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.
Clinical Supervisor RN - Acute Psychiatric
$85K - $133K *
Empower your career as you lead nursing operations, ensuring quality patient care and staff management in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance departmental performance a...
6 days ago
Clinical Supervisor RN - Acute Psychiatric
$85K - $133K *
Transform patient care as a Clinical Nursing Supervisor, leading operations and staff while ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with leadership to enhance departmental performance and support...
1 week ago
Behavioral Health Care Manager - Street Medicine ECM
$68K - $92K *
Lead the charge in providing high-touch, person-centered care for Medi-Cal members facing complex mental health and substance use challenges, ensuring seamless coordination across various community re...
Today
Behavioral Health Care Manager - Street Medicine ECM
$68K - $92K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care management. This role involves direct outreach and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring access to e...
Today
$80K *
Join a team that’s dedicated to improving patient outcomes through proactive, patient-centered care. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, play a vital role in managing high-risk patients while integr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing culturally responsive mental health services to students. Engage in clinical assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and outreach initiatives to promote...
2 days ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
$80K - $90K *
Unlock potential by providing compassionate, individualized ABA care to children with autism. Collaborate with caregivers and maintain clinical integrity while fostering a supportive environment for p...
Yesterday
Director of Clinical Services - Supportive Housing
$85K - $102K *
Shape strategic clinical leadership for behavioral health services, ensuring best practices in supportive housing and trauma-informed care. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance service...
3 weeks ago
School Based Speech Language Pathologist or Clinical Fellow
$85K - $135K *
Join a dedicated team to support K-12 students in enhancing their communication skills through evaluations, therapy, and collaboration with educators. Contribute to student success in a dynamic school...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower patients by leading clinical treatment strategies, developing tailored plans, and collaborating with caregivers. Drive positive outcomes through effective supervision and training of behaviora...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower the future of patient care by leading clinical treatment strategies, developing tailored plans, and training staff to enhance outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder across dive...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower patient care by overseeing clinical treatment plans, assessing skills, and training staff. Collaborate with caregivers and ensure adherence to protocols across various settings, fostering opti...
1 week ago
MCRT Licensed Team Lead LCSW LMFT LPCC - Mental Health 639
$106K - $131K *
Join a dedicated team as you supervise multidisciplines in crisis response, ensuring timely service and effective communication. Collaborate across agencies while honing your leadership skills in a su...
3 weeks ago
ARNP or Psychiatrist - On-Call
$267K - $383K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate outpatient behavioral health care. You'll deliver direct psychiatric and medical services, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to suppor...
2 weeks ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst / BCBA
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through behavior analysis. You'll design and oversee programs, conduct assessments, and mentor future BCBAs, all while making a significant impact in...
3 days ago
Clinical Supervisor - Community Based Services
$100K - $110K *
Transform community-based behavioral health services by providing clinical and operational leadership, ensuring compliance, enhancing staff development, and driving program growth for positive client...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $99K *
Lead the charge in providing comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, crisis management, and program development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client care and...
Today
RN MAT Coordinator / Discharge Planner- CalAIM
$103K - $114K *
Lead the development and management of medication-assisted treatment services, ensuring effective collaboration among healthcare teams. Drive program expansion, oversee clinical operations, and suppor...
2 weeks ago
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist
$71K - $90K *
Empower individuals by delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare services in a collaborative environment. Engage with adult and child populations while enjoying professional growth and work-life ba...
4 weeks ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (Psychologist, LPC, LMSW LMFT, LP, or LLP)
$70K - $106K *
Elevate your therapy career by providing evidence-based care to diverse clients, maintaining a robust caseload while collaborating with a supportive clinical team in a flexible and hybrid environment...
Reposted yesterday
$76K - $127K *
Champion patient access to vital rehabilitation services while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely and effective care transitions. Leverage your clinical expertise to advocate...
1 week ago
Remote Crisis Care Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
$108K - $192K *
Elevate telehealth access by providing evidence-based behavioral health care through clinical assessments and personalized treatment plans with a supportive multidisciplinary team in a fully virtual r...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Remote Crisis Care Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
$108K - $192K *
Shape the future of behavioral health by delivering evidence-based virtual care and personalized treatment for patients in crisis, utilizing your skills in assessments, medication management, and coll...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Licensed Clinical Psychologist - Glendale Clinic
$80K - $95K *
Join a dedicated team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists delivering integrated behavioral health services in a primary care setting. Contribute to patient-centered care by providing evidence-based int...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Shape the future of mental health services by leading clinical oversight and staff development. Collaborate with professionals to enhance patient care and ensure compliance with standards, while foste...
6 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.