Summary
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Quick Facts: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | |
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$47,660 per year
$22.91 per hour |
|
Bachelor's degree | |
None | |
None | |
319,400 | |
25% (Much faster than average) | |
79,000 |
What Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Do
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems.
Work Environment
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Most work full time.
How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a master’s degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a master’s degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor.
Pay
The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $47,660 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling.
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.