Drug Counselor Job Growth Trend
According to the BLS, employment figures for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is expected to increase by 22 percent from 2018 to 2028. Job prospects are considered to be very good, in part because of job turnover, but also due to the fact that there is increased demand for counselors to work with individuals who have been involved with the criminal justice system.
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Career Information For Substance Abuse Counselors
Substance abuse counselors may treat patients in a group setting or in private sessions. Counselors develop treatment plans to help patients overcome substance abuse and addiction disorders. Treatment includes helping patients develop the skills needed for recovery. Substance abuse counselors also work with the families of patients to help them understand addictive behavior. The BLS predicts employment for substance abuse counselors will increase by 27 percent through 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries
The national average salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $41,610 per year in United States. Filter by location to see a Substance Abuse Counselor salaries in your area. Salaries estimates are based on 1018 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Substance Abuse Counselor employees.
The highest salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor in United States is $60,561 per year.
The lowest salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor in United States is $28,589 per year.
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What Is The Earning Potential For Counselors In Private Practice
If youre interested in opening your own practice, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Private practice gives you the freedom to choose who you work with and how often. Private practice can also be lucrative if its done properly. However, there are some costs to consider before opening your own practice:
Costs to Consider
Licensing Fees: Before you open your practice, youll need to research the laws in your state. There are specific laws for owning your business. Youll likely have to obtain a business license from the city you live in and renew it annually.Client Base: Youll also need to generate business in order to be profitable. The more clients you have, the more money youll likely make. In order to generate business, youll need to put forth money towards marketing effortsOverhead: Some of the expenses needed to operate a private practice include: office space the cost of utilities and furnishings, office supplies, additional staff, if necessary, and the price of medical, dental, and liability insurance.
The risks associated with private practice are not for everyone. Thats why its important to know the facts. It may be helpful to talk to a fellow clinician in private practice to learn more about the pros and cons. Fluctuating income can be challenging for counselors who have other expenses. However, if youre willing to put in the work and have the resources to do so, private practice can be incredibly rewarding.
How Much Money Does A Drug Counselor Make
Related
Drug counselors, sometimes knowns as addiction or substance abuse counselors, specialize in providing treatment and support to individuals who are living with substance abuse problems. Qualifications and average salaries for drug counselors vary and depend on the type of licensing and certification that the counselor holds, as well as the setting in which she practices.
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Job Outlook For Addiction Counselors
The job outlook for addiction counselors is outstanding. There will be 22% job growth in the field through 2028, according to BLS. Employment growth will occur as more people want addiction and mental health treatments.
Also, the demand for addiction counselors should rise because states are trying to get more treatment and counseling for drug offenders instead of years in jail.
The criminal justice system has seen that substance abuse addictions are not as likely to re-offend if they get treatment for their addictions. Many drug sentences require the offender to get therapy and counseling for their problem. If they do not, they can be sent back to jail. Research has shown that addiction treatment programs can be more cost-effective than putting people in jail. States may use substance abuse treatment programs as a way to prevent people from re-offending.
Rehabilitation counselors will see 10% job growth through 2028, which is faster than average. Demand for these counseling professionals will grow with the growing elderly population, and with the additional rehabilitation needs of many groups, such as war veterans and people with various disabilities.
Drug Counselor Licensing And Certification
The criteria for becoming a state licensed drug counselor varies by jurisdiction. In most cases, however, those who want to earn a license will have to submit proof of educational credentials and supervised practice in a professional setting before being able to sit for a licensing exam.
Substance abuse treatment and mental health industry organizations offer professional certification to those who work as substance abuse counselors. Requirements vary by organization but may require passing a proctored exam as well as documenting education and professional experience.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was $46,240 as of May 2019. This means that half of all counselors make more than this amount and the other half make less. The actual salary range for drug counselors runs from $76,080 for the highest 10 percent of earners to $29,520 for the bottom 10 percent.
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How To Become A Certified Addiction Counselor
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Addiction professionals are always in demand to close the treatment gap found in many communities across the United States. This review covers how to become a certified addiction counselor, including what education and experience are required.
Work Environment About This Section
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors held about 327,500 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors were as follows:
| Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers | 18% |
| Government | 9 |
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including mental health centers, prisons, probation or parole agencies, and juvenile detention facilities. They also work in halfway houses, detox centers, or in employee assistance programs . EAPs are mental health programs provided by some employers to help employees deal with personal problems.
Some addiction counselors work in residential treatment centers, where clients live in the facility for a fixed period of time. Others work with clients in outpatient treatment centers. Some counselors work in private practice, where they may work alone or with a group of counselors or other professionals.
Although rewarding, the work of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is often stressful. Many counselors have to deal with large workloads. They do not always have enough resources to meet the demand for their services. Also, they may have to intervene in crisis situations or work with agitated clients, which can be difficult.
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Pay Scale For A California Addiction Counselor
California’s pay scale will always depend on the certification level you have earned, how many years of experience you have in your field and the budget of your employer. If you hold an associate’s degree in addictive counseling, you can’t expect to make as much as someone who has a master’s degree. Since addiction counselors in the state of California are needed, the salary they have the potential of making is very good. Whether you are employed at a treatment center, halfway house or hospital will determine what salary you will make but on average, a addiction counselor who has finished their residency and passed their state exam can expect to make on average $32,960 per year. As they progress in years of experience and move to an employer who has a private versus state budget to work with for example, their salary can go up by $10,000 or down by $5,000 or more. California offers an abundance of opportunity and in a variety of work environments that support a healthy and plentiful lifestyle, so keep in mind that the higher degree you hold, the more opportunity you have to increase your salary.
Is Being A Substance Abuse Counselor A Good Job
Yes, being a substance abuse counselor is a good job. In fact, substance abuse counselors are ranked #1 in Best Social Services Jobs, according to U.S. News.
A career in substance abuse counseling can yield a decent salary, and the help you provide others can be priceless, making this a rewarding career for many people.
Although, working independently can provide a healthy salary if you have a large enough client base. If you partner with other mental health professionals or doctors, they may recommend you as a preferred provider to their patients.
The need for substance abuse counselors is only expected to grow. In fact, jobs for substance abuse counselors are predicted to grow 23% through 2030. In particular, facilities that employ substance abuse counselors are expected to have very high growth through the remainder of the decade.
Substance abuse counselors are needed in a variety of settings, including:
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Hospitals
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Drug and alcohol treatment centers
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High schools
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What Kind Of Institutions Hire Substance Abuse Counselors
A relatively long list of institutions hire substance abuse counselors with most looking for full-time employees. Substance abuse counselors may find they have to work nights or weekends to accommodate clients schedules. They should also be flexible in case a client is in crisis day or night.
Facilities include:
- Drug and alcohol treatment centers
- High schools
Education And Degree Requirements
Each state has its own requirements for addiction counselors. Across all states, counselors need at least a bachelors degree, though they cannot open a private practice without a graduate-level degree. Counselors without a masters or doctoral degree need to be supervised under a graduate-level counselor.
Typically, the path to becoming a licensed and certified addiction counselor involves attaining a graduate-level degree in addiction counseling. Its important to choose an accredited program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs . CACREP-approved programs ensure students are prepared for the certifying and licensing exams in many states.
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How To Become A Substance Abuse Behavioral Disorder Or Mental Health Counselor
Most positions require at least a bachelors degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a masters degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a masters degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor.
Masters In Counseling Salary: How Much Do Therapists Make
Graduate counseling programs provide the advanced clinical training necessary to move ahead in the mental health field. With a masters degree in counseling, you can expect long-term career prospects with opportunities to advance your degree, your scope of practice, and your professional fulfillment.
Below youll find a comprehensive overview of salary data for counselors in todays job market. Youll also find salary data for the most common areas of speciality in the counseling profession.
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Masters Degree Programs In Substance Abuse
Master’s degree programs in substance abuse counseling prepare students in the psychology of addiction and the techniques that help patients overcome the emotional and mental health issues that can impede recovery. In addition to courses in substance abuse, master’s programs may also cover behavioral addictions such as shopping addiction and eating disorders. Courses can include the biology of addiction, addiction evaluation and treatment, psychopathology, cognitive neuroscience and substance abuse counseling.
Addiction Counselor Salary In Illinois
How much does an Addiction Counselor make in Illinois? The average Addiction Counselor salary in Illinois is $56,900 as of December 27, 2021, but the range typically falls between $50,200 and $63,800. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
| Percentile | |
| 10th Percentile Addiction Counselor Salary | $44,100 |
| 25th Percentile Addiction Counselor Salary | $50,200 |
| 50th Percentile Addiction Counselor Salary | $56,900 |
| 75th Percentile Addiction Counselor Salary | $63,800 |
| 90th Percentile Addiction Counselor Salary | $70,082 |
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What Is Your Career Choice Salary Earning Potential
A substance abuse counselor is a type of mental health counselor who treats patients suffering from drug or alcohol dependency. Substance abuse counselors work with individuals who are concerned they are abusing drugs and alcohol in a way that might lead to addiction. Mental health professionals in substance abuse counselor jobs will work with both the chemically dependent client and their family to find coping strategies and plans of action to foster success for everyone. Family involvement can be an important part of the recovery and healing process. Substance abuse counselor jobs are increasingly in demand and they are expected to continue to be so through 2026. This makes the choice to become a substance abuse counselor a wise one. People who enjoy helping others and have patience often make ideal substance abuse counselors.
You can get a bachelor’s degree or masters degree in substance use or another related field. You can get an associates degree in substance abuse within two years. With this degree you can treat substance use but it will be much easier to find a substance use job with a bachelor’s degree or masters degree. If you would like to pursue social work, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. Social work requires clinical experience in conjunction with your degree. Most people that open a private practice obtain a masters degree or above.
Training And Clinical Experience
Before getting licensed as a counselor, students must spend many supervised hours gaining clinical experience. These hours may be done through internships or practicums, which are usually a part of your degree program.
In states where licensure can be achieved with a bachelors degree, candidates typically spend 4,000 to 10,000 hours gaining supervised experience. However, those with masters degrees may only need around 1,000 hours of clinical experience. After these hours are completed, a candidate can take an exam to become licensed.
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What Type Of Income Does An Addiction Counselor Make In California
The state of California fearlessly supports the growing need for addiction counselors. Now more than ever many of California’s citizen’s struggle with many mental health issues and at the top of that list includes addiction issues. From eating disorders to sex addiction, the ramifications and consequences of a patient’s life and those lives around him/her who don’t get properly treated can be drastic. It’s important to have addiction counselors that are correctly certified, educated and with a level of compassion and care that is at the forefront of their motivation. Many students go to school for advanced degrees so that they can make a difference but do they understand the big picture for their careers? How many people really know what they’re getting into before they begin their education and more importantly, know what they can expect to make per year doing it?
Complete A Masters Degree
The most advanced substance abuse counselor certificates and licenses require applicants to have a masters degree or higher. A master of science in addiction counseling is the most common degree for this field. There are numerous online masters programs and on-campus options with flexible schedules, which allow students to pursue higher education in this field while still balancing work or family.
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What State Has The Highest Average Substance Abuse Counselor Salary
As of 2019, Utah had the highest average substance abuse counselor salary, at $66,330 per year.1 Tennessee had the lowest average addiction counselor salary, at $39,510 per year.1 Factors that influence salaries include metropolitan area, demand for counselors, local cost of living, and counselor qualifications.
Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Requirements
Most states require 415 academic hours of substance abuse counseling to qualify for work in the field, as well as a specific number of practicum hours. Each state has different requirements, so its important to find out how many hours you need based on the location where you plan to work. Along with academics and experience, most states also require that you pass an exam.
Some states require completion of 2,000 to 6,000 internship hours before taking an exam, but requirements vary depending on your current academic level. When you are under the supervision of a licensed therapist, you are working and making money as an alcohol and drug counseling intern and each state has different requirements for when you can take their exam sometimes you need to complete internship hours before you finish your academics, other times you can complete the practicum hours after the academics.
National Universitys undergraduate certificate in alcohol and drug abuse counseling prepares you for entry-level employment and is a stepping stone to pursuing advanced degrees in psychology or other fields or a career as a therapist in the mental health community.
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