State addiction counseling survey reveals workforce shortage and licensing concerns

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) held an Addiction Counseling Advisory Committee meeting on June 3, 2025, to discuss various recommendations and feedback from licensed addiction counselors. The meeting focused on addressing workforce shortages, licensure requirements, and the overall quality of addiction counseling services in the state.

The committee received input from 69 individuals who reported having no recommendations, while others provided a range of suggestions. Key recommendations included increasing the number of providers in the field to combat workforce shortages, loosening educational requirements for Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) licensure, and limiting the maximum number of clients on practitioner caseloads. Additionally, participants suggested limiting group therapy sizes and incorporating years of practice as a component for clinical licensure pathways.

Training and education were also significant themes, with calls for more focus on ethics, evidence-based practices, cultural diversity, and HIPAA regulations. Some licensees emphasized the need for clear guidelines distinguishing peer mentors from licensed counselors.

The meeting also highlighted responses from 106 licensed master's addiction counselors, where 51 indicated no additional recommendations. Among those who did provide feedback, suggestions were categorized into four main areas: BSRB-specific, application-specific, continuing education unit (CEU)-specific, and other recommendations. Notable BSRB-specific recommendations included hiring more staff, enhancing communication with licensees, and creating a multistate compact for licensure. Application-specific suggestions involved streamlining the application process and eliminating certain examination requirements.

For CEU recommendations, participants advocated for affordable or free CEUs, particularly in areas such as professional boundaries and dual relationships. Other feedback included the need for increased funding and resources for addiction counselors and a call to ease licensing restrictions.

The committee also gathered insights from Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselors (LCACs), where 50 individuals responded. Many expressed the need for easier licensing examinations and better study materials. Respondents highlighted the importance of maintaining professional standards and educating the public about addiction counseling services.

In the final segment of the meeting, participants were invited to share any additional comments. Many expressed concerns about the approval times for student LAC licenses and the need for incentives to attract new professionals to the field. Some respondents cautioned against loosening licensure requirements, arguing that it could compromise service quality and public safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for a well-trained workforce in addiction counseling, with a consensus on the importance of maintaining high standards while addressing the challenges of workforce shortages. The BSRB plans to review the feedback and recommendations as it considers potential changes to statutes and regulations governing the addiction counseling profession in Kansas.