Occupation · SOC 21-1011
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
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.
Median wage
$57,480
$37,830–$96,620
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
2,477,920
Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
276 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingWritingReading ComprehensionMonitoringService OrientationPersuasionJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingInstructingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisNegotiationLearning StrategiesTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesScienceQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Therapy and CounselingPsychologyEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeAdministration and ManagementSociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyComputers and ElectronicsMedicine and DentistryPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingCommunications and MediaMathematicsForeign LanguageTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentSales and MarketingTransportationHistory and ArcheologyEconomics and AccountingGeographyPersonnel and Human ResourcesBiologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionFood ProductionChemistryEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsMechanicalPhysics
Technology & tools
ACMS Casewatch MilleniumAddison Health Systems WritePad EHRAllscripts CanopyAnasazi Software Assessment and Treatment Plan SystemsAthena Software Penelope Case ManagementCadence Solutions extendedReachCase management softwareCaseManagement.com E-ReportsClient SystemDatabase softwareEconomic Analysis Group EAG CaseTrackEmail softwareIBM Lotus NotesIMA Technologies CaseTrakkerLibera System7Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOnline informational database softwarePractice Technology PrevailPresentation softwareSTI Computer Services ChartMakerScheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareStatistical softwareVarian Medical SystemsWeb browser softwareWord processing softwaredanic Technology
Representative tasks
Getting InformationProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesAnalyzing Data or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Client intake records and session documentation — complete accurately under clinical supervision using electronic medical record software in a community behavioral health setting.Individual counseling sessions — conduct introductory interactions under direct supervision to begin building therapeutic rapport with clients presenting substance use disorders.Urine sample collection procedures — follow established protocols under supervisor guidance to assess clients' degree of drug dependency in a certified treatment facility.Chemical dependency orientation sessions — co-facilitate structured group presentations under licensed clinician oversight to introduce new clients to program expectations.Treatment plan templates — review and populate standardized fields under supervision using client histories gathered during intake assessment in an inpatient or outpatient setting.Client progress indicators — monitor and document observable behavioral changes against baseline goals as directed by senior counselors during weekly case reviews.Community referral resources — identify and compile relevant post-treatment agency contacts under guidance to support discharge planning for assigned clients.Active listening techniques — apply foundational reflective listening skills under supervision during individual sessions to demonstrate empathy and build initial therapeutic alliance.Electronic health record and scheduling software — navigate and maintain appointment calendars and session notes under direction to support administrative continuity of care.Regulatory and ethical standards — recognize and follow applicable state licensure requirements and HIPAA guidelines under direct oversight during all client service activities.
developing
Client progress reports and treatment records — prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation routinely and independently using electronic medical record systems in compliance with program standards.Individual and group counseling sessions — facilitate structured therapeutic interventions with reduced oversight to assist clients in overcoming dependencies and adjusting to life transitions.Urinalysis results and toxicology data — collect, analyze, and interpret findings to inform clinical decision-making during ongoing client assessment in a licensed treatment facility.Discharged client follow-up contacts — conduct scheduled outreach and evaluate self-reported outcomes to determine treatment effectiveness across a defined post-discharge period.Chemical dependency orientation curricula — deliver program orientation sessions independently to newly admitted clients, adapting content to diverse literacy and cultural backgrounds.Individualized treatment plans — develop evidence-based care plans by synthesizing clinical experience, research literature, and client biopsychosocial histories in outpatient or residential contexts.Client goal attainment benchmarks — review measurable progress indicators and adjust care plan objectives in routine clinical supervision meetings with multidisciplinary team members.Probation officers and court systems — coordinate client compliance reporting and service linkage with justice-involved agencies in community corrections or drug court environments.Complex Problem Solving and critical thinking skills — apply structured clinical reasoning to identify and address co-occurring mental health and substance use presentations in familiar caseloads.Psychoeducational group curricula — design and lead evidence-based skill-building groups on relapse prevention and coping strategies for clients in structured treatment programs.
proficient
Comprehensive client case records — oversee accurate, autonomous documentation of complex multi-episode treatment histories using integrated health information systems across inpatient and outpatient settings.Individualized and group therapeutic modalities — deliver a full spectrum of counseling interventions autonomously, including motivational interviewing and CBT, for clients with severe or chronic substance use disorders.Biopsychosocial assessment protocols — conduct independent, holistic evaluations integrating urinalysis, psychiatric history, and social determinants to formulate differential diagnoses in high-acuity treatment environments.Longitudinal treatment outcome tracking — design and implement systematic follow-up frameworks to analyze post-discharge recovery trajectories and apply findings to continuous program improvement.Non-routine client crises and ethical dilemmas — resolve complex clinical and ethical challenges autonomously, applying professional judgment grounded in established codes of ethics and risk-management principles.Multidisciplinary care coordination — lead cross-agency collaboration with courts, probation, community services, and healthcare providers to construct seamless continua of care for justice-involved clients.Individualized treatment plan refinement — revise and update evidence-based plans autonomously based on evolving client needs, emerging research, and measurable goal attainment across full case scope.Inductive and deductive clinical reasoning — synthesize qualitative and quantitative client data to identify systemic behavioral patterns and translate insights into actionable therapeutic strategies.Systems analysis of care delivery — evaluate program-level service gaps and client flow inefficiencies using analytical software and apply findings to enhance clinical operations within the organization.Advanced psychopharmacology and co-occurring disorder knowledge — integrate understanding of medication-assisted treatment protocols into counseling practice to address complex substance use and mental health comorbidities.
advanced
Organizational treatment philosophy and clinical standards — establish, articulate, and champion evidence-based frameworks that define the strategic direction of substance use disorder services across a large healthcare or social service enterprise.Clinical supervision and professional development — design and lead formal mentorship and supervision structures that build counseling competency in emerging and developing practitioners across multiple program sites.Program-wide documentation and quality assurance systems — direct the development and continuous evaluation of health record policies and outcome measurement infrastructure to ensure regulatory compliance and data integrity.Institutional partnerships with courts, corrections, and community agencies — negotiate and govern formal interagency agreements that shape coordinated service delivery ecosystems for high-risk populations at a regional or statewide level.Population-level treatment outcome evaluation — lead systemic analysis of longitudinal data using advanced analytical and scientific software to inform policy recommendations and funding priorities for behavioral health programs.Workforce training curricula and certification pathways — architect comprehensive training programs aligned with national credentialing standards to elevate the professional capacity of the counseling workforce across the organization.Chemical dependency program design and accreditation — direct the creation, implementation, and accreditation of new service lines, including orientation, detox, and aftercare components, within complex regulatory environments.Organizational budget and resource allocation strategy — lead financial planning and resource prioritization decisions that sustain and expand evidence-based substance use and behavioral disorder services at scale.Ethical leadership and organizational integrity — model and enforce the highest standards of clinical ethics, empathy, and social responsibility, establishing a culture of trust and accountability across all levels of the organization.Public advocacy and systems-level policy influence — represent the organization and profession in legislative, regulatory, and community forums to advance equitable, evidence-informed behavioral health policy at the local, state, or national level.
Also known as
57 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Addiction CounselorAddiction Recovery SpecialistAddiction TherapistAddictions CounselorAlcohol and Drug CounselorAlcoholic CounselorAlcoholism and Substance Abuse CounselorAssessment SpecialistBehavior Technician (Behavior Tech)Behavior TherapistBehavioral AnalystBehavioral ClinicianBehavioral SpecialistBehavioral TechnicianBehavioral TherapistCASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)Case ManagerCertified Abuse and Drug Addiction CounselorCertified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC)Certified Alcohol CounselorCertified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC)Certified Drug CounselorCertified Substance Abuse CounselorChemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)Chemical Dependency ProfessionalChemical Dependency TechnicianClinical CounselorClinicianCorrectional Substance Abuse CounselorCounselorDirect Care CounselorDrug Abuse CounselorDrug Abuse TechnicianDrug and Alcohol TherapistDrug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS)Drug CounselorDrug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations CounselorGroup CounselorGroup Home Counselor