Back to Search
Add to favorites
Career Profile

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

What they do:

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Also Called:

Addictions Counselor, Case Manager, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC), Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Chemical Dependency Professional, Clinical Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS), Prevention Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor), Addictions Counselor, Case Manager, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC), Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Chemical Dependency Professional, Clinical Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS), Prevention Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$42,380
Starting Salary (2025)
$67,900
Median Salary (2025)
No Data
Projected Job Growth
31,730
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Concern for Others
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Social Orientation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Therapy and Counseling

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Master's degree 41%
  • High school diploma 24%
  • Associate's degree 24%
  • Post-master's certificate 8%
  • Bachelor's degree 3%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental Health Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Healthcare Social Workers

Add Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors to your favorites?

Add to favorites
Back to Search  

More Info

Career-and-Transfer-Center logo

Grayson College Career and Transfer Center

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
wcidwtm logo

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
mynextmove-p-500 logo

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
careeronestop logo

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
blsooh logo

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
onet logo

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.