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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$158K - $201K *

Deliver comprehensive psychiatric care by evaluating patients, prescribing treatments, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure quality medical services and compliance with regulation...

2 days ago

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

$94K - $107K *

Advance your career by leading a dedicated team in crisis outreach, ensuring effective operational oversight and real-time support while responding to community mental health needs with compassion and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $120K *

Optimize fiscal strategies as a key analyst, guiding budget management and compliance for the Commerce & Compliance Division. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective financial operations and suppor...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$74K - $111K *

Advance your career by managing clinical psychology internships, ensuring compliance with APA standards, and guiding students through their professional transition while maintaining a small clinical c...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $89K *

Lead the charge in providing crisis intervention and support to individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges, ensuring timely outreach and effective service connections in diverse comm...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $115K *

Join a dedicated team overseeing clinical programs for adolescents facing severe mental health challenges. Lead staff, enhance service quality, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards in a...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $110K *

Shape the future of mental healthcare by joining our dedicated team of therapists. Collaborate in a supportive environment, providing exceptional care to diverse populations while enjoying flexible sc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $100K *

Unlock potential by providing innovative counseling services to a diverse student body, supporting their educational and career goals through comprehensive counseling and program development in variou...

3 weeks ago

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

$73K - $88K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults and seniors through expert social work consultation, psychotherapy, and collaborative care in long-term facilities, while maintaining comp...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $123K *

Optimize behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals by overseeing screening, treatment coordination, and program development. Collaborate with legal and community partners to enhance...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$78K - $123K *

Champion the integration of behavioral health within the justice system by overseeing treatment coordination, case management, and program development for justice-involved individuals with mental heal...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$76K - $94K *

Elevate your career by leading multidisciplinary teams in mental health services. Collaborate with various agencies to ensure comprehensive care for clients while participating in structured on-call r...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $101K *

Transform lives by providing essential in-home support to children and youth with behavioral health needs. Lead treatment teams, collaborate with families, and deliver impactful services in community...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Explore your potential as a senior medical executive leading psychiatric care. Oversee clinical standards, manage staff, and ensure compliance with regulations, while providing hands-on psychiatric tr...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$73K - $128K *

Join our Diversion Engagement Team to support high utilizers of mental health and substance use services. Collaborate with community partners to provide outreach, case management, and therapeutic inte...

5 days ago

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

$73K - $128K *

Champion community-based behavioral health services by engaging high utilizers of detention and emergency services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide outreach, case management, and t...

5 days ago

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

$90K - $114K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. As a Licensed Therapist, you'll provide essential support to diverse populations while enjoying flexible schedules and a...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $96K *

Champion holistic health by providing nursing assessments and support to individuals with serious mental illness. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance recovery and community integratio...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $115K *

Unlock potential by providing exceptional therapy services to diverse populations. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance patient care and achieve clinical excellence in a supportive, flexible e...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Transform the therapeutic landscape by providing exceptional mental health services. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support diverse populations, ensuring a flexible and rewarding work environment...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Support patient care by providing exceptional therapy services, driving clinical excellence, and collaborating with a dedicated team. Enjoy a flexible schedule and a competitive compensation model tha...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Join a dedicated team of Licensed Therapists committed to delivering exceptional patient care. This role offers flexibility, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth in a su...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $98K *

Engage in providing comprehensive clinical mental health services across all age groups. Collaborate with healthcare teams to deliver assessments, counseling, and crisis intervention while ensuring co...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $225K *

Create a transformative vision for programs in emergency shelter and supportive housing. Collaborate with leadership to innovate, scale successful initiatives, and enhance organizational impact while...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$86K - $121K *

Shape the future of mental health by leading treatment initiatives, providing therapy, and conducting assessments within a diverse team. Opportunity for research involvement and student supervision wh...

3 weeks ago

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

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.