Why Licensed Counselors Matter During Substance Use Treatment Intake in Kentucky

When someone seeks treatment for drug or alcohol use in Kentucky, the first major step is a thorough intake assessmentand the creation of an individualized treatment plan. This critical foundation determines the course of care, level of support needed, and addresses any underlying mental health conditions.

In Kentucky, when a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) leads this process, clients benefit from a deeper, clinically informed evaluation compared to assessments conducted by staff with lesser credentials. In this article, we'll explore how LPCCs conduct intake, how treatment plans are developed, and why the counselor's credentials make a real difference.

Not all professionals conducting intake assessments have the same qualifications.

What Happens During Substance Use Intake in Kentucky?

The intake process begins with a comprehensive individual assessment. An LPCC gathers key information to understand the client's full clinical picture, including:

• Substance Use History: Type of substances used, frequency, duration, past treatment experiences, and withdrawal symptoms.

• Mental Health History: Diagnosed conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, along with medication use and past hospitalizations.

• Medical History: Chronic illnesses, hospitalizations, current medications, and any acute physical health concerns.

• Psychosocial Assessment: Family dynamics, education, employment status, social support networks, legal issues, trauma history, and housing stability.

• Risk Assessment: Evaluating suicide risk, homicide risk, and overdose risk using standardized clinical tools.

• Motivation and Readiness to Change: Understanding where the client stands in their recovery journey based on models like the Transtheoretical Model.

• ASAM Criteria Application: Using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines to recommend the appropriate level of care, from outpatient therapy to residential treatment.

Every intake concludes with a diagnostic impression, which guides the next phase: treatment planning.

Building the Individualized Treatment Plan

Once the assessment is completed, the LPCC works collaboratively with the client to design a personalized treatment plan. In Kentucky for substance use intake

, treatment plans are required to be client-centered, goal-oriented, and measurable.

Typical components include:

• Identified Problems: Diagnoses related to substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorders.

• Goals: Broad, meaningful objectives such as achieving sobriety, improving mental health, or rebuilding family relationships.

• Objectives: Specific, measurable actions like attending therapy sessions, completing workbooks, or participating in support groups.

• Clinical Interventions: Evidence-based strategies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or trauma-focused therapy.

• Cultural and Spiritual Considerations: Respecting the client's cultural background and spiritual needs, such as offering faith-based group options if desired.

• Review Schedule: Treatment plans are reviewed and updated regularly, usually every 30 to 90 days, to reflect progress or emerging needs.

Importantly, LPCCs have the authority to independently diagnose and develop plans without requiring oversight or co-signatures, streamlining care for clients.

Why Credentials Matter: LPCCs vs. Other Staff in Kentucky

Not all professionals conducting intake assessments have the same qualifications. Here's how it typically breaks down in Kentucky:

Credential	Scope of Practice During Intake
LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)	Independently diagnose mental health and substance use disorders; create and sign off on complete treatment plans; bill Medicaid and private insurance directly.
LPCA (Licensed Professional Counselor Associate)	Conduct assessments under supervision; cannot finalize diagnoses or treatment plans without a supervisor’s review.
CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)	Perform substance use screenings; cannot diagnose mental health disorders; treatment plans require LPCC or LCSW co-signature.
Peer Support Specialist	Support client engagement; cannot conduct formal assessments or create treatment plans.

Bottom line: Having an LPCC conduct the intake ensures a clinically sound, legally billable, and comprehensive plan — critical for clients with complex or co-occurring needs.

Real-World Kentucky Examples

RecoveryGlue.org (Lexington, Kentucky):At this outpatient program, LPCCs conduct initial intakes for clients presenting with addiction and underlying PTSD. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs) support group services, but final diagnosis and treatment planning are handled by the LPCCs.

New Vista Behavioral Health (Statewide):Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPCAs) often perform initial interviews but must submit all assessments to an LPCC or LCSW for final approval before Medicaid billing can occur.

Kentucky River Community Care (Eastern Kentucky):Peer Support Specialists assist with client engagement during intake, but the LPCCs are responsible for conducting full assessments and creating individualized treatment plans for state compliance.

Kentucky-Specific Practices to Know

Kentucky has several distinct practices that impact the intake and treatment planning process:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Programs operate under the assumption that trauma is a root cause of many substance use disorders.

• Telehealth Integration: Particularly for rural areas, LPCCs often conduct assessments and therapy sessions via secure telehealth platforms.

• Strict Licensing Regulations: The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors mandates thorough documentation and compliance, especially when billing Medicaid.

  
  

Final Thoughts

In Kentucky’s drug and alcohol programs, a skilled intake assessment conducted by an LPCC can set the stage for effective, individualized treatment. LPCCs bring a high level of clinical training, diagnostic ability, and therapeutic insight that staff with lesser credentials simply cannot match. By investing in a thorough, licensed intake process, treatment providers ensure that clients get the care they deserve — right from the very first meeting.

At RecoveryGlue.org assessments and treatment plans are ONLY conducted by a Kentucky LPCC.

If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, make sure your first point of contact is with a licensed professional who can see the full picture. It could make all the difference in your recovery journey.