Substance abuse counselors specialize in the treatment of disorders related to eating, drugs, alcohol, and various other behavioral issues. The typical career path for a substance abuse counselor starts from residency training, where the counselor must acquire a minimum amount of clinical exposure to begin practicing. Once a substance abuse counselor is licensed they may go into working at local detention centers and hospitals or state and local governments or even managing a private practice.
A bachelor’s degree along with mandatory clinical experience is required to begin working as a substance abuse counselor, but those wishing to open up private practices must obtain a master’s degree in social work or counseling before providing their services. Obtaining a master’s degree opens up more career possibilities for substance abuse counselors, who may become supervisors and directors after years of experience in a clinical setting. Job descriptions for these supervisory roles are similar to counselors but involve managing customer profiles, hiring and training new employees, recording financials, and coordinating the delivery of patient needs. Clinical directors also report earning the highest pay of any Mental Health Counselor, with an average salary of approximately $72,000.
Mental and substance abuse counselors have the option to pursue careers in social work and need a Master’s Degree obtained from an accredited university along with a minimum of two years work experience. Social workers will be involved in the documentation of case files for patients, providing educational referrals, evaluating the condition and progress of each patient, and helping to treat any mental health conditions. Progression as a Social Worker also involves the potential for increased pay by becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or LCSW. LCSW’s take on the traditional role of a Social Worker but go beyond a clinical setting by providing resources for their patients by connecting them with employers and potential living arrangements in their communities.
Substance abuse counselors have the option to become Certified Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counselors, typically placing them in a setting where they can work in group therapy and case management. This line of counseling will typically occur in outpatient centers where counselors can provide referrals to medical professionals. Pay for Certified Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counselors is similar to other Mental Health Professionals, reporting an average salary of around $38,000 and increasing to almost $43,000 with over a decade of experience.
For those wishing to work in medical facilities or substance abuse treatment centers, Licensed Addiction Counselors provide an opportunity for substance abuse counselors to specialize in therapeutic treatment of chemical, drug, or alcohol dependency. LAC’s also have the capability to plan for treatment based on diagnosis’ from each patient and can be involved in direct counseling or group therapy. Average pay for a LAC is around $41,000 and can increase after five years of work experience.