Careers in
Addiction Treatment

A career in addiction treatment provides life-saving support for people who are trying to overcome a debilitating disease. Learn more about the many types of roles available.

Join Our Team

Our addiction treatment facilities are operated by caring medical professionals and support staff, who all play an essential role in helping people begin the path to recovery and beyond. America has a high demand for workers in addiction treatment and behavioral health careers.

21.2 Million
Americans

aged 12 or older needed substance abuse treatment in 2018

22%
increase

in the projected demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

11%
increase

in the expected need for social workers through 2028

Types of Jobs in Behavioral Health and Addiction

Roles in behavioral health and addiction treatment include doctors, social workers, administrative staff and more. They work in residential facilities, outpatient programs, therapist’s offices and online telehealth platforms. The following review can help you understand each position’s requirements.

Counselors, Doctors and Therapists

These professionals create a plan for the patient’s treatment and oversee the process of recovery. Many roles require a master’s degree as well as medical licensing. Roles include:

These individuals provide one-on-one support and advice to clients and help them learn how to cope without turning to substances. These positions require state licensing, and required certifications vary by state. Learn More About Addiction Specialist/Substance Abuse Counselors.

You can become a clinical director of an addiction treatment center, but it will likely take a license, a master’s degree and years of experience in health care. Learn More About Clinical Directors.

A clinical therapist can work in many different areas — hospitals, mental health treatment facilities, schools, private practices and more. With advances in online technology, therapists can even treat patients remotely through telehealth services. Learn More About Clinical Therapists.

There are many different care coordinator roles, and each works to make sure the entire addiction treatment process goes smoothly for all involved. Learn More About Coordinated Care.

At a substance abuse treatment facility, the executive director handles a variety of daily and long-term tasks, ranging from policy implementation to patient satisfaction. Learn More About Executive Directors.

Leadership positions in behavioral healthcare include medical directors, executive directors, nursing directors and clinical directors, all of whom oversee services. Learn More About Leadership Roles.

The career path of a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) generally includes a master’s degree, thousands of clinical hours and passing an exam. Learn More About Licensed Mental Health Counselors.

These individuals help clients improve communication and work through problems with loved ones and family members. The role requires a master’s degree and state licensing. Learn More About Marriage and Family Therapists.

Medical directors have years of experience managing health care activities. Their qualifications must address the far-reaching responsibilities of the role. Learn More About Medical Directors.

These individuals assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders and provide counseling therapy. The role requires a master’s degree, state licensing and certifications that vary by state. Learn More About Mental Health Counselors.

These individuals assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders and provide counseling therapy. The role requires a master’s degree, state licensing and certifications that vary by state. Learn More About Mental Health Counselors.

PRN healthcare workers are as-needed to fill out the work schedule. PRN workers enjoy schedule flexibility and higher pay but may miss out on benefits and full-time hours. Learn More About PRN Workers.

These individuals assess, diagnose and treat people who have mental health disorders. The role requires a doctorate degree and state licensing. Learn More About Psychologists.

These individuals diagnose and treat mental health disorders, but they can also prescribe medications for treatment. The role requires a medical degree and state licensing. Learn More About Psychiatrists.

These individuals are essentially mental health counselors who provide therapy and support through online services. Learn More About Teletherapists.

Other Careers to Explore

Detox specialists help clients through the detoxification process, which is typically the first step of treatment. Throughout the uncomfortable detox period, these specialists create and follow plans that allow clients to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Nurses specialize in monitoring and treating patients for substance use disorders within the facility. They can also give support for mental health conditions. Nurses help provide pain management throughout a client’s stay and important information about substance abuse and its dangers. The role requires a nursing degree. Learn More About Nurses.

Doctors in rehab facilities require support for hands-on care, which is where behavioral health technicians step in. These technicians assist clients with daily tasks and help carry out the doctor’s orders. These roles require a bachelor’s degree, but most states do not require licensing. Behavioral health technicians are also known as paraprofessionals, psychiatric technicians and mental health technicians. Learn More About Behavioral Health Technicians.

Social workers help clients in a variety of ways during the treatment process and beyond. These social workers help uncover underlying issues behind substance abuse and address them, which helps clients have a better chance at long-term recovery. Among their many duties, social workers facilitate resources and support for clients as they leave treatment. They also act as case managers to help individuals navigate life situations. Social workers require a master’s degree and state licensing in most situations. Learn More About Social Workers.

These professionals help create nutrition plans for clients, which can work to treat vitamin deficiencies and other conditions caused by substance use. Learn More About Dieticians.

These staff members keep the building in clean, working order.

These may include positions in operations, human resources, customer service, marketing, finance and more.

These include financial counselors, life coaches, job placement professionals and other roles that help clients improve day-to-day life after treatment.

Editor - Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By - Nanci Stockwell, LCSW, MBA

A dynamic leader and award-winning business strategist, Nanci Stockwell brings years of industry experience in behavioral health care to her role at The Recovery Village. Read more

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.