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 *

Join a team that's leveraging technology to enhance mental health access through telehealth. Provide comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans while collaborating with professionals to su...

Oakland, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team providing telehealth mental health and substance use treatment. Leverage technology to enhance patient access and deliver impactful care through comprehensive assessments and tailo...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through holistic mental health treatment. As a Primary Therapist, you'll provide impactful therapy, collaborate with families, and engage in interdis...

Yesterday

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

$77K - $100K *

Shape the future of therapy by conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating sessions. Collaborate with clients and families to provide compassionate care and support within a d...

Yesterday

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

$109K - $132K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing critical crisis intervention and support. Engage with individuals in behavioral health crises, delivering assessments and treatment plans while collaborating...

1 week ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Lead and innovate patient care and operational excellence in a behavioral health facility, overseeing clinical protocols and supervising medical staff while ensuring compliance with regulatory standar...

1 month ago

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

$90K - $111K *

Empower patients by diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Design tailored treatment plans and provide consistent counseling while collaborating with family members to ensure comprehensive c...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $120K *

Elevate client well-being by providing structured, remote therapy. This role involves assessing needs, setting goals, and delivering consistent support to help clients navigate challenges and build he...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower clients through structured remote therapy, focusing on assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing support. Ideal for counselors who value independence and organized clinical work while foster...

Lakeland, FLRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Lead the charge in providing remote counseling services to clients facing mental health challenges. Utilize your expertise to conduct intake sessions, maintain records, and ensure client safety while...

Johnston, IARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower clients by providing telehealth counseling for mental health issues. Engage in intake, documentation, and follow-up to support individuals facing anxiety, depression, and trauma, ensuring a co...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower individuals by providing virtual mental health care through structured therapy sessions. This role supports emotional well-being and long-term treatment goals in a fully remote environment, en...

Spokane, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Engage in providing virtual mental health care to adults, conducting therapy sessions that enhance emotional regulation and coping skills. Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote role while making a m...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Shape the future of integrated behavioral health by joining our dynamic team. Collaborate with primary care professionals to deliver evidence-based therapies, enhancing patient care for adults facing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Shape the future of integrated behavioral health by providing exceptional care in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with medical teams to address diverse patient needs across the lifespan using...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Champion the treatment program’s success by overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring quality client care. Collaborate effectively with leadership to fulfill our mission and provide a suppor...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Contribute to high-quality behavioral healthcare by delivering exceptional therapy. Embrace flexible work schedules and a collegial environment while caring for diverse populations in a supportive out...

Brunswick, MERemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Support licensed therapists in delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare, while fostering professional growth in a flexible, collegial environment to achieve excellent patient care and work-life b...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Manage the Utilization Review department, ensuring optimal service delivery and reimbursement. Collaborate with clinical staff to evaluate patient needs and compliance, while overseeing daily operatio...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $115K *

Join our clinical team as a Licensed Therapist, providing essential support to diverse populations. Leverage your expertise in therapy to make a meaningful impact while enjoying uncapped earnings pote...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $90K *

Join a dedicated team to provide mental health support to students, fostering wellness through individual and group counseling. Collaborate with educators to enhance student success and promote a posi...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $110K *

Empower clients as a Primary Therapist, facilitating impactful therapy sessions, coordinating family support, and collaborating with a dedicated clinical team to enhance mental health treatment and ou...

Today

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

$77K - $100K *

Join a dedicated team as you conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and facilitate therapy sessions for clients and families, ensuring compassionate support and effective collaboration within a...

Today

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

$67K - $98K *

Join a team that's dedicated to patient-centered care by providing comprehensive social work assessments and interventions for diverse patient populations, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams t...

5 days ago

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

$80K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through therapy. We seek Licensed Therapists to provide exceptional care to diverse populations, fostering growth and healing in a supportive environ...

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.