Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors work with individuals struggling with addiction, gambling, eating disorders, and related behavioral health issues. They provide counseling to clients individually, in family sessions, or in groups, and may also develop prevention programs. Most work in treatment facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practice.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A counselor might begin the day reviewing client files and treatment plans, then conduct individual therapy sessions addressing addiction triggers and coping strategies. The afternoon may include facilitating a group session, consulting with a treatment team about a client's progress, documenting session notes, or meeting with family members. Counselors also spend time planning interventions, coordinating care with other providers, and sometimes delivering prevention education to community organizations.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working directly with people to understand their problems and help them make meaningful changes. You're drawn to investigating root causes and patterns in behavior, and you have the patience for long-term support work. Strong listening skills and genuine interest in human wellbeing are essential.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST (SUBSTANCE ABUSE) · U.S. Army Medical Command · Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington · $100602–$130786
- Supervisory Social Worker (Substance Abuse) · U.S. Army Medical Command · Fort Riley, Kansas · $106437–$138370
- Social Worker (Substance Abuse) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia · $75788–$98530
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Certifications people in this field hold
- Christian Substance Abuse Counselor II (CSAC) — Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors
- Christian Substance Abuse Counselor I (CSAC) — Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors
- Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) — California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
- Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (SUDRC) — California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
- Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor - Advanced Experience (SUDCC) — California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
- Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor - Advanced Experience and Bachelor's Level Education (SUDCC) — California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.