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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$177K - $250K *

Join as a key legal advisor, providing expert counsel on labor and employment matters while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive initiatives, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across t...

Alameda, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $180K *

Manage telehealth evaluations and medication management for clients in CA. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure integrated care, monitor patient outcomes, and maintain accurate documentation wh...

Nevada, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Empower Data and AI Leaders by providing expert technical counsel, optimizing decision-making, and enhancing client success through tailored strategies and proactive thought leadership in a dynamic, c...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Champion a transformative healthcare experience by providing flexible outpatient therapy, with opportunities for full or part-time roles in a hybrid setting, supported by dedicated staff and comprehen...

Mansfield, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing remote counseling to clients with diverse emotional and behavioral health needs. Manage a caseload while receiving administrative support and clinical consultation, ensur...

Albuquerque, NMRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team of mental health professionals, providing flexible, client-centered care. Leverage your expertise to build rapport, manage caseloads, and utilize technology for seamless service de...

San Jose, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing quality counseling in a supportive environment. You'll deliver personalized treatment plans and collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure clients...

Albuquerque, NMRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of mental health care by delivering client-centered therapy through innovative telehealth solutions, ensuring compliance and collaboration for optimal outcomes...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Explore emerging risks in securities misconduct as an Enforcement Intelligence Analyst. Collaborate with a team to produce strategic assessments that guide operational planning and enforcement initiat...

Calgary, ABRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $100K *

Transform your career by joining our team of therapists, offering flexible schedules and a supportive environment. Enjoy autonomy in your practice while delivering quality care through in-person and t...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to evaluating ABA treatment requests, applying clinical criteria, and collaborating with providers to ensure quality care. Leverage your expertise in a fast-paced environm...

Maryland Heights, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$93K - $103K *

Join us to provide remote therapy and counseling services, utilizing evidence-based practices to support patients on their recovery journey. Engage in individual and group therapy, crisis intervention...

Oregon, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $150K *

Unlock potential by translating complex business needs into precise HRP configurations. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency while driving continuous...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $193K *

Lead the charge in ensuring clinical studies meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Collaborate with sites and teams to drive successful execution and data integrity throughout the clin...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $192K *

Lead the charge in transforming member acquisition strategies through data-driven insights, optimizing marketing performance, and driving sustainable growth in a fully remote environment. Collaborate...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team in delivering impactful mental health services. Play a key role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting clients through tailored therapy sessions while collaborating with specialis...

Waipahu, HIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Elevate your career by providing remote mental health support to clients in Minnesota. Utilize your expertise to deliver therapy, manage caseloads, and track progress, all while enjoying a flexible, f...

St. Cloud, MNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate client healing by providing comprehensive therapeutic services. Enjoy autonomy with flexible scheduling while adhering to consistent standards of care to deliver high-quality support for in...

Oakland, CARemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $128K *

Transform lives as you diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Join a collaborative team to create tailored treatment plans and conduct ongoing assessments, ensuring holistic support for patients...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$54K - $116K *

Elevate member care by guiding individuals through behavioral health challenges. You'll connect them with resources, facilitate appointments, and ensure continuity of care, addressing barriers to trea...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$77K - $138K *

Lead the charge in enhancing workplace safety by conducting thorough loss analyses, on-site surveys, and providing actionable recommendations to improve safety programs and reduce hazards for policyho...

Tennessee, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$94K - $115K *

Engage in transformative ABA therapy by leading a dedicated team, overseeing neurodiversity-affirming programs, and empowering children with developmental differences while enjoying flexible schedulin...

Arizona, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dedicated clinical team as a Psychologist, delivering comprehensive patient care through both in-person and telemedicine options, ensuring high-quality mental health services with flexibility a...

Brunswick, MERemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to creating impactful medical education content for healthcare providers and patients. Collaborate closely with scientific and account teams to deliver high-quality materi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career as a Telehealth Clinical Supervisor, providing leadership and clinical oversight to therapists delivering IOP-level care. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance patient outco...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

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.