How to become a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Official title: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Also called: Addictions Counselor, CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), Case Manager, Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Chemical Dependency Professional, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS), LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor), Residential Substance Abuse Counselor, SA Counselor (Substance Abuse Counselor)
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. Some counselors need a state-issued license.
Typical education to start: Master's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
- College: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 23 universities in the US
- College: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 11 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 47 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 533,400 people work in this job now, and about 631,400 are projected by 2035. (+18.4%)
Related jobs
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor?
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. Some counselors need a state-issued license.
Is a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 533,400 to about 631,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor?
Usually. 85% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.