Careers in Addiction Treatment

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.

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.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “2018 NSDUH Annual National Report.” August 20, 2019. Accessed April 9, 2020.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” September 4, 2019. Accessed April 9, 2020.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Social Workers.” September 4, 2019. Accessed April 9, 2020.