Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Your Fit

Income

$53K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor?

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors specialize in helping individuals who struggle with addictions, substance abuse, and behavioral problems. They provide therapy, develop treatment plans, and offer support to help clients recover and improve their lives.

Sample job titles:

Addictions Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$39K per year	$44K per year	$53K per year	$60K per year	$68K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.48K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor do?

Work environment

These counselors work in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities, and private practice. Their work may involve one-on-one counseling, group therapy sessions, and collaborating with other health professionals.

Quick task list

Assesses clients' mental health, substance abuse, or behavioral issues.
Develops and implements personalized treatment plans.
Conducts individual and group therapy sessions.
Provides crisis intervention when needed.
Collaborates with healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Addiction Counseling: Specializing in treating individuals with drug and alcohol addiction.
Behavioral Disorder Counseling: Focusing on clients with behavioral issues such as eating disorders or gambling.
Youth Substance Abuse Counseling: Working specifically with children and teenagers.
Family Counseling: Assisting families affected by addiction or behavioral disorders.
Crisis Intervention: Specializing in emergency counseling and intervention services.

Description

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing essential support to individuals battling addiction and behavioral issues. These counselors assess clients' psychological and physical health, addiction or problem behaviors, and readiness for treatment. They then work to develop tailored treatment plans, which may include therapy, medication, and other services, and monitor the clients' progress throughout the treatment process.

This career is both challenging and rewarding, as counselors often work with clients who are facing significant personal and health struggles. It requires strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Counselors must be knowledgeable about different treatment modalities and stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counseling can be emotionally demanding, but it offers the satisfaction of making a profound difference in clients' lives. Counselors often witness remarkable personal transformations and play a vital role in their clients' journey toward recovery and improved mental health.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant impact on clients' lives and their recovery process.
Witnessing clients' progress and personal growth.
Continuous learning and professional development in the field.

You might make a good Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic towards others' struggles.
A good listener and effective communicator.
Interested in psychology and mental health.
Patient, resilient, and able to handle emotionally challenging situations.
Motivated to help others overcome addiction and behavioral issues.

Pros:

Deeply rewarding work with the potential to change lives.
Diverse work environments and client populations.
Opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

Cons:

Emotional and mental stress due to the nature of the work.
Potential for burnout due to intense nature of counseling.
Work can involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate clients' schedules.

How to become a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field is typically required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require a master's degree, along with certification or licensure, depending on the state and type of service provided.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and sociology to understand human behavior and social dynamics.
Health education to learn about wellness and substance abuse issues.
Communication or public speaking for developing effective communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering for peer counseling or mental health awareness programs.
Participating in clubs or groups focused on health and wellness.
Engaging in community service projects, particularly those related to social services.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer positions in rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, or similar settings.
Pursue a master's degree if required for licensure or specialization.
Obtain certification or licensure as required by your state or employer.
Engage in continuous education to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in the field.

More resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Provides resources and information on substance abuse and mental health.
American Counseling Association (ACA) - Offers professional development resources for counselors.
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) - A resource for addiction service professionals.
Psychology Today - Therapists - A directory and resource for finding therapists and understanding different counseling practices.

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