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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, & Mental Health Counselor

Last updated: December 16, 2025 12:45 pm
December 16, 2025
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17 Min Read
Key Takeaways
  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental health counselors help individuals manage and overcome mental, emotional, and substance abuse disorders.
  • The minimum requirement is a master's degree in counselling or a related field and a state licensure.
  • The field has a projected job growth of 19% from 2023-2033 and a median annual wage of $53,710 (BLS data, 2023).

Visualize this: An empathic professional listening to someone sharing details of their addiction, helping them with tools and strategies to push through the process of recovery towards lasting change.

These professionals are the beacon of light that shines on individuals during their darkest moments as they move towards recovery to mental wellness and stability. A Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, & mental health counselor offers skilled listening and problem-solving skills to clients to build coping mechanisms and resilience.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counsellors provide a unique combination of emotional support and evidence-based therapeutic techniques that help individuals overcome mental health challenges and substance abuse issues.

Total Employment: 449,800

Common Names for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors 

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Addictions Counselor
  • Case Manager
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC) 
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor) 
  • Chemical Dependency Professional
  • Clinical Counselor, Counselor
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS)
  • Prevention Specialist
  • Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

What Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors Do

Substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors are professional advisors with a niche in advising people on issues relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Assessment & Evaluation: Evaluate clients’ mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges both initially and on an ongoing basis to create effective treatment strategies and care plans.
  • Individual Counseling: Conduct individual therapy sessions to assist clients in processing their challenges, developing coping strategies, and striving towards personal growth and recovery objectives. 
  • Treatment Planning: Develop and keep detailed treatment plans that include clear goals, actions to take, and ways to measure success for each client’s needs.
  • Crisis Intervention: Respond quickly to urgent situations and offer immediate help to clients who are feeling extremely upset, at risk of relapse, or facing other emergencies.
  • Group Therapy Facilitation: Facilitate group therapy sessions that allow clients to share their experiences, learn from one another, and build supportive relationships in a structured setting.
  • Case Management: Oversee client care among different services, keep accurate records, and ensure ongoing treatment while following legal and ethical guidelines.
  • Family Support & Education: Involve family members in the treatment process by providing counseling and education to strengthen support systems and enhance treatment results.
  • Progress Monitoring: Monitor and record client progress, modify treatment strategies as needed, and keep necessary clinical records to ensure effective care.
  • Referral Management: Connect clients with additional community resources, healthcare providers, or specialized services when needs extend beyond the scope of current care.

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SOURCES:BLS.govCareerOneStop
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