Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Lab

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
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What They Do
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Summary
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Quick Facts: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
2024 Median Pay
$59,190 per year
$28.46 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
Internship/residency
Number of Jobs, 2024
483,500
Job Outlook, 2024–34
17% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34
81,000
What 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 $59,190 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 48,300 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
About this section
Substance 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
About this section
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.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors held about 483,500 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors were as follows:
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
17%
Offices of other health practitioners
17
Individual and family services
15
Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
Hospitals; state, local, and private
Substance 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
About this section
Substance 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.
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.
Information on state licensing board requirements is available from
CareerOneStop
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
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP)
skills data page
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
About this section
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Median annual wages, May 2024
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
$59,190
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
$57,480
Total, all occupations
$49,500
Note: 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 $59,190 in May 2024.
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 $39,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,210.
In May 2024, 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
$61,930
Offices of other health practitioners
59,570
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
58,200
Individual and family services
57,080
Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
49,610
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.
Job Outlook
About this section
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
17%
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
8%
Total, all occupations
3%
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 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 48,300 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 a continued need for services to assist the large number of people with addictions, especially those who have opioid use disorder.
Demand for these workers will be further strengthened as more jurisdictions require offenders who have a substance abuse disorder to seek counseling as part of their sentences.
Employment projections data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, 2024–34
Occupational Title
SOC Code
Employment, 2024
Projected Employment, 2034
Change, 2024–34
Employment by Industry
Percent
Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
21-1018
483,500
564,600
17
81,000
Get data
State & Area Data
About this section
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 below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles
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.org
. 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
About this section
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
2024 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
$63,780
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
$94,310
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
Bachelor's degree
$93,600
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
Master's degree
$46,110
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
$65,140
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Bachelor's degree
$78,240
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
$45,120
Social Workers
Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
See How to Become One
$61,330
Health Education Specialists
Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.
Bachelor's degree
$63,000
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
$64,520
Contacts for More Information
About this section
For information about state licensing board requirements, visit
CareerOneStop
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Mental health counselors
(PDF)
O*NET
Mental Health Counselors
Substance 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
(visited
March 27, 2026
).
Last Modified Date:
Thursday, August 28, 2025
What They Do
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How to Become One
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Pay
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tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.
State & Area Data
The
State and Area Data
tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.
Job Outlook
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Job Outlook
tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.
Similar Occupations
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Contacts for More Information
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tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Work experience in a related occupation
Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.
Number of Jobs, 2024
The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.
Job Outlook, 2024-34
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.
Employment Change, 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Employment Change, projected 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Growth Rate (Projected)
The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Number of New Jobs
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Growth Rate
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
Publications
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Community and Social Service