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.
$113K - $118K *
Drive the success of crisis services by overseeing operations, ensuring quality care, and leading a dedicated team. Collaborate on program improvements and community partnerships to enhance crisis int...
1 week ago
$113K - $118K *
Champion crisis services by leading a dynamic team to enhance care quality, ensure compliance, and drive program improvements. Your leadership will shape the future of crisis intervention and support...
1 week ago
$125K - $223K *
Champion patient care by delivering evidence-based mental health services to children and adults. Collaborate within a supportive team environment and utilize strong clinical judgment to provide effec...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $228K *
Take ownership of providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations, ensuring timely documentation and collaboration in a supportive team environment...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $233K *
Partner with us to deliver high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care for diverse patient populations. Contribute to a collaborative team while advancing your clinical expertise and making a positi...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $228K *
Elevate mental health care by providing evidence-based treatment to diverse populations. Collaborate within a supportive team environment to make a significant impact on patient outcomes and well-bein...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $228K *
Serve as an integral part of a dynamic team, providing high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care to diverse populations, fostering collaboration, and supporting patients in crisis through targeted...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $228K *
Empower your career by delivering high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations while collaborating in a supportive team environment. Your clinical expertise will help enhance...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $233K *
Join a dynamic team where you’ll provide high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations, leveraging your expertise in medication management and clinical practice to improve pat...
1 month ago
$145K - $233K *
Unlock potential by delivering high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care to diverse populations. Collaborate in a supportive team environment while managing treatment and crisis interventions with...
1 month ago
$145K - $233K *
Champion high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care for diverse patients, utilizing strong clinical judgment and collaboration within a supportive team environment to enhance treatment outcomes and...
1 month ago
$145K - $233K *
Champion high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care for diverse populations, collaborating within a team and utilizing strong clinical skills. Engage with patients to provide effective medication m...
4 weeks ago
MAT Registered Nurse (RN) Care Manager - Substance Abuse (Queens, NY)
$93K - $108K *
Lead the charge in providing comprehensive care management for MAT patients, utilizing nursing expertise to assess, plan, and implement effective treatment strategies while advocating for patient need...
Yesterday
MAT Registered Nurse (RN) Care Manager - Substance Abuse (Queens, NY)
$93K - $108K *
Elevate patient care by leading a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and implement effective management strategies for MAT patients, ensuring quality and compassionate support throughout their re...
Yesterday
$145K - $233K *
Elevate your career by providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations. Collaborate with a dedicated team and make an impact on patients' lives through compassionate t...
4 weeks ago
CDOC Social Work/Counselor II Mental Health - Denver
$75K - $105K *
Champion mental health services for inmates by providing evaluations, therapy, and crisis intervention. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and promote a safe clinic...
1 week ago
$100K *
Transform your career by leading clinical operations and program development. Oversee staff, ensure compliance with health standards, and enhance client treatment experiences in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Executive Director - Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services
$80K - $100K *
Lead the charge in enhancing behavioral health services for children and adolescents. Drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and community partnerships while ensuring trauma-informed care and...
4 weeks ago
$81K - $92K *
Contribute to patient care by managing assessments and treatment plans for individuals in a substance use recovery program. Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive care for patients...
Reposted 1 week ago
$103K - $110K *
Support crisis response teams by providing clinical guidance and oversight. Collaborate with clinicians and specialists to ensure effective assessments and resource linkage, while maintaining 24/7 ope...
1 week ago
$103K - $110K *
Accelerate your career by leading crisis response teams, providing clinical guidance, and ensuring effective assessments. Collaborate with professionals to enhance community mental health outcomes and...
1 week ago
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
$76K - $101K *
Join our team of dedicated Licensed Therapists to provide exceptional mental health care. Shape the future of patient treatment through evidence-based practices, flexible scheduling, and a supportive...
2 days ago
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
$76K - $101K *
Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team of licensed therapists, providing exceptional mental health care to diverse populations. Enjoy flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and a support...
3 days ago
$60K - $120K *
Transform mental health care by providing therapeutic services to diverse clients. Collaborate closely with a dedicated treatment team, ensuring compliance with regulations, while managing multiple ta...
3 weeks ago
$60K - $120K *
Drive your career with a rewarding opportunity to provide outpatient mental health services to diverse client populations. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver compassionate care and support i...
4 weeks 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.