Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned an average annual wage of $53,490 in the U.S. as of 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of counselors’ median annual wages, according to the BLS, range from $59,790 in California to $49,480 in Pennsylvania, two of the states with the greatest employment levels in this profession. It should be noted that counselors possessing graduate degrees often report earning more money than those who lack such degrees. If a person has the qualifying life experience of conquering addiction, they may be able to join the profession of substance abuse and addictions counseling with very little schooling. A person is considered to have useful knowledge in the field if they’ve been sober and clean for at least two years. Some experience in the field, through an internship or other supervised practice, will always be advantageous.

• Whether you are searching for individual treatment for depression or other difficulty, our staff will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible.
• Our counselors are licensed addiction professionals in the state of Washington and are skilled practitioners who provide individual, family, and group counseling.
• However, salary estimates are heavily dependent upon the geographic area in which one works.
• In a majority of cases, addicts or affected people approach substance abuse and addictions counselors when they’re ready.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling, and other types of therapy can help you stay clean.
• Washington is also at the higher end of the pay scale, with substance abuse counselors making an average of $69,188 per year.

Essential Skills for Substance Abuse Counselors

• Detox is only the start of a long process through which you’ll learn to manage cravings and avoid relapse.
• When it comes to navigating the journey of addiction and recovery, having a knowledgeable and…

Residential therapy separates you from the place and things that led you to use drugs. Twelve-step programs like Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous are also peer support groups. But keep in mind that they aren’t led by a trained psychotherapist and, thus, aren’t the same as group therapy.

Navigate Treatment Types

For more information on each state’s specific criteria for substance abuse counselors, visit theNational Board for Certified Counselors. Substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors, are licensed professionals trained in psychology, human behavior, chemical dependency and therapeutic methods. These therapists help people with behavioral disorders (primarily substance use) by talking through the complexities and causes of their addiction. Substance abuse counselors will work one-on-one with clients to develop goals and strategies for pursuing sobriety — all in a compassionate and confidential environment. People who choose a career in addiction counseling can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to halfway houses, prisons and private practices.

• Ph.D. programs in addictions and substance abuse counseling are plentiful, and typically take five years to complete.
• Feeling heard and understood will make you feel more comfortable and engaged in recovery.
• A good counselor who truly cares about your well-being can see things from your perspective.
• This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to guide you effectively.
• But keep in mind that they aren’t led by a trained psychotherapist and, thus, aren’t the same as group therapy.

National Certifications for Substance Abuse Counselors

When illness has hijacked your mind.When addiction has turned your brain against you. They should be able to explain things clearly and listen attentively to your concerns. Feeling heard and understood will make you feel more comfortable and engaged in recovery. The kind of counselor you want on your team is someone who will have your back and guide you with respect and compassion.

Addiction counselors may also work with specific populations, like teenagers, veterans or people with disabilities. However, salary estimates are heavily dependent upon the geographic area in which one works. For example, metropolitan areas on the eastern seaboard typically have a much higher median wage. Substance abuse counselors in San Francisco make nearly $70,000 per year, which places them in the 75th percentile in terms of wages for this occupation.

The goal is to gather detailed information to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of marijuana addiction your situation. Building upon Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, motivational interviewing is a counseling method that incentivizes participants to change their behavior. It is most effective for the treatment of addiction and the management of physical illnesses and ailments. Through individual therapy sessions and group education, dialectical behavior therapy promotes skill-building in four key areas.

The training and best practices for SUD counselors are continually evolving, so you’ll want to keep professional development for counselors opportunities on your radar. Continuing education is essential to maintain your addiction counselor certification and stay current with any developments in the addiction field. Being familiar with substance abuse counselor requirements by state can help eliminate licensing issues later. Certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) certification must be maintained throughout your career. You can contact your state licensure or certification board directly with any questions.

Sessions cover topics like resilience, stress management, assertiveness, and relaxation. Once you’re through detox, you’ll probably need lifelong treatment that includes counseling and possibly medication. Currently, the FDA has three drugs approved for the treatment of opioid addiction and three for the treatment of alcohol addiction. The skills you’ll learn can last a lifetime, so this is a powerful treatment method.

This article explains how to become a licensed substance abuse counselor. And as mental and behavioral health awareness continues to grow, along with access to treatment, so does the demand for qualified substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors. Additionally, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many substance abuse counseling services are now covered by insurance.

Medical detox rescues the body that has gone into crisis because of physical addiction to a substance that’s no longer present. We pledge to provide marijuana addiction a safe place while drugs and alcohol leave the client’s system. We admit clients experiencing withdrawal symptoms into our medically monitored Detoxification Unit on a first-come-first-serve basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. Each client is assigned to a treatment team that manages their journey every step of the way – from detox to residential to outpatient therapy.