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How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
Discover what it takes to start a career as a substance abuse counselor, including potential educational and certification requirements.
Begin walking a new career pathway in behavioral and mental health
A substance abuse counselor, also known as an addiction counselor or an addiction therapist, is a vital part of the recovery journey for individuals struggling with addiction. They provide guidance, support, and therapy to help people overcome substance use disorders and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
If you are compassionate and enjoy helping others, a career as a substance abuse counselor can be very rewarding. Here’s what you need to know about how to become a substance abuse counselor.
Requirements
1. Education and certification requirements
What degree do I need to become a substance abuse counselor?
To become a substance abuse counselor, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as health and human services, psychology, or social work. Some courses may be taken online, while clinical classes may be in-person.
To work in private practice or provide more advanced care, many states require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or addiction studies.
Certifications relevant to substance abuse counseling
In addition to a bachelor's degree, states may require certification in order to work as a substance abuse counselor. Regardless of state requirements, certification can help your resume stand out and increase your qualifications for more types of jobs. Common certifications and licenses include:
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): This entry-level certification typically requires a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing an exam.
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC): This demonstrates your experience and skills in caring for those struggling with drug or alcohol dependency.
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant (CDCA): This certification demonstrates your preparedness to work in addictions counseling, providing individual and group treatment under the supervision of a licensed professional.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): In many states, a master's degree is required to pursue these broader mental health counseling licenses, which often encompass substance abuse counseling. This typically involves extensive supervised clinical experience and passing a state-specific licensing exam.
Responsibilities
2. Duties and responsibilities of a substance abuse counselor
Substance abuse counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address the complex issues surrounding addiction to alcohol or other drugs (AOD). They play a crucial role in assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and relapse prevention. This work can be emotionally demanding, but also rewarding as you see clients get healthier, achieve sobriety, and improve their well-being.
Substance abuse counselors help people throughout their sobriety journey. Key substance abuse counselor responsibilities are:
Prior to counseling
- Conduct initial assessments to evaluate a client's substance use history, mental health, and social circumstances.
- Develop personalized treatment plans based on assessment findings, client goals, and evidence-based practices.
- Coordinate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and social workers, on intake plans as needed.
During counseling
- Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions to address addiction triggers, coping mechanisms, and behavioral changes.
- Educate clients and their families about the nature of addiction, recovery processes, and available resources.
- Provide crisis intervention and support during challenging moments in a client's recovery.
- Monitor client progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and document all interactions.
After counseling
- Develop relapse prevention strategies and aftercare plans to support long-term sobriety.
- Connect clients with community resources, support groups such as AA and ongoing services.
- Advocate for clients' needs and rights within the healthcare system and legal settings.
Advanced substance abuse counselor roles
As a substance abuse counselor, you can advance your career by taking specialized training and earning certifications in areas such as trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders (e.g., addiction and mental health), or specific populations (e.g., adolescents or veterans). Depending on your educational and career path, you may also pursue roles such as:
- Clinical supervisor: A clinical supervisor provides guidance and oversight to other counselors, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and best practices.
- Program director: A program director manages and oversees the operations of a substance abuse treatment facility or program, including staffing, budgeting, and program development.
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Where They Work
Where do substance abuse counselors work?
Substance abuse counselors work in a variety of settings, providing support to individuals in recovery. These settings include:
- Outpatient treatment centers: These facilities provide therapy and support services on a scheduled basis, allowing clients to live at home while receiving treatment.
- Residential treatment facilities: Clients live at a facility—often referred to as a rehabilitation center—for a short or long period of time, receiving intensive, structured treatment, including counseling.
- Hospitals: Counselors may work in general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, or emergency departments, providing initial assessments and crisis intervention.
- Correctional facilities: Some counselors work with incarcerated individuals in jails or prisons to address substance use disorders.
- Government agencies: This can include state or local health departments, social services, or veteran affairs offices. Specialists may work with clients in person or provide care over the phone (e.g., for those who call a crisis support number).
- Private practice: Experienced and licensed counselors may establish their own private practices, offering personalized therapy services.
- Schools and universities: Some counselors work in a school setting, providing prevention education and counseling to students.
Salary & Job Outlook
Career data: average salary and job outlook*
How much do substance abuse counselors earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $65,100 per year ($31.30 per hour). Salaries vary based on your experience, location, and the type of employer (e.g., government agency, private practice, non-profit organization). Earning a certification or specialization may help increase your salary potential.
What is the job outlook for substance abuse counselors?
The job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is very positive, with employment projected to grow 19% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Many of these jobs are expected to open due to people retiring or leaving the workforce.
Start your path to becoming a substance abuse counselor today
Becoming a substance abuse counselor is a meaningful career for those with a strong desire to help others heal and rebuild their lives.
By pursuing the necessary education and certification, you can prepare for a rewarding job in the addiction recovery field.
Learn more about our program options at Herzing and start your path today.
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BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.