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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$104K - $114K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering impactful behavioral health services. Oversee telehealth and in-person sessions, supervise RBTs, and lead caregiver training while managing a real caseload i...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Drive healthcare transformation by leading advanced consulting initiatives, enhancing delivery systems, and improving health outcomes. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to implement strategic...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $107K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by conducting clinical reviews and collaborating with providers to ensure optimal member care in a fully remote, innovative environment focused on outpatient serv...

Tampa, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide expert analysis and recommendations for utility regulation, focusing on clean energy transitions. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence decision-making processe...

Lacey, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer exceptional mental health care by delivering personalized, evidence-based psychotherapy to older adults in a fully remote, supportive environment, maximizing flexibility and clinical autonomy...

Minnesota, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $193K *

Elevate clinical research by managing site activities and ensuring compliance throughout the study lifecycle. Collaborate with investigative sites and study teams to support high-quality trial deliver...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Empower individuals by delivering tailored, evidence-based psychotherapy remotely to older adults. Collaborate with a supportive team while managing your schedule and focusing on patient care, aided b...

Massachusetts, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful telehealth counseling. As a licensed LCPC, you'll support adults facing various emotional challenges, ensuring quality care through effective therap...

Nevada, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Shape your career by providing impactful counseling services remotely. Manage your own caseload, support clients through various challenges, and collaborate with other providers to ensure comprehensiv...

Bethesda, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Lead the charge in providing comprehensive telehealth counseling to clients, managing their care from intake to discharge while ensuring clinical decisions align with their needs and maintaining profe...

Boulder City, NVRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Deliver compassionate virtual counseling, managing client appointments and treatment goals while fostering therapeutic relationships to support their mental health journey effectively...

Frederick, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K *

Advance your career by auditing outpatient and specialty claims, ensuring coding accuracy and compliance. Leverage your clinical and coding expertise to enhance audit processes and contribute to quali...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$260K - $270K *

Unlock your potential as a Psychiatrist, providing advanced outpatient care via virtual platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive treatment for diverse psychiatric c...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform corporate partnerships by building strong, lasting relationships. Drive revenue growth through strategic engagements and collaboration, connecting corporate interests with impactful mission...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Engage in delivering remote therapy services to adults, focusing on clear expectations and steady caseloads. Ideal for clinicians seeking to prioritize therapy without in-person clinic demands while a...

Barre, VTRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Take ownership of providing telehealth therapy services, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans for clients. Collaborate with clients to address emotional and mental health concerns in...

Pawtucket, RIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $93K *

Drive impactful change by empowering youth and young adults through tailored behavioral health support. Utilize your expertise in therapy and wellness coaching to foster sustainable growth and monitor...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $186K *

Lead and manage multiple accreditation projects, ensuring high-quality client deliverables. Collaborate with consulting professionals to enhance service delivery and develop innovative solutions in he...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Elevate member care by facilitating seamless transitions from hospital to home. Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure safe discharges, reduce readmissions, and provide comprehensive support thro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $96K *

Contribute to our mission as a Behavioral Health Therapist, providing remote support and expert care to diverse patient populations. Shape treatment plans and interventions while collaborating with a...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $111K *

Join a dedicated team to provide compassionate mental health support through personalized treatment plans, ongoing assessments, and community outreach, ensuring optimal patient care and recovery in a...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that transforms mental healthcare for older adults remotely. Provide evidence-based psychotherapy and personalized treatment while enjoying full flexibility and support from a dedicated co...

Maryland, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $111K *

Accelerate your career by joining a dynamic team dedicated to mental health. Collaborate with experienced clinicians, utilize innovative technology, and enjoy clinical autonomy while providing excepti...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $112K *

Partner with us to navigate complex patient cases and ensure seamless access to care. Utilize critical thinking and communication skills to manage authorizations and appeals, collaborating with divers...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion outstanding telehealth therapy by providing evidence-based care to older adults. Enjoy flexible hours, dedicated support, and a collaborative team environment to enhance patient outcomes and...

Delaware, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.