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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$81K - $86K *

Develop and implement clinical services for students and families, collaborating with school staff to enhance mental health support and ensure effective treatment planning and crisis intervention in a...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$71K - $96K *

Inspire growth and healing as you provide comprehensive behavioral health care, conduct assessments, and deliver therapy sessions to support clients through their challenges in a dynamic therapeutic e...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$71K - $96K *

Empower clients by providing comprehensive behavioral health care, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans. Engage in individual, group, and family therapy to support mental wellness an...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$71K - $96K *

Transform the lives of clients by providing expert behavioral health care, conducting assessments, and delivering therapy. Collaborate with a dedicated team to develop effective treatment plans and su...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $95K *

Join a dynamic multidisciplinary team to provide therapeutic interventions, lead groups, and ensure patient safety while managing a caseload. Collaborate with staff for high-quality care and support p...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Support individuals on their recovery journey by providing expert counseling and guidance for substance use disorders, collaborating with a dedicated team to deliver effective interventions and foster...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing student mental wellness through counseling and support. This role involves developing programs, providing individual and group therapy, and collaborating with...

1 week ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Engage in a rewarding role as you lead a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Oversee patient care while providing crucial clinical guidance in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with flex...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $89K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing admissions processes and driving revenue strategies. Lead a collaborative department, ensuring quality management and compliance while fostering staff develop...

Today

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

$90K - $115K *

Shape the future of mental healthcare by delivering exceptional therapy services. Join a dedicated team focused on patient care and clinical excellence, with opportunities for growth and a supportive...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Champion exceptional patient care by delivering therapeutic services to diverse populations. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance clinical outcomes while enjoying flexible scheduling and competi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Champion patient care by providing exceptional therapy services. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance mental health outcomes for diverse populations. Enjoy flexible scheduling and a supportive...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Deliver compassionate mental health therapy through evidence-based practices, fostering strong therapeutic relationships and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care and out...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Join our team to deliver high-quality mental health care through individual and group therapy. You'll build therapeutic relationships, conduct assessments, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary tea...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Transform patient care by delivering evidence-based therapy and building strong therapeutic relationships. Engage in individual and group sessions while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality mental health care. Engage in individual and group therapy, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and support patients on th...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Empower individuals by delivering high-quality mental health therapy. Engage in individual and group sessions, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and develop personalized treatment plans to su...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $91K *

Champion patient care by delivering evidence-based therapy and building strong therapeutic relationships. Engage in individual and group sessions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to s...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $97K *

Champion the future of justice-involved youth by providing comprehensive case management and support. Engage families and community partners to foster accountability and skill development, ensuring su...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $125K *

Oversee clinical operations and lead interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient recovery through evidence-based practices and individualized care in a dynamic behavioral health setting...

Today

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

$91K - $95K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical supervision and support to BBS registered staff and interns. Collaborate with schools, ensure compliance with care standards, and deliver in-service training whil...

Today

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

$70K - $95K *

Lead the charge in providing essential counseling and support for clients recovering from addictions. Utilize your expertise to guide treatment plans, conduct assessments, and educate families, while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Contribute to impactful substance abuse programs by leading clinical teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting innovative treatment approaches within a dynamic care continuum from Det...

3 weeks ago

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

$84K - $93K *

Advance your career by providing ethical mental health care in diverse settings. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support individuals and families in achieving optimal health through asse...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $82K *

Elevate your career as a Clinical Supervisor overseeing an outpatient MAT program. Guide a clinical team to provide high-quality care, ensuring adherence to standards and fostering collaboration for o...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.