Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
SOC code 21-1011 · O*NET-SOC 21-1011.00 · Extensive preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
What do substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: 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. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- 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.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
Can you become a substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is 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). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.3/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Therapy and Counseling4.7/5
- Psychology4.7/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Administrative3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Persuasion.