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.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LMFT, LCSW)
$82K - $109K *
Join a team that's dedicated to high-quality patient care by providing flexible therapy solutions. Enjoy a supportive work environment with unlimited earning potential and modern offices, while focusi...
3 weeks ago
Licensed Clinician, Short Hour, On Call- Forensic Program 377
$130K - $144K *
Contribute to the mental health and safety of inmates by conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with healthcare teams in a correctional setting. Ensure compliance and ma...
Yesterday
Utilization Management Coordinator (Remote in Oregon)
$85K - $102K *
Oversee clinical reviews and authorization processes for mental health services, ensuring compliance with medical necessity criteria while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance member...
1 week ago
Utilization Management Coordinator (Remote in Oregon)
$85K - $102K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health services through clinical expertise. This remote role involves reviewing treatment requests, collaborating with providers, and ensuring quality...
1 week ago
Utilization Management Coordinator (Remote in Oregon)
$85K - $102K *
Transform the delivery of mental health services by providing clinical expertise in utilization management, ensuring appropriate care and improving health outcomes through effective collaboration and...
1 week ago
Behavioral Health Clinician II-Pediatrics
$71K - $96K *
Pioneer comprehensive behavioral health support for cancer patients, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance emotional well-being and resilience through assessments, counseling, and res...
Yesterday
Behavioral Health Clinician II-Pediatrics
$71K - $96K *
Shape the future of behavioral health by providing comprehensive care, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans. Engage in individual, group, and family therapy to support clients in ach...
1 week ago
$54K - $118K *
Transform student support by leveraging your expertise as a School Psychologist. Collaborate with educators and families to enhance student well-being and academic success, while implementing effectiv...
2 weeks ago
$54K - $118K *
Join a dedicated team to provide essential psychological support and services, fostering student well-being and academic success. Collaborate with educators and families to implement effective interve...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion facility operations by overseeing maintenance, safety, and compliance across an 80,000-square-foot healthcare campus, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for patients and staff while su...
1 week ago
$210K - $250K *
Champion exceptional inpatient psychiatric care for adults and adolescents. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective treatment planning, medication management, and continuity of c...
1 week ago
$75K - $108K *
Unlock potential by joining a multidisciplinary team to address urgent mental health needs in a correctional setting. Utilize your expertise to assess and provide care for individuals with varying deg...
Yesterday
Clinical Supervisor (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) - Inpatient Child/Adolescent Unit
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in clinical care by supervising a dedicated team, ensuring high-quality treatment and operational excellence for an acute inpatient psychiatric unit serving youth ages 6-18. Drive mult...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Supervisor (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) - Inpatient Child/Adolescent Unit
$80K - $95K *
Elevate clinical standards as you supervise a team providing behavioral health care to youth. Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment, drive quality improvement, and foster staff development to...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion the future of mental health care by leading a dedicated team, ensuring quality standards, and enhancing patient outcomes through innovative practices and collaborative efforts in a community...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $95K *
Manage and oversee clinical support teams, ensuring adherence to policies, optimizing training outcomes, and maintaining high-quality client care while fostering effective communication across departm...
2 weeks ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT or CMHC) - Outpatient
$75K - $106K *
Elevate patient care by joining a dynamic team of licensed therapists dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare in a flexible, supportive environment with opportunities for profession...
1 week ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT or CMHC) - Outpatient
$75K - $106K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying a flexible work-life balance. Join a supportive team of licensed therapists committed to clinical excellence in a modern...
3 weeks ago
Childhood Behavioral Health Clinician (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, PsyD/PhD)
$75K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing pediatric behavioral health by providing comprehensive assessments and evidence-based interventions for children and families, ensuring holistic care and impr...
3 weeks ago
Instructor - Behavioral Health Clinician
$75K - $90K *
Champion integrated behavioral health services for adolescents, providing individual and family therapy, assessments, and care coordination within a collaborative clinic environment, ensuring patient...
Today
$64K - $96K *
Address the psychosocial needs of patients through clinical evaluation, counseling, and community resource coordination, ensuring comprehensive care in an outpatient setting while supporting organizat...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Lead a dedicated clinical team to deliver essential mental health services, ensuring quality care and compliance with policies. Foster collaboration, provide supervision, and enhance community access...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion the Behavioral Health Program, ensuring quality clinical services, compliance, and effective crisis management while training and overseeing staff, and coordinating with multiple departments...
Reposted 1 week ago
Hiring Licensed Mental Health Professional - In-Person SNF Services (Psychologist, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT)
$80K - $95K *
Engage with patients by providing in-person psychotherapy and behavioral health services in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care while enjoying...
Yesterday
Hiring Licensed Mental Health Professional - In-Person SNF Services (Psychologist, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT)
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering compassionate in-person behavioral health services within skilled nursing facilities, fostering meaningful patient relationships while collaborating with a multidisciplin...
Yesterday
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.