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.
$73K - $93K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing youth and family services through effective leadership and innovative programming. Drive quality care and compliance while collaborating across multiple syste...
Today
$73K - $93K *
Take ownership of the Intensive Home-Based Treatment program, ensuring high-quality service delivery, compliance with standards, and effective team leadership while collaborating across departments to...
Today
$73K - $93K *
Optimize intensive home-based treatment services by leading, coordinating, and overseeing program operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality care, compliance, and effective treatment pl...
Today
$78K - $94K *
Transform behavioral health services by leading clinical strategy, fostering innovation, and developing strong clinical leaders. Drive quality care and community impact while ensuring compliance and c...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion a patient-centered environment by leading clinical operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering staff development. Collaborate with teams to enhance care quality and support strategic goals...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us promote a safe and professional healthcare environment while ensuring optimal patient care. Lead and supervise clinical staff, develop policies, and enhance service quality through effective c...
3 weeks ago
Behavioral Health Case Manager- Care at Home- Jackson, MS
$60K - $107K *
Join our team to provide integrated behavioral health case management, ensuring quality care for patients in their homes. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance treatment plans and suppo...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by overseeing clinical staffing and patient coordination. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality and education programs while serving as a resource and role model. Engage in dir...
3 days ago
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
$95K - $110K *
Elevate your career by delivering compassionate, evidence-based therapy in a dynamic outpatient setting. Collaborate with a dedicated care team to support patient recovery and refine clinical practice...
1 week ago
Mental Health Therapist - School Based Health Center
$79K - $126K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering integrated mental health care, collaborating with primary care providers to assess and treat patients. You'll manage a diverse caseload, ensuring access to v...
2 days ago
Registered Nurse (RN) - Opioid Treatment Program
$76K - $84K *
Elevate your nursing career by joining a dynamic team focused on patient mental health. Provide compassionate care within an Opioid Treatment Program while enjoying flexible hours and a supportive wor...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $100K *
Empower individuals by providing therapeutic support in a flexible, hybrid environment. Join a collaborative team dedicated to enhancing mental health through innovative care and professional developm...
3 weeks ago
Employment Counsel - remote in California
$177K - $250K *
Champion compliance and risk management by providing expert legal counsel on labor and employment matters. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive initiatives, oversee negotiations, and ensure...
3 days ago
Utilization Specialist - Full Time
$68K - $104K *
Drive the utilization review process in a high-demand inpatient psychiatric setting. Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure proper care and documentation, monitor patient stays, and conduct concurr...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Employment Counsel - remote in California
$177K - $250K *
Join as a key legal advisor, providing expert counsel on labor and employment matters while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive initiatives, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across t...
3 days ago
Remote Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner - CA License
$165K - $180K *
Manage telehealth evaluations and medication management for clients in CA. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure integrated care, monitor patient outcomes, and maintain accurate documentation wh...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that delivers integrated psychiatric care while maintaining work-life balance. Collaborate with primary care providers and embedded therapists to support mental health needs and enhance pa...
1 month ago
Senior Clinical Supervisor- East Clinic
$86K - $95K *
Lead a dedicated team in delivering culturally responsive mental health services. Oversee clinical supervision, support operational needs, and ensure high-quality care while managing a diverse caseloa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Child Mental Health Therapist - FFS
$75K - $85K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing client-centered therapy to children. As a Child Mental Health Therapist, you'll deliver trauma-informed care, collaborate with specialists, and develop treatm...
5 days ago
Psychiatrist or Psychiatric ARNP
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health services across all ages. Play a key role in developing integrated care models and collaborating with providers to deliver exceptional patient c...
2 weeks ago
$72K - $94K *
Champion collaborative treatment planning and client engagement as a Registered Nurse. Monitor vital signs, administer medications, and ensure compliance while supporting clients and families in a dyn...
1 week ago
Adult Clinical Services Manager - Geraldton, ON NU101926 (Non-Union)
$79K - $94K *
Join a dynamic leadership team to enhance mental health and addiction services. Drive program development, ensure quality service delivery, and foster community partnerships across the District of Thu...
4 days ago
Licensed Social Worker LCSW LMFT LPCC - Indio - Mental Health - 323
$74K - $92K *
Join a dedicated team providing clinical and casework services to support recovery planning and collaboration with various agencies. This role may include supervising unlicensed staff, ensuring qualit...
2 weeks ago
School Behavioral Health Manager (LCSW)
$95K - $108K *
Oversee daily behavioral health operations in school-based centers, ensuring compliance and coordination. Supervise staff, provide clinical consultation, and collaborate with school personnel to enhan...
2 weeks ago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Specializing in Addiction
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in providing compassionate psychiatric care for patients with mental health and substance use disorders. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver evidence-based treatment and suppo...
1 week 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.