Counselor Reciprocity

Each state sets acceptable criteria for issuing Reciprocity credentials based upon certification or licensure from another state. GACA will consider all candidates on a case-by-case basis. GACA may grant reciprocity to an addiction counselor certified by a non-NAADAC certifying body if the applicant meets all other qualifications. Final approval is at the discretion of the Certification Committee and Board of Directors. Download and complete Reciprocity Application below. Your current certifying body must sign off on your application.

To apply for Reciprocity, you must have met the minimum requirements of certification that would otherwise be required of any applicant through the normal certification process with GACA.

CAC Level I Minimums

4000 work hours (approximately 2 years working 40 hours per week)
220 hours of clinical supervisior
180 hours of alcohol/drug/counseling specific education.
Written Examination

CAC Level II Minimums

6000 work hours (approximately 3 years working 40 hours per week
220 hours of clinical supervision. 270 hours of alcohol/drug/counseling specific education.
Bachelor’s Degree
Written Examination
Applicants requesting Reciprocity from a state which met less than these minimums may be considered on a case- by-case basis at the discretion of the Certification Committee.

To implement counselor reciprocity, the following guidelines should be followed

Be an active member of GACA/NAADAC (optional, but recommended. Membership qualifies applicant for member benefits and discounts.)
The applicant must hold a current, verifiable certification or license outside the state of Georgia and provide a copy of this certificate or license.
The applicant’s credentialing body must provide mutual reciprocity to GACA, and have credentialing standards that meet or exceed those of GACA. The original certifying body will hold the reciprocity applicant’s original file indefinitely.
The applicant’s credentialing body must provide verification of current credential and criteria met for initial/re-certification to date to determine eligibility and certification level for GACA Reciprocity.
The applicant may provide additional information and/or copies of current training and education since the last credential re-certification to further document the applicant’s qualifications.
Requires proof of a passing score on written examination.
Two letters of reference from certified counselors.
The CAC Certificate will indicate that the person has been continuously certified by GACA since the date that reciprocity was granted.
Special consideration will be given to counselors serving the military while on active duty or within two years of release from active duty.

Application Requirements

The applicant will complete and sign the application form and have it witnessed. This form and a non-refundable application fee are mailed to the GACA office.
Signed NAADAC Code of Ethics.
The application must include all requested documentation to support the application.Copy of last educational level received, college transcript, HS diploma, GED certificate, etc… College transcript is required if being used to meet requirements of CAC Level II that requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a college/university acceptable to the Certification Committee.
- GACA will not grant reciprocity to any candidate from any state that does not have qualifications that are similar to or higher than required by GACA.Payment of reciprocity application fees. $150.00 for NAADAC/GACA members, $200.00 for non-members. ALL APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

If the applicant’s credentialing body did not require written examination either because it was not required or the applicant “grand parented” into certification, the applicant will be given the opportunity to sit for written examination to meet these requirements for GACA Reciprocity. Waiver of this requirement will be at the discretion of the Certification Committee.