### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors imageSubstance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors help clients recover from addiction or mental health issues, or modify problem behaviors.							
						Quick Facts:     Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors2023     Median Pay
            						$53,710     per year
										$25.82     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    388,200Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    18% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    71,500What Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Do
                                                
                        
                        
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, and private practice. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
            
                                                How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health 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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $53,710 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow							 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 42,000 openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Do 
            

			Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselorsSubstance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide advice and support.			
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression. They provide support, including for prevention, to help clients recover from addiction, modify problem behaviors, or improve mental health.
Duties
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors typically do the following:
Evaluate clients’ mental and physical health, addiction, or problematic behavior and assess their readiness for treatment
Develop, recommend, and review treatment goals and plans with clients and their families
Assist clients in developing skills and behaviors necessary to recover from their addiction or modify their behavior
Work with clients to identify behaviors or situations that interfere with their recovery
Document and maintain records of clients' progress
Teach clients’ family members about addiction or behavior disorders and help them develop strategies to support clients in recovery
Refer clients to other resources and services, such as job placement services and support groups
Prepare clients for transition out of counseling through discharge planning
Conduct outreach programs to help people identify the signs of addiction and other destructive behavior, as well as steps to take to avoid such behavior***Substance abuse*** ***counselors*** and ***behavioral disorder counselors***, also called *addiction counselors*, work with clients individually and in group sessions. They teach clients how to cope with stress and life’s problems in ways that help them recover. Furthermore, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career. They also help clients improve their personal relationships and find ways to discuss their addiction or other problems with family and friends.
Some addiction counselors work in facilities that employ many types of healthcare and mental health professionals. Addiction counselors may work with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, and registered nurses to develop treatment plans and coordinate care for patients.
Some counselors work with clients who have been ordered by a judge or referred by other people, such as a parole officer, to receive treatment for addiction. Others work with specific populations, such as teenagers, veterans, or people with disabilities. Counselors may have to intervene in crises by stepping in when someone is endangering his or her own life or the lives of others. They also intervene in noncrisis situations by encouraging a person with addictions or other issues, such as difficulty processing emotions, to get help. Noncrisis interventions often are requested by friends and family.
***Mental health counselors*** advise individuals, families, couples, and groups. Some work with specific populations, such as children or older adults. Mental health counselors treat clients who have a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. They also help with emotional health and relationship problems.
 Work Environment
			Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselorsSubstance 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.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors held about 388,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors were as follows:
        Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                18%Individual and family services
                15Offices of other health practitioners
                12Hospitals; state, local, and private
                9Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                9Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, correctional facilities, and hospitals. Some addiction counselors work in residential treatment centers, where clients live in the facility during their recovery.
Although rewarding, the work of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is often stressful. Many counselors have large workloads and do not always have enough resources to meet the demand for their services. In addition, counselors may have to intervene in crisis situations or work with agitated clients.
Work Schedules
Most substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work full time, although part-time work is common. In some settings, such as inpatient or residential facilities, they may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends.
 How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor

			Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselorsSubstance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors need a license in private practice.			
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some positions require a high school diploma and others require a master’s degree. Mental health counselors typically need a master’s degree and an internship. In addition, some counselors must be licensed.
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, and 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. Contact information for your state's regulating board is available through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
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. Contact information for individual states’ licensing boards is available through the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network.
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.
Other Experience
Counselors who have personal experience overcoming alcohol or drug addictions are sometimes viewed as especially helpful and insightful to those seeking treatment.
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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health CounselorsMedian annual wages, May 2023Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors$53,710  Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists$51,970  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $53,710 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,700, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $89,920.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                $59,090Offices of other health practitioners
                55,410Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                51,130Individual and family services
                51,010Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                46,880Most substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work full time, although part-time work is common. In some settings, such as inpatient or residential facilities, they may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health CounselorsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors18%  Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists9%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow				 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 42,000 openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Employment growth is expected for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors as people continue to seek treatment for addiction and mental health issues.
Increased demand for these workers is expected because of a growth in the number of people, including youths, who have mental health and behavioral disorders. Additionally, there will be continued need for services to assist the large number of people with addictions, especially those who have opioid use disorder.
			

                        Employment projections data for     substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors**
			21-1018
			388,200
			459,600
			18
			71,500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Marriage and Family Therapists**
            Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat cognitive, behavioral, or similar disorders in the context of couples and other relationships.
            Master's degree
            $58,510**Physicians and Surgeons**
            Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.**Psychologists**
            Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments.
            See How to Become One
            $92,740**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070**Rehabilitation Counselors**
            Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently.
            Master's degree
            $44,040**School and Career Counselors and Advisors**
            School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
            Master's degree
            $61,710**Social and Community Service Managers**
            Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
            Bachelor's degree
            $77,030**Social and Human Service Assistants**
            Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $41,410**Social Workers**
            Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
            See How to Become One
            $58,380**Health Education Specialists**
            Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.
            Bachelor's degree
            $62,860**Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists**
            Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.
            Bachelor's degree
            $61,800
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about addiction counselors, visit
Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals
For more information about counseling and counseling specialties, visit
American Counseling Association
For contact information for state regulating boards, visit
National Board for Certified Counselors
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Mental health counselors (PDF)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Mental Health CounselorsSubstance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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