Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors specialize in helping individuals who struggle with addictions, substance abuse, and behavioral problems. They provide therapy, develop treatment plans, and offer support to help clients recover and improve their lives.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: Unknown
Annual job openings: 48,300
Direct AI exposure: 18% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 40% of tasks
| According to ZipRecruiter, average income (in USD) is $51K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| NA per year | $44K per year | $51K per year | $60K per year | $68K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $20 above the national average. | ||||
These counselors work in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities, and private practice. Their work may involve one-on-one counseling, group therapy sessions, and collaborating with other health professionals.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing essential support to individuals battling addiction and behavioral issues. These counselors assess clients' psychological and physical health, addiction or problem behaviors, and readiness for treatment. They then work to develop tailored treatment plans, which may include therapy, medication, and other services, and monitor the clients' progress throughout the treatment process.
This career is both challenging and rewarding, as counselors often work with clients who are facing significant personal and health struggles. It requires strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Counselors must be knowledgeable about different treatment modalities and stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counseling can be emotionally demanding, but it offers the satisfaction of making a profound difference in clients' lives. Counselors often witness remarkable personal transformations and play a vital role in their clients' journey toward recovery and improved mental health.
A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field is typically required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require a master's degree, along with certification or licensure, depending on the state and type of service provided.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.