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.
Business Development Territory Manager
$110K - $120K *
Take ownership of strategic outreach and relationship building to enhance patient access and drive growth in referrals. Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to ensure seamless transi...
3 weeks ago
MI | Clinical Medical Director | General Adult Psychiatry
$180K - $220K *
Manage clinical operations while leading a team of healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality, effective psychiatric care for adult patients in an in-patient setting...
1 month ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
$95K - $120K *
Elevate clinical programming for children with neurodevelopmental differences. Lead a dedicated team, providing innovative, neurodiversity-affirming care while enjoying flexible scheduling and robust...
6 days ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
$95K - $105K *
Empower individuals by providing expert behavioral analysis and support. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver personalized care, ensuring positive outcomes for clients with neurodevelopmental...
6 days ago
Head of Specialty Therapeutics
$252K - $315K *
Shape the future of interventional psychiatry by leading innovative therapeutic programs, developing clinical protocols, and ensuring evidence-based practices that enhance patient outcomes and align w...
3 days ago
Licensed Team Lead - Mental Health 369
$83K - $103K *
Join a dynamic team to supervise multidisciplinary staff, coordinate services, and assess client needs in a supportive environment. Engage in on-call duties while fostering collaboration across agenci...
6 days ago
Lead Licensed Mental Health Counselor LMHC Supervisor
$83K - $123K *
Join us in transforming mental health care! As a Lead Mental Health Counselor, you will supervise a dynamic team, create impactful treatment plans, and promote an inclusive, creative environment that...
3 weeks ago
$78K - $92K *
Unlock your potential by providing vital behavioral health services, developing community partnerships, and enhancing access to care. Collaborate with teams to promote health equity and support progra...
1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Tackle complex patient needs by providing psychotherapeutic services, including assessment and treatment planning in a hybrid role. Collaborate to enhance service access for children, adolescents, and...
1 month ago
$180K - $220K *
Unlock your potential as you provide comprehensive psychiatric care in both residential and outpatient settings, collaborating with mental health professionals to enhance treatment plans and improve p...
4 weeks ago
Assessment Nurse Care Coordinator
$83K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved clients. As an RN, you'll conduct assessments, create care plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide ess...
3 days ago
$80K - $98K *
Join a team that's dedicated to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive assessments, tailored discharge planning, and supportive counseling. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to connec...
1 week ago
$80K - $98K *
Champion patient care by conducting assessments, formulating discharge plans, and providing counseling. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to connect patients with resources and ensure smooth tr...
1 week ago
Licensed Therapist (LMSW / LAMFT)
$75K - $90K *
Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team of pre-licensed therapists committed to delivering exceptional patient care and clinical excellence in a supportive, flexible environment...
4 days ago
Psychiatrist 2 (NY HELPS), New York State Psychiatric Institute, P28179
$180K - $220K *
Drive high-quality, culturally sensitive psychiatric care in a collaborative team environment, providing psychopharmacology and therapy to patients in an acute care setting while supervising residents...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate patient care by providing essential mental health services under physician supervision. Collaborate on treatment plans, manage medications, and ensure compliance with protocols to optimize pat...
Reposted 2 days ago
LTSS Service Coordinator – RN Clinician (RN Case Manager) Eastern Ohio
$75K - $113K *
Engage in comprehensive case management for members with chronic conditions, ensuring person-centered care through assessments, care plan development, and coordination with healthcare teams to optimiz...
2 weeks ago
LTSS Service Coordinator – RN Clinician (RN Case Manager) Eastern Ohio
$75K - $113K *
Champion person-centered care by managing member cases, conducting assessments, and coordinating services to optimize health outcomes for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities across var...
2 weeks ago
LTSS Service Coordinator – RN Clinician (RN Case Manager) Eastern Ohio
$75K - $113K *
Optimize member care by coordinating services for individuals with chronic illnesses, ensuring person-centered support and effective health management across various settings. Engage directly with cli...
2 weeks ago
LTSS Service Coordinator – RN Clinician (RN Case Manager) Eastern Ohio
$75K - $113K *
Drive person-centered care by managing member cases, coordinating services, and optimizing health outcomes for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities across multiple counties in Eastern O...
2 weeks ago
LTSS Service Coordinator – RN Clinician (RN Case Manager) Eastern Ohio
$75K - $113K *
Champion person-centered care by managing member cases, conducting assessments, and coordinating services for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Drive health outcomes through collabo...
2 weeks ago
$84K - $91K *
Join us to provide vital mental health and substance abuse services, delivering assessments and treatment plans for diverse clients in a supportive environment. Collaborate with a dedicated team to en...
2 days ago
Remote Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW)
$115K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team in delivering impactful mental health services. Play a key role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting clients through tailored therapy sessions while collaborating with specialis...
3 weeks ago
Remote Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW)
$115K - $120K *
Inspire change by delivering compassionate therapy services to individuals and families. Collaborate with specialists to diagnose and treat mental health challenges, while building trust and creating...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $120K *
Deliver exceptional patient care by assessing critical needs, implementing care plans, and managing treatment protocols. Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal outcomes in a fast-paced, 1...
3 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.