Career Path

Substance Abuse or Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Overview

In this career, your responsibilities may include:

Providing support to individuals struggling with substance use disorder
Developing treatment plans
Helping clients identify their problems and teaching them coping skills
Working with clients individually or in groups

Job Titles

In your job search, you may find listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at CareerOneStop.

Academic Requirements

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree is required for private practice. Obtaining a master’s degree can make you eligible for careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries in this career pathway, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a master’s degree.

Certification

Certification is not required, but could make employers more likely to hire you or offer you a higher salary.

If you have a graduate degree or other qualifying advanced education, you may be eligible for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential from the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Licensure

Licensure is required to work as a Substance Abuse or Behavioral Disorder Counselor in private practice. Outside of private practice, licensure requirements vary by state.