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.
Intake Therapist, Day Hospital
$62K - $108K *
Advance the future of mental health care by conducting comprehensive assessments and evaluations for patients of all ages, collaborating with treatment teams to ensure appropriate care and support for...
Reposted 6 days ago
Supervisor, Social Work - CRC Suicide Prevention Program
$69K - $113K *
Join us to lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality suicide prevention services. Oversee clinical operations, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and foster a collaborative environment...
2 days ago
Supervisor, Social Work - CRC Suicide Prevention Program
$69K - $113K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing clinical leadership and oversight for suicide prevention services. Lead a skilled team, implement evidence-based practices, and ensure high-quality care for p...
2 days ago
$88K - $98K *
Empower families through evidence-based Multisystemic Therapy, addressing youth challenges with a strengths-based approach. Collaborate with caregivers and community partners to create sustainable cha...
2 weeks ago
Outpatient Clinical Director - Mental Health 345
$92K - $113K *
Advance your career by leading a multidisciplinary team to provide clinical supervision and improve care quality in a dynamic environment, ensuring effective responses in a structured on-call rotation...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Therapist- Enhanced Outpatient - 141917
$123K - $179K *
Unlock potential by providing culturally responsive mental health services to a diverse student population. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed care, crisis stabiliz...
2 days ago
$83K - $87K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate care in an outpatient opioid treatment program. As a Dispensing Nurse, you'll assess patients, administer medications, and collaborate with a cl...
Yesterday
Remote Child & Adolescent Therapist (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
$100K - $112K *
Join our multidisciplinary clinical team as a licensed therapist, providing top-tier mental health care to children and adolescents in a supportive, remote environment. Enjoy flexible scheduling, stro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Remote Child & Adolescent Therapist (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
$100K - $112K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care for children and adolescents. Enjoy flexibility in scheduling while working in a supportive environment with full administrative assista...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Licensed Clinician - Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Pacoima
$93K - $100K *
Transform lives by providing critical in-person support during mental health crises. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure safety, stabilization, and care coordination for individuals in need, r...
3 weeks ago
Licensed Clinician - Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Pacoima
$93K - $100K *
Pioneer mental health support with our Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, providing critical in-person crisis stabilization and care coordination as a licensed clinician, available 24/7 to ensure community...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower individuals by leading comprehensive clinical case management efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement tailored care plans, ensuring effective service deliver...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion quality patient care by leading the nursing department, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing team performance in a supportive recovery environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$280K - $360K *
Transform healthcare delivery by leading comprehensive medical services, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care while managing a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Drive initiatives that e...
3 weeks ago
Director of Emergency Services
$85K - $100K *
Lead strategic and operational initiatives in Emergency Services, ensuring high-quality behavioral health and substance use care for individuals in crisis. Oversee performance, compliance, and collabo...
2 weeks ago
Director of Nursing for Crisis Wellness Campus
$100K - $120K *
Inspire excellence in nursing leadership by overseeing comprehensive clinical services, ensuring quality patient care and regulatory compliance across diverse behavioral health programs. Drive continu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Agency of Choice Specialist (Program Analyst 2)
$65K - $100K *
Transform your career by evaluating and enhancing service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to streamline licensing processes and ensure quality c...
4 days ago
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
$95K - $110K *
Lead the charge in nursing excellence by overseeing operations, ensuring quality patient care, and fostering staff development in a dynamic treatment environment focused on recovery and safety...
1 week ago
Mental Health Clinician 3 (Reentry Services Supervisor, PCN 06-2208)
$94K - $104K *
Empower individuals by leading mental health initiatives for inmates transitioning to community life. Oversee programs, coordinate case management, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure...
Yesterday
$135K - $165K *
Lead and inspire a team of mental health professionals to enhance client care, drive program development, and ensure compliance, while fostering a collaborative environment focused on quality and perf...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$61K - $114K *
Engage in the development and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program, promoting academic, social-emotional, and career readiness for all students while ensuring equity and access...
1 week ago
$61K - $114K *
Elevate student success by leading a comprehensive school counseling program. Collaborate with educators and stakeholders to support academic, social-emotional, and career development for all students...
1 week ago
Deputy Director of Behavioral Health
$113K - $139K *
Champion transformative practices in behavioral health services, managing clinical operations across children and adult programs. Lead staff, develop policies, and improve community health engagement...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Licensed Interim Administrator (LCSW, LMFT Psy.D, LPCC) - Mental Health 177
$127K - $157K *
Shape the future of mental health care by leading a dedicated team in delivering exceptional clinical and operational outcomes. Drive success through effective management of patient care and business...
1 week ago
$73K - $92K *
Pioneer innovative mental health solutions as an Access Clinician II, providing assessments and crisis intervention. Collaborate with clients to enhance recovery and ensure compliance with professiona...
3 days 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.