Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are most likely to work in outpatient care centers. They also work in community-based individual and family service agencies and residential treatment facilities, prisons, and in private practice. They may also work in hospitals or for public health programs.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor salaries vary greatly depending on setting, degree obtained, and specialty. Self employed counselors typically earn higher salaries than employed ones, but they must cover their own practice insurance, health insurance, and retirement.

Annual median salary: $61,541

Entry-level salary: $45,281

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are expected to grow statewide by 25% between 2022 and 2032, with over 3,100 average annual openings.

Educational requirements vary by occupation, with some requiring advanced educational degrees, others requiring certification, and some both. Educational programs prepare individuals to address both mental health and substance abuse issues and include course work in psychotherapy, psychological development, and approaches to practice. Educational programs include supervised practicum. The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certificate requires an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in an approved human service field.

Mental health counselors are licensed by the New York State Education Department and requires a master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited or equivalent program, supervised experience of at least 3,000 hours, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination. CASAC counselors are certified by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.