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.
$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
Integrated Clinical Services Executive Director
$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
$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
Mental Health Therapist (LICSW, LMHC,LMFT)
$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
Mental Health Therapist (LICSW, LMHC,LMFT)
$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
Mental Health Therapist (LICSW, LMHC,LMFT)
$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
$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
Clinic Director I - Licensed Therapist PT/PTA
$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
Behavioral Health Coordinator (Credentialed)
$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
Clinical Social Worker LICSW, Social Work Float (40 hours, Days)
$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
$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
$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
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, & LPCC)
$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
Psychologist 9-P11 - Caro Psychiatric Hospital
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Clinical Social Worker LCSW [Cancer Center - Amb Onc], 40 Hours Days, University Campus
$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
$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
Director of Revenue Cycle Management
$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
Nurse Practitioner, Behavioral Health
$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
$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
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Remote)
$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...
Today
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.