Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: What They Do and How to Get Started

Substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues are growing concerns in society today. Every year, millions of people worldwide seek help from counselors to overcome their addictions, disorders, and other mental health problems. One group of professionals dedicated to providing support, guidance, and treatment to these individuals is substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.

What is Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counseling?

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is a type of human services profession that involves working with individuals who may be struggling with various issues, including addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, gambling addiction, mental illness, and more. As a counselor, you will provide therapeutic services that help clients manage and overcome their issues. Your goal is to help clients make positive changes, manage their stress levels, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Examples of Jobs in Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counseling

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, addiction treatment centers, correctional facilities, and private practices. Some examples of jobs in this field include:

• Substance Abuse Counselor: These counselors typically work in addiction treatment centers, outpatient clinics, or hospitals and help clients overcome their addictions to drugs or alcohol.
• Behavioral Disorder Counselor: These counselors work with clients who have behavioral disorders, such as ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, or conduct disorder, to help them manage their symptoms and learn coping skills.
• Mental Health Counselor: These counselors work with clients who have mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, to help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

What Kind of Education or Training Do You Need to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor?

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the field of counseling, psychology, or social work. However, most counselors will need to complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and obtain a state license to practice.

The educational and licensing requirements vary by state, so it is important to check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements. In general, though, you can expect to complete coursework in counseling theory and practice, psychology, human development, ethics, and legal issues.

How to Progress Between Levels in Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counseling

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is a diverse field with many different career paths to take. Some counselors may start as an entry-level position, such as a rehabilitation technician or a case manager, and work their way up to a more senior position as they gain experience and further education. Others may specialize in a specific area, such as addiction counseling or marriage and family therapy, and advance their careers in that direction.

How to Get into the Field if You’re New

If you’re new to the field of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling, there are several steps you can take to get started:

• Research different schools and degree programs to find one that fits your interests and career goals.
• Consider volunteering at a local mental health or addiction treatment center to gain experience working with clients.
• Network with other professionals in the field to learn more about the different career paths and opportunities available.
• Consider obtaining certification or further education in a specific area, such as addiction counseling or marriage and family therapy, to advance your career.

Salary Information

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have different salary levels depending on their employment status, level of experience, and whether they belong to a union. Those who work full-time tend to have higher salaries than those who work part-time, while experienced counselors generally earn more than entry-level counselors. Unionized workers also tend to earn more than non-unionized workers.

In Boulder, CO, full-time substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn an average salary of $79,372.80, while in Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA, nonunionized counselors earn an average salary of $44,304.00.

Conclusion

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is a challenging but rewarding profession that provides much-needed support and guidance to those struggling with addiction, mental illness, and other issues. With the right education and training, anyone can become a counselor and work towards helping individuals lead happier, healthier lives.