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Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Typical education: Master's degreeModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Kinds of work

  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $59,350 Median per year · $28.53/hr Most earn $38,940–$97,590

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
  • Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
  • Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.
  • Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
  • Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
18% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 50,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't break this career out by industry.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Master's degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

This isn't usually an entry-level job. Most people finish a bachelor's degree, work 1 to 2 years in a related role, and then earn a master's degree, which often takes about 7 to 8 years after high school. Many people work in the field while they study.

  1. Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field

    4 years

    You build a foundation in human behavior, mental health, and research, and you can often find volunteer or part-time work in a clinic or support program during school.

  2. Behavioral Health Technician

    1-2 years

    You support people in treatment programs, learn how counseling sessions work, and build the hands-on experience that master's programs and employers look for.

  3. Master's degree in addiction or clinical mental health counseling

    2 years

    You learn counseling methods, ethics, and treatment planning, and you complete supervised clinical hours that prepare you for licensing.

  4. Substance Abuse Counselor

    Ongoing

    You counsel individuals, families, or groups on addiction and related problems, usually after earning a state license or certification.

Where it can lead

  1. Clinical Supervisor

    3-5 years of experience first

    You oversee other counselors, review their cases, and help train new staff, which requires strong clinical skills and often extra licensing.

  2. Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

    2-4 years of experience first

    With a doctoral degree and more training, you can diagnose and treat complex conditions and may lead research or private practice.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take psychology or health classesThese classes introduce you to how people think and behave and to the basics of mental health.
  • Volunteer at a community center or food bankWorking with different people helps you learn listening and patience, which are core skills for counselors.
  • Join a peer support or debate clubPeer groups build communication and empathy, and debate teaches you to explain your ideas clearly.
  • Get a starter job that involves peopleJobs like retail, food service, or camp counseling help you practice calm, respectful conversations.
  • Learn about addiction and recoveryReading about recovery from reliable health sources gives you a realistic picture of the work and why it matters.

In college

  • Major in psychology, social work, or counselingThese majors give you the background you'll need for a master's program in counseling.
  • Take courses on addiction, human development, and research methodsSpecific courses show graduate programs you're serious and give you the knowledge to understand treatment research.
  • Volunteer or intern at a treatment center, recovery program, or crisis lineSupervised clinical experience is what most programs and employers want to see, and it helps you decide if the work fits you.
  • Work as a peer support specialist or case aidePaid support work builds the 1-2 years of experience that typically comes before a master's degree.
  • Build relationships with faculty and professionalsMentors can write letters for graduate school and point you toward jobs and internships.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for volunteer or part-time work at a recovery center, crisis line, or support group while you're in school. Hands-on experience matters a lot in this field.
  • Ask a counselor you know if you can shadow them for a day or talk with them about their path. Their advice will be specific to your area.
  • Check your state's licensing requirements early, since they decide how many supervised hours and which exams you'll need after your master's degree.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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