Summary
Quick Facts: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | |
---|---|
$38,120 per year
$18.33 per hour |
|
High school diploma or equivalent | |
None | |
Moderate-term on-the-job training | |
85,500 | |
27% (Faster than average) | |
23,400 |
What Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors Do
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.
Work Environment
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centers, prisons, and private practice. Most work full time.
How to Become a Substance Abuse or Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to a master’s degree, depending on the setting, type of work, state regulations, and level of responsibility.
Pay
The median annual wage of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors was $38,120 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 27 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as more people seek treatment for their addictions or other behaviors and drug offenders are increasingly sentenced to treatment rather than jail time.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors with similar occupations.
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Contacts for More Information
Learn more about substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors by contacting these additional resources.