We all know that collaboration leads to better outcomes—especially when each professional brings their specific expertise to the table. As a therapist in private practice, you may be supporting clients through trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, or other life transitions. But when substance use enters the picture, and it’s outside your scope, it can be hard to know what to do next.
That’s where a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) may be the right fit.
Whether a client is using substances themselves, feeling the impact of a loved one’s use, or needs an assessment, partnering with an LADC can complement the work you’re already doing and support your client more fully.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding what LADCs do, when to consider a referral, and how to collaborate for the benefit of your client.
What Is an LADC?
A Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) is a behavioral health professional with focused training in substance use, addiction, recovery, and harm reduction. While some are dually licensed (LADC and LCPC, LCSW, or LMFT), some are licensed solely in substance use treatment. This specialization brings valuable perspective and depth.
LADCs can help with:
- Substance use counseling for people experiencing substance use, newly sober, or thinking about change.
- Affected other therapy to support family members and loved ones impacted by someone’s substance use.
- Harm reduction and goal setting for those working toward change at their own pace.
- Skill-building and coping strategies to learn how to manage triggers, rebuild routines, and handle life without substances.
When to Refer to an LADC
While many licensed behavioral health clinicians are equipped to address co-occurring concerns, LADCs are trained to keep substance use front and center—especially when it’s the dominant factor shaping a client’s daily life, relationships, or decision-making.
Even still, you don’t have to wait for substance use to become the primary focus before referring and a referral doesn’t have to mean a transfer of care. Here are some common scenarios where a referral to an LADC can make a difference:
- Substance use complicates the therapeutic work. If a client is missing sessions due to substance use, or if it repeatedly derails the goals you’re working toward, it may be time to bring in someone who can focus directly on that piece.
- When you’re hitting a plateau. Substance use can be a block to trauma processing, relational healing, or mood stabilization. This may make progress feel stuck.
- The client is using substances to manage emotions. When substances are being used to numb trauma, anxiety, or grief, an LADC can help untangle the behavioral patterns and offer practical support for change.
- A loved one’s substance use is the primary concern. If your client is feeling overwhelmed by a loved one’s use, LADCs can support the affected other with education, boundaries, and coping strategies.
- An assessment is needed. LADCs frequently complete substance use assessments for DHHS, courts, schools, or medical providers. If documentation or system coordination is needed, they can help.
Interested in partnering with an LADC within our network? Simply complete a referral form on our website or call our Referrals Department at 207-333-3278.
