• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
  • Human Services
  • Annual Median Wage
    $ 48,389
    $31,200 range bar $78,386
    Annual NC Wage Range
    Growth Rate
    Image of growth rate score 5
    Very Fast Growing
  • 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.

What do they typically do

  • 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

Number of Jobs

Average Annual
Job Growth +2.4%
Job Openings 81

Job Listings

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Education & Training

Private Training Programs
617

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