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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$85K - $100K *

Shape the future of HR by leading strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement, compliance, and operational excellence while managing key HR programs and fostering a positive workplace cultu...

3 days ago

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

$190K - $305K *

Innovate healthcare delivery by providing executive leadership across a complex network of clinical services, ensuring regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and equitable access to care in...

4 weeks ago

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

$83K - $106K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert genetic counseling, conducting risk assessments, and supporting specialized patient populations while engaging in education and research initiatives wi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Transform lives by providing compassionate therapy in a flexible, hybrid environment. Engage with diverse clients, utilizing evidence-based practices to deliver effective mental health care while enjo...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team of therapists providing flexible outpatient care. Enjoy autonomy with hybrid schedules, competitive compensation, and comprehensive support, allowing you to focus on delivering qua...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional outpatient therapy services. Enjoy flexible scheduling with hybrid options, competitive compensation, and comprehensive support to enhance your cl...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $94K *

Join a dynamic team as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, leading the development and implementation of behavior plans for adults with ASD. Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals to enhance...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $122K *

Empower your career by leading a dedicated team to deliver exceptional therapy services. Shape resident experiences through integrated care, mentorship, and community engagement while driving quality...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $93K *

Engage with youth and families experiencing homelessness, providing behavioral health support, resource connections, and staff education. Oversee student interns while fostering community partnerships...

2 weeks ago

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

$88K - $107K *

Join a team that's dedicated to improving patient care through psychosocial support and clinical expertise. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess and treat high-risk patients, while ment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$73K - $88K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing comprehensive nursing case management for individuals with behavioral health needs, ensuring effective care coordination and support for optimal patient outco...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $85K *

Help us enhance mental health services in a collaborative environment. As a key member of our team, you will provide trauma-informed care, manage client assessments, and support program development wh...

3 weeks ago

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

$118K - $135K *

Empower your career by delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare. Join a dynamic team focused on patient care, professional growth, and work-life balance while enjoying competitive compensation and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $124K *

Lead the charge in providing essential psychological services to individuals at a psychiatric hospital, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to assess, plan, and deliver effective therapeutic...

1 week ago

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

$79K - $119K *

Unlock potential by managing complex care for NICU patients. Utilize your clinical expertise to assess, coordinate, and evaluate care plans, ensuring optimal health outcomes through effective communic...

Yesterday

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

$180K - $220K *

Champion patient care by diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop tailored treatment plans, engage in research, and ensure comprehensive ment...

4 days ago

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

$500K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care through innovative outpatient services, providing exceptional support to patients while collaborating with a skilled team of professiona...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$500K *

Support patient mental health by providing outpatient psychiatric care, leveraging advanced treatment methods. Enjoy a collaborative environment with excellent clinical support and flexible scheduling...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $101K *

Transform lives by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a dedicated team of licensed therapists committed to clinical excellence and professional growth while enjoying a balanced work-l...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$62K - $111K *

Serve as a clinical expert to assess and counsel patients and families, fostering positive discharge outcomes through collaborative care planning and resource identification while adhering to high sta...

Reposted today

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

$180K - $220K *

Join our team as a Medical Director, overseeing clinical operations and ensuring quality care for behavioral health clients. Lead staff development, manage outpatient programs, and drive community out...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $130K *

Elevate financial performance by leading a comprehensive revenue cycle strategy. Drive operational excellence, enhance revenue integrity, and collaborate with executive leadership to optimize cash flo...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing whole-person care as a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner, collaborating with physicians to improve patient outcomes and educate families in a supportive an...

3 weeks ago

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

$146K *

Transform lives by providing expert psychological services in an interdisciplinary team setting, conducting assessments, and delivering therapy to individuals with mental illness. Your leadership will...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $92K *

Engage in impactful virtual counseling for patients with acute mental health conditions. Develop treatment plans, exercise clinical judgment, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance be...

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Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.