Explore Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

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.

What Substance Abuse Counselors Do

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.

Common Job Titles and Career Paths

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Roles on Ladders

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.

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$115K - $120K *

Reimagine behavioral health by delivering impactful counseling services remotely. Engage with clients facing various challenges, conduct evaluations, and maintain thorough documentation while adhering...

Jackson, MSRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Help us provide impactful telehealth counseling to diverse clients, addressing their mental health needs through effective therapy sessions and clinical documentation while ensuring compliance with pr...

Lansing, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health through telehealth counseling. In this full-time role, you'll assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing support, all whi...

Bentonville, ARRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Elevate mental health support by providing remote counseling services to clients. Utilize your expertise to assess, plan, and deliver effective therapy, ensuring a positive impact on individuals' emot...

Pascagoula, MSRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Transform your career by delivering impactful remote therapy services. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, you'll provide client-centered care, develop tailored therapy plans, and support mental hea...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Support clients by delivering professional telehealth counseling services, managing caseloads, and applying evidence-informed interventions. Collaborate with clients to establish treatment goals and e...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower clients through telehealth counseling, focusing on personalized treatment plans and ongoing support. Join a dedicated team to enhance mental health outcomes and foster coping strategies in a f...

New Britain, CTRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to deliver high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying flexible schedules and a supportive work environment. Collaborate with colleagues to enhance your professional growth a...

Providence, RIRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $115K *

Deliver high-quality behavioral healthcare while fostering professional growth and work-life balance. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide flexible, patient-centered services in a supportive e...

Greenville, RIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $115K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team of licensed therapists dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying flexible schedules and a supportive work environment...

Rhode Island, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful telehealth therapy. This full-time remote role focuses on client care, clinical judgment, and documentation, helping individuals navigate emotional...

Norfolk, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team as a licensed Therapist or Psychologist, providing integrated behavioral health care in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with primary care teams to deliver evidence-based ther...

Medford, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $140K *

Lead the charge in the Northeast recreational cannabis market by developing and executing innovative sales strategies, managing a dynamic team, and fostering strong client relationships to drive reven...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Engage in high-impact medicine as a frontline Member Access Provider, initiating treatment and supporting patients in their recovery during the critical early weeks, while collaborating with a multidi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying flexible work schedules and a supportive environment. Contribute to professional growth and work-life balan...

Smithfield, RIRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Innovate your career by providing remote therapy to clients across Indiana. Engage in meaningful counseling, conduct evaluations, and collaborate with a supportive team to enhance mental health outcom...

Indiana, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral health operations by implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring quality standards, and enhancing support for clinic leaders. Collaborate acros...

Boulder, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$142K - $168K *

Transform client experiences by leveraging deep expertise in healthcare solutions. Lead strategic initiatives, enhance client relationships, and drive impactful outcomes for high-value accounts throug...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$98K - $102K *

Shape the future of mental health care by leading clinical teams while maintaining an active caseload. This role combines direct client work with the mentorship of emerging therapists, fostering growt...

Springfield, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Elevate your career by joining our clinical team as a Licensed Therapist, delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare to diverse populations through flexible in-person and telemedicine options. Embr...

Brunswick, MERemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $102K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health services through clinical expertise. This remote role involves reviewing treatment requests, collaborating with providers, and ensuring quality...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as you empower children with developmental differences through innovative, neurodiversity-affirming ABA therapy. Lead a supportive transdisciplinary team while enjoying flexibility...

Glendale, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $120K *

Oversee neurodiversity-affirming clinical programming for children with autism. Lead a team of behavior technicians, fostering a supportive environment to enhance patient care and outcomes while enjoy...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral health through strategic business development. You'll connect with healthcare communities, drive patient admissions, and expand market share in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $95K *

Transform client relationships in the SUD/behavioral health sector, ensuring effective onboarding and ongoing engagement. Leverage your RCM expertise to enhance service delivery, client satisfaction...

Dallas, TXRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a substance abuse counselor do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.