Substance abuse counselors help people address addiction and substance use disorders through assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and ongoing recovery support. On Ladders, explore vetted opportunities for experienced professionals, including roles in behavioral health organizations, hospitals, treatment centers, and community-based programs. Many listings target positions paying $100,000 or more, particularly for senior clinicians, program leaders, and specialized practitioners.
Responsibilities vary by setting and credentials, but may include evaluating clients, developing individualized care plans, conducting individual or group counseling, coordinating referrals, documenting progress, and supporting relapse prevention. Counselors often collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and families to help clients navigate recovery.
Related titles include addiction counselor, substance use disorder counselor, clinical counselor, behavioral health therapist, recovery services manager, and addiction treatment program director. With experience and advanced qualifications, professionals may move into clinical supervision, program management, or organizational leadership.
Employers commonly seek strong counseling and communication skills, knowledge of evidence-based treatment approaches, sound clinical judgment, and experience with treatment documentation and care coordination. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Some roles require a master’s degree, independent clinical licensure, or specialized credentials, while others accept different combinations of education and supervised experience.
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional jobs with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by seniority, location, employer, and responsibilities to identify roles that fit your experience and career goals. Review each listing carefully for its salary range, credential requirements, and work setting.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Enjoy flexible schedules and a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in th...
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Medical Director - Acute Rehab
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Elevate healthcare outcomes by leading clinical determinations and authorizations. Utilize your medical expertise to ensure compliance with national guidelines while collaborating with diverse teams i...
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
$72K - $115K *
Shape the future of behavioral healthcare by delivering high-quality services. Collaborate with a dedicated team in a flexible environment that promotes work-life balance and professional growth while...
4 days ago
Remote Clinical Psychologist - Older Adults | PhD / PsyD | Colorado | Telehealth
$80K - $100K *
Explore a rewarding opportunity to provide high-quality mental healthcare to older adults from home. Enjoy flexible scheduling and robust support while delivering personalized therapy in a collaborati...
3 weeks ago
$99K - $114K *
Join a dynamic team to provide essential school psychology services, conduct assessments, and collaborate with educators and families to enhance student success in a virtual or in-person setting...
2 weeks ago
Remote Clinical Psychologist - Older Adults | PhD / PsyD | Utah | Telehealth
$100K - $120K *
Join a nationwide virtual practice transforming mental healthcare for older adults. Deliver high-quality psychotherapy while setting your own schedule and benefiting from unparalleled support and reso...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $122K *
Join a dynamic team to support clinical systems and enhance user workflows. You'll analyze needs, design/testing systems, and train personnel while coordinating with clinical staff and ensuring effect...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dedicated team transforming mental healthcare for Spanish-speaking older adults. Enjoy flexible scheduling, administrative support, and a collaborative environment while providing high-quality...
3 weeks ago
Remote Clinical Psychologist - Older Adults | PhD / PsyD | Montana | Telehealth
$100K - $120K *
Champion high-quality psychotherapy for older adults in a flexible, remote setup. Collaborate with a dedicated team while managing your schedule. Utilize modern telehealth tools to deliver personalize...
3 weeks ago
Registered Nurse, Out-Patient Case Manager
$104K *
Unlock potential by leading care coordination for patients with chronic diseases. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive case management, ensuring optimal health outcomes...
Yesterday
$230K - $310K *
Shape the future of global employment law by providing strategic counsel to HR and Talent teams. Guide regulatory compliance, develop jurisdiction-specific policies, and manage employment disputes whi...
1 week ago
Program Evaluator - State & Local Outcomes (Human Services / BH / Justice)
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and lead evaluations for human-services and public programs, creating frameworks and performance measures. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate findings into actionable insights, ensurin...
1 week ago
California Collaborating Psychiatrist (Clinical & Supervisory Role)
$210K - $250K *
Join a dynamic mental health team as a Collaborating Psychiatrist, providing clinical oversight and direct patient care. Engage in meaningful collaboration with PMHNPs while ensuring compliance and de...
1 week ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC)
$115K - $120K *
Engage in meaningful virtual therapy sessions, supporting clients in building resilience and managing stress. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while being part of a dedicated care team, making a p...
1 week ago
Sr. Subrogation Claim Representative II - REMOTE
$82K - $138K *
Unlock potential by leading complex subrogation claims, negotiating settlements, and mentoring team members. This role requires expertise in workers' compensation and litigation, driving recovery stra...
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Join a dynamic team to perform advanced chemical analyses on environmental samples, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with experts to enhance laboratory operations and contribute to...
2 days ago
Fully Licensed Therapist- Remote (North Dakota)
$71K - $92K *
Advance your career by providing effective, evidence-based therapy for eating disorders in a virtual setting. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support patient recovery and enable lasting c...
Reposted 3 days ago
Remote Clinical Psychologist - Older Adults | PhD / PsyD | Idaho | Telehealth
$100K - $120K *
Create impactful therapy experiences for older adults by delivering evidence-based psychotherapy in a flexible, supportive telehealth environment. Collaborate with a dedicated team while managing pers...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Policy and Compliance, Certification
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in overseeing compliance frameworks and regulatory trends, ensuring the certification team adapts to changes. Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate policy expertise and support c...
3 weeks ago
Grand Junction - Clinical Care Coordinator
$83K - $100K *
Unlock your potential in a dynamic role providing therapeutic interventions and care coordination for individuals with serious mental illness, ensuring continuity of care across various systems and st...
4 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving strategic direction and performance for a diverse team of Account Managers, ensuring patient-centric standards and continuous improvement while achieving business objectives...
3 weeks ago
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Remote
$80K - $89K *
Join a dynamic team of Licensed Therapists providing remote outpatient services through telehealth. Enjoy flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment focused on patient...
5 days ago
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Remote
$80K - $89K *
Elevate mental health care by providing remote outpatient therapy services. Collaborate with clients to achieve their goals while utilizing telehealth technology in a supportive, flexible environment...
5 days ago
Remote Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)
$115K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy to adults facing mental health challenges. Collaborate with primary care providers to ensure holistic support and enhance patient care...
1 week ago
Clinical Psychologist (PsyD, PhD)
$136K - $182K *
Join a team that's dedicated to clinical excellence, providing compassionate care to diverse populations. Enjoy flexible schedules, full administrative support, and a collegial environment while makin...
1 week ago
What does a substance abuse counselor do?
A substance abuse counselor assesses clients’ needs, supports treatment planning, provides individual or group counseling, tracks progress, and helps clients build strategies for recovery. Duties depend on the role, employer, and credentials.
What qualifications are needed for substance abuse counselor jobs?
Requirements vary by state and employer. Jobs may call for relevant education, supervised clinical experience, state licensure or certification, and training in addiction treatment. Senior or independently licensed roles may require a graduate degree and advanced credentials.
Can substance abuse counselors earn $100,000 or more?
Some experienced substance abuse counselors and related professionals earn $100,000 or more, especially in senior clinical, supervisory, specialized, or program leadership positions. Compensation depends on location, qualifications, employer, and scope of responsibility.
Where do substance abuse counselors work?
They work in settings such as addiction treatment centers, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, community organizations, and other recovery or social service programs.
What are common career paths for substance abuse counselors?
Career paths can include clinical specialization, independent counseling, clinical supervision, treatment program management, and behavioral health leadership. Advancement often depends on experience, education, and applicable licensure.