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.
Outpatient Clinic Director - Gill Mental Health Clinic
$90K - $100K *
Lead the charge in enhancing mental health services at our outpatient clinic. Oversee clinical operations, ensure effective treatment delivery, and support staff to fulfill the agency's mission of emp...
3 weeks ago
$83K *
Elevate mental health services by developing and implementing therapeutic programs. Collaborate with clients and staff to ensure effective treatment and support, while maintaining compliance with heal...
1 week ago
Medical Director (Addiction Physician)
$180K - $220K *
Unlock your potential by providing medical oversight and leadership in a dynamic treatment center. Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure high-quality patient care while managing compliance and tra...
1 week ago
Child and Adolescent Licensed Therapist (LPC / LCSW / LMFT) @ Exton, PA
$90K - $100K *
Elevate patient care by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a dynamic team focused on clinical excellence, work-life balance, and professional growth in a supportive environment with f...
2 weeks ago
Crisis Outreach Clinical Shift Supervisor - Night Shift, MRRCT - $5K SIGNING BONUS
$94K - $107K *
Engage in impactful crisis management as you lead a dedicated outreach team, ensuring effective responses to community needs while providing crucial support and supervision for staff in challenging si...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Crisis Outreach Clinical Shift Supervisor - Night Shift, MRRCT - $5K SIGNING BONUS
$94K - $107K *
Lead the charge in crisis outreach as a Shift Supervisor, fostering team effectiveness and safety while ensuring compliance with best practices in behavioral health services...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director of Graduate Counseling Programs
$91K - $99K *
Oversee the administration and growth of counseling programs, enhancing quality through effective leadership, curriculum development, and faculty coordination while ensuring compliance with accreditat...
4 weeks ago
Social Work Program Lead for inpatient psych unit
$100K - $122K *
Empower a dedicated team in a 24-bed adult inpatient psych unit. Lead social work initiatives, manage complex patient cases, and enhance program development while fostering professional growth in a co...
2 weeks ago
$106K - $146K *
Shape the future of mental health care by providing expert psychological services, assessments, and consultations for adult patients. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance recovery and a...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in enhancing mental health services within a correctional facility. Oversee clinical operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams...
4 days ago
CDOC Social Worker/Counselor III Mental Health Clinician /Gender Affirming Care - (STERLING)
$83K - $116K *
Join a dynamic team as a Mental Health Clinician, providing essential care to offenders with mental health needs. Utilize gender affirming practices to develop treatment plans and facilitate therapy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$77K - $97K *
Join a team that's dedicated to patient recovery by supervising nursing staff and ensuring compliance in an outpatient opioid treatment program. Lead clinical operations, support staff development, an...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead centralized intake operations to enhance access to care and improve client experiences across the organization. Drive strategic initiatives, oversee support teams, and implement effective workflo...
4 weeks ago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
$119K - $174K *
Champion comprehensive mental health services by assessing and treating addiction-related disorders. Collaborate with medical staff to enhance patient care and education, ensuring effective outpatient...
4 days ago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
$119K - $174K *
Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team focused on providing comprehensive mental health and addiction services. Leverage your expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals while collabora...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead and oversee behavioral health programs, ensuring high-quality care and compliance. Manage clinical staff, support operational excellence, and foster community partnerships to enhance service deli...
2 weeks ago
$93K - $116K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing comprehensive counseling services, ensuring student needs are met through effective programs, outreach, and partnerships while fostering a collaborative team...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Supervisor- Community Based Youth & Family Services (LMHC/LICSW)
$76K - $91K *
Elevate youth support by providing clinical leadership in a dynamic, community-based program. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address high-risk cases, ensuring effective care coordination...
3 days ago
Clinical Director of Inpatient Services
$88K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a dynamic inpatient environment. Oversee clinical operations, guide multidisciplinary teams, and champion initiatives that enhance...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Support individuals' mental health by providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care. Collaborate effectively with healthcare teams to ensure high standards of treatment for patients...
4 weeks ago
$93K *
Take ownership of client care by providing diverse therapeutic services, collaborating with psychiatric staff, and developing individualized treatment plans. Utilize evidence-based practices to addres...
4 days ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW or LPCC)
$66K - $100K *
Engage in transformative therapy as a Psychotherapist, providing assessments, treatment plans, and collaborative care to individuals and families. Shape the future of mental health with innovative pro...
2 weeks ago
Registered Nurse Supervisor Sign On
$81K - $101K *
Champion nursing excellence by overseeing operations and staffing, ensuring quality behavioral health care. Collaborate with teams to meet diverse patient needs while maintaining compliance and safety...
3 days ago
$128K - $135K *
Shape the future of student mental health by leading a dynamic counseling center, ensuring integrated care delivery, and fostering partnerships that promote student wellbeing and academic success with...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $114K *
Engage families in transformative therapy, addressing severe behavioral issues in adolescents. Collaborate with caregivers and systems to implement effective interventions in natural environments, ens...
1 week 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.