Summary
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Quick Facts: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | |
---|---|
$48,520 per year
$23.33 per hour |
|
Bachelor's degree | |
None | |
None | |
351,000 | |
22% (Much faster than average) | |
77,500 |
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 $48,520 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 43,600 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.