – $2640
Please contact our office for information regarding payment plan options or to purchase individual content sections.
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Individual Content Area Courses
LAC 90-hour Counseling Training
90-Hour Counseling Training
$720
Topics covered include:
- Enhancing Motivation for Change
- Group Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
90 Hours – $720
Please contact our office for information regarding payment plan options.
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LAC 60-hour Chemical Dependency Assessment and Patient Placement Training
Montana LAC 60-hour Chemical Dependency Assessment and Patient Placement Training
$480
Topics covered include:
- Screening and assessment
- Patient placement criteria
- Assessment with special populations and special issues
60 Hours – $480
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LAC 30-hour Alcohol and Drug Studies Training
Montana LAC 30-hour Alcohol and Drug Studies
$240
This course focuses on theoretical models of addiction and various theoretical approaches to substance abuse treatment.
Topics covered include:
- Behavioral approaches
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches
- Strategic-interactional approaches
- Humanistic and existential approaches
- Psychodynamic approaches
- Family-based approaches
- Group therapy approaches
- Evaluation and outcome studies
30 Hours – $240
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LAC 30-hour Co-Occurring Disorders Training
Montana LAC 30-hour Co-Occurring Disorders Training
$240
This course focuses on the unique issues of substance abuse among individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and best-practice philosophies for treating clients with co-occurring disorders.
Topics covered include:
- Guiding principles for treating clients with co-occurring disorders
- Assessment and diagnostic criteria
- Psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic medications
- Treatment settings and models
- Strategies and techniques for working with co-occurring disorder populations
- Dual recovery and mutual self-help support programs
- Workforce development and staff support
- Special populations
30 Hours – $240
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LAC 30-hour Gambling/Gaming Disorder Assessment and Counseling Training
Montana LAC 30-hour Gambling/Gaming Disorder Assessment and Counseling Training
$240
This course focuses on financial issues and strategies for problem gamblers and their families and various issues related to youth gambling.
Topics covered include:
- Social and personal costs of problem gambling to individuals and their families
- Financial warning signs
- Identifying assets and creating a realistic spending plan
- Personal bankruptcy issues
- Financial stabilization strategies
- Scope and prevalence of youth gambling
- Risk and protective factors
- Assessment issues
- Prevention efforts
- Treatment strategies and approaches
30 Hours – $240
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LAC 30-hour Pharmacology Training
Montana LAC 30-hour Pharmacology Training
$240
This course focuses on the physical, psychological and pharmacological effects of drugs of abuse. Psychoactive substances covered include cocaine, hallucinogens and dissociative drugs, heroin, inhalants, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, prescription medications, steroids and other APEDs, and tobacco.
Topics covered include:
- Scope and prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the United States
- The pharmacology of addiction
- Brain chemistry and neurotransmission
- Brain rewards mechanisms and systems
- Tolerance and withdrawal
- Predisposing risk factors
- Short- and long-term behavioral consequences
- Short- and long-term medical complications and consequences
- Effects of prenatal and maternal use
30 Hours – $240
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LAC 30-hour Treatment Planning and Documentation Training
Montana LAC 30-hour Treatment Planning and Documentation Training
$240
This course focuses on best-practice philosophies for effective substance abuse treatment planning.
Topics covered include:
- Prioritizing client needs
- Components of treatment planning
- Treatment goals, objectives and interventions
- Re-evaluation of treatment plans
- Client participation in the treatment planning process
- Treatment planning skills and competencies
- Client motivation and readiness for change
- Co-Occurring disorders and special populations
- Treatment planning for special populations
30 Hours – $240
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LAC 20-hour Multi-Cultural Competency
Montana LAC 20-hour Multi-Cultural Competency Training
$160
This course offers a conceptual framework for working with diverse cultural groups in a substance abuse treatment setting.
Topics covered include:
- General principles for delivering culturally competent treatment services
- Health and social consequences of drug use
- Help seeking behaviors
- Access to care issues and barriers to treatment
- Core competences and skills
- Adapting treatment approaches to clients from culturally diverse backgrounds
- Drug cultures and the culture of recovery
- Culturally responsive assessment and treatment planning
20 Hours – $160
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LAC 10-hour Ethics Training
Montana LAC 10-hour Ethics Training
$115
This course focuses on legal issues, ethical principles and professional considerations commonly faced by addiction professionals.
Topics covered include:
- Ethical principles and legal issues in addiction counseling
- Counselor-client relationships
- Transference/countertransference
- Boundary issues
- Clinical supervision and counselor competence
- Professional readiness
- Federal Confidentiality Regulations (42 CFR Part 2)
- The HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Application of NAADAC Code Ethics in professional practice
10 Hours – $115
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Montana LAC Certification Continuing Education Requirements and Courses
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Documentation of 20 hours of continuing education every year including 2 hours of suicide prevention education.
There is no limit on the number of hours that can be earned through approved home study distance learning trainings.
Required Courses
Suicide Prevention for Addiction Professionals
Suicide Prevention for Addiction Professionals
$100
This course offers substance abuse counselors a four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in substance abuse treatment.
Topics covered include:
- Link between substance abuse and suicidality
- Risk and protective factors
- Suicide assessment
- Techniques and procedures for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Warning signs and safety plans
- Counselor skills and competencies
- Documentation and confidentiality issues
6 Hours – $100
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Elective Courses
Learn More About Montana LAC Certification
Complete your Montana LAC initial and continuing education requirements through our convenient and flexible distance learning addiction education format. The Center for Addiction Studies and Research offers self-paced, home study Montana LAC approved distance learning coursework. Whether you are looking for initial certification requirements, continuing education for an LAC, or have questions regarding the Montana LAC certification process, The Center for Addiction Studies and Research can help you with any of your questions regarding becoming a substance abuse counselor in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why become a Montana LAC substance abuse counselor?
The substance abuse treatment field is facing a nationwide shortage of trained addiction treatment counselors. More than 24 million people across the United States are in need of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse related problems. Approximately 5,000 new counselors are needed annually to keep up with the current demand for treatment services. By receiving substance abuse counselor training and becoming a Montana LAC, you can help reduce this shortage and make a difference in people’s lives.
How do I become a substance abuse counselor in Montana?
To receive a Montana LAC substance abuse certification, you will need to document successful completion of addiction studies educational requirements, supervised work experience hours, and pass a state certification examination. To view LAC specific addiction education requirements, please select the tabs above.
For more information regarding the Montana LAC certification requirements, please contact our office.
How do Montana LAC online addiction courses work?
- Select our pre-approved Montana LAC addiction studies coursework listed above.
- Read through the LAC addiction education required for substance abuse certification.
- Complete the multiple choice exams.
- Receive certificates of completion following the successful completion of each substance abuse counselor training.
How does the Montana LAC online addiction certification process work?
Upon successful completion of your online addiction courses, you will need to submit your certificates of completion along with the rest of your application packet to the state board.
Where can I receive Montana LAC continuing education?
We offer Montana LAC approved continuing education. To view LAC specific continuing education requirements or to view our list of approved addiction education, please select the LAC tab under Montana LAC Continuing Education Requirements and Courses.
For more information regarding the Montana LAC continuing education requirements, please contact our office.