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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$95K - $114K *

Empower the next generation of clinicians by providing essential supervision and training. This role ensures high-quality clinical development and adherence to standards while supporting a diverse tea...

2 days ago

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

$95K - $114K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical supervision and training for behavioral health trainees and clinicians. Ensure adherence to professional standards while delivering high-quality mental health ser...

2 days ago

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

$95K - $114K *

Lead the charge in clinical supervision and training for behavioral health practitioners. Ensure high-quality care and compliance with standards while supporting the development of trainees and clinic...

2 days ago

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

$82K - $105K *

Advance your career as a Licensed Therapist in Maryland, providing exceptional patient care. Enjoy flexible schedules, full administrative support, and a collegial environment while making a meaningfu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $105K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of Licensed Therapists dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Enjoy flexible schedules, full administrative support, and a collaborative environmen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $103K *

Champion patient care by providing therapeutic support as a Licensed Therapist. Collaborate in a collegial environment, leveraging digital tools to enhance clinical excellence and maintain a strong wo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $103K *

Empower individuals by providing exceptional therapy services. Join a dynamic team dedicated to clinical excellence, offering flexible schedules and full support to enhance patient care and profession...

Washington, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $103K *

Empower patient care by providing therapeutic support to diverse populations. Engage in a flexible work environment with full administrative backing, ensuring a strong work/life balance while contribu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through innovative behavioral analysis. As a BCBA, you'll lead a pioneering effort in a new clinic, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to de...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$300K - $345K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional psychiatric care by diagnosing, treating, and advocating for patients with diverse mental health disorders. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhanc...

3 weeks ago

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

$242K - $275K *

Bring your expertise to a dynamic environment, providing comprehensive psychiatric care to children and adults. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support recovery across eating and mood diso...

3 weeks ago

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

$115K - $120K *

Drive impactful mental health outcomes as you provide telehealth services, conducting assessments and therapy within a structured model, while maintaining compliance and collaborating with care teams...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Deliver individualized mental health services remotely, enhancing client outcomes. Leverage structured clinical processes in a supportive telehealth setting, ensuring high-quality care and compliance...

Raleigh, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care through innovative nursing practices. Oversee quality nursing for clients with complex needs and collaborate with a multidisciplinary te...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$95K - $131K *

Empower your career by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying a flexible work environment that promotes balance and professional growth as part of a supportive clinical team...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$123K - $141K *

Deliver exceptional behavioral healthcare by providing compassionate support to diverse clients. Collaborate within a dynamic team to enhance patient outcomes while enjoying flexible schedules and a s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$123K - $141K *

Partner with us to deliver high-quality behavioral healthcare in a flexible, supportive environment. Join our dynamic team of licensed therapists, providing exceptional care to diverse clients while e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $130K *

Optimize your practice by delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare. Join a team that values work-life balance and supports your professional growth while making a positive impact on patients' live...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Empower your career by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a team committed to patient care and clinical excellence, fostering both professional growth and work-life balance in a moder...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform patient care by leading a dedicated team in mental health services, ensuring operational integrity, quality improvement, and community collaboration while fostering a supportive environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $112K *

Empower individuals through therapeutic recreation, implementing strategies and activities in various settings to enhance well-being and promote community engagement while ensuring compliance with hea...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $115K *

Transform clinical operations by providing supervision and oversight to ensure compliance and quality in service delivery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance program effectiveness and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Shape the future of outpatient substance use treatment by blending hands-on clinical care with program leadership. Lead a dedicated team while establishing workflows and expanding community partnershi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team of licensed therapists committed to clinical excellence and patient care, offering flexible schedules and competitive earnings in a supportive environment...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Elevate your career by joining our dedicated team of licensed therapists, providing exceptional patient care in a supportive environment with flexible schedules and competitive earnings...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.