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Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

What you’d do

  • Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
  • Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
  • Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
  • Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
  • Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
  • Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
  • Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
  • Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Addictions Counselor
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
  • Counselor
  • SA Counselor (Substance Abuse Counselor)
  • CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
  • Case Manager

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