Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.
Is substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors a good career?
It scores 42/100 and ranks #59 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+16.8% through 2034)
- High volume of openings — about 48,300 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn between $47,100 and $76,530 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Internship/residency
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although the education required or preferred may vary by position, state, or employer. For example, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, but requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a master’s degree.
Mental health counselors typically need a master's degree. Common fields of undergraduate study include psychology, public policy and social services, and social science. Master’s degree programs often include an internship that is clinically supervised.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in private practice must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all states require these counselors to have a master’s degree and complete a specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors must pass an examination and complete continuing education every year.
Licensure requirements for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors outside of private practice vary by state. For example, not all states require applicants to have a specific degree, but some require them to pass an exam.
All states require mental health counselors to be licensed. Licensure requires successfully completing a national examination and supervised clinical work under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Some jobs require counselors to have certification in basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Advancement
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors who earn a master’s degree and complete a specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience are eligible to get a state license. This allows them to go into private practice or start their own business.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors need to effectively convey ideas and information to clients. They must also write concise but detailed reports documenting clients' progress.
Compassion. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations, so they must empathize with their clients.
Interpersonal skills. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors must be able to develop and nurture good relationships with different types of people.
Listening skills. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors must give clients their full attention to be able to understand each client’s problems and values.
Patience. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors must be able to remain calm when working with all types of clients, including those who may be distressed or angry.
Related occupations
How much do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make?
The national median wage is $59,350 a year, with the middle half earning between $47,100 and $76,530 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 42 of 100 and ranks #59 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +16.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($80,770). Local pay for every state and metro is below.