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Addiction Counseling Intern Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... addiction, and prevention services that create real, lasting change. Guided by our values of ... Five years of paid full-time experience in the field of substance use disorders counseling; or a BA ...

Addiction Counseling Intern information

What is an addiction counseling intern?

Addiction counseling interns are students or recent graduates who are gaining supervised practical experience in the field of addiction counseling. They work under the guidance of licensed counselors to assist individuals struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions. Their responsibilities may include conducting assessments, participating in therapy sessions, and learning about treatment planning, all while adhering to ethical and professional standards. This internship is often a requirement for completing a degree or certification program in addiction counseling.

What types of supervision and mentorship can an addiction counseling intern expect during their internship?

As an Addiction Counseling Intern, you can expect to receive regular supervision from a licensed addiction counselor or clinical supervisor, typically through weekly individual or group sessions. These meetings provide opportunities to discuss client cases, receive feedback, and develop your counseling skills in a supportive environment. Many programs also offer mentorship or shadowing experiences, allowing you to observe experienced professionals and gradually take on more responsibility. This structured guidance helps interns build confidence, ensure ethical practice, and prepare for future independent roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counseling intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counseling Intern, you need foundational knowledge in counseling techniques, substance abuse disorders, and ethical guidelines, typically gained through relevant coursework or enrollment in a counseling program. Familiarity with record-keeping software, screening tools like the ASI (Addiction Severity Index), and confidentiality protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening, and the ability to build trust with clients set exceptional interns apart. These skills and qualifications are vital for supporting clients’ recovery processes and ensuring ethical, effective care in a supervised clinical environment.

What is the difference between Addiction Counseling Intern vs Addiction Counselor?

AspectAddiction Counseling InternAddiction Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree; may need state-specific internship approvalLicensed or certified, with required degrees and certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, internships, or training programsIndependent or team-based clinical settings, outpatient or inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programs, treatment centersRehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, private practices
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training requirements, career pathJob responsibilities, qualifications, career advancement

The main difference between an Addiction Counseling Intern and an Addiction Counselor lies in experience, certification, and independence. Interns are typically in training, gaining supervised experience, while counselors are fully licensed professionals providing independent care. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed addiction counselor, with interns focusing on learning and skill development under supervision.

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counseling Intern jobs in Oregon?

For Addiction Counseling Intern jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling Intern job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, and 71% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Therapist -Kolpia Counseling in Ashland (License not required)

Options for Southern Oregon

Ashland, OR • On-site

$39.66 - $49.46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides screenings, assessments, and treatment planning for clients.

  • Develops individual treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other individuals as indicated.

  • Provides therapy and coordinates services using evidence-based practices.


Options For Southern Oregon rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Annual equivalent of $82,492 to $102,876 (prorated by FTE).
 

If licensed in Oregon (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) this position would include a $3.00/hr license differential that is equivalent to an additional $6,240 per year (prorated by FTE).

Attention Candidates: Please upload both your resume and a cover letter.

  • Benefits include: 
    • Family medical, dental, long-term disability, 403(b) plan with 6% match, and more. 
    • Generous paid time off policy. (Annual accrual up to 208 hours - based on FTE status and available to use upon accrual). Plus, 11 paid holidays annually. 
  • Clinical supervision and training provided along with continuing education opportunities. 
  • Bilingual skills a plus; Options pays a premium for employees who can conduct business in Spanish and provide certification of a language proficiency test approved by the Oregon Health Authority that meets a proficiency level of “Intermediate High” or “Low Intermediate+” depending on the testing site.
  • This position may be eligible for relocation reimbursement, as well as professional development and support for licensure.
  • Position may be eligible for loan repayment programs for National Health Service Corps visit- https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/ or for Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment visit- https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH/Pages/Loan-Repayment.aspx


Schedule: Monday- Friday- 4- tens or 5-eights with one day per week until 7pm

Overview

Kolpia Counseling’s is situated in beautiful Ashland, Oregon. We provide mental health and substance use counseling, and we are a state certified Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) service provider. Kolpia takes an integrative approach to treatment, offering individual, group, and family therapy. In addition to evidence-based talk therapy, we integrate a variety of modalities, information, and practices such as EMDR, art therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, and more. Whether pursuing licensure or already licensed, we will provide you with clinical supervision that maintains a focus on evidence-based practices and a deepening understanding of the therapeutic models. Kolpia’s program is part of the non-profit organization, Options for Southern Oregon, so you’ll enjoy the experience of working within a small intimate team while also benefitting from the support of an established and respected behavioral health center. 


Responsibilities

Therapist provides screenings, assessments and treatment planning. Develops individual treatment plans in conjunction with the client and other individuals as indicated. Provides therapy and coordination of services. Therapist works with adults and youth ages 12+. Utilizes appropriate evidence-based practices. Submits timely documentation of services provided using Electronic Health Records and collaborative documentation. Manages time and caseload effectively. Uses Feedback Informed Treatment to support the client in achieving their goals.

 Qualifications

This position requires a Master's degree in a behavioral science, an understanding of co-occurring disorders, and related experience.

Experience with substance abuse treatment for dually diagnosed clients preferred. Must register as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - CADC-R - within 30 days of hire. We provide support in obtaining your CADC credential.

Preferred: CADC I or II 

And

Must be a QMHP on the Mental Health & Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) registry.

OR

Meet eligibility qualifications to register with MHACBO (please visit www.mhacbo.org for more information)

OR

Must be registered as a licensure intern with the State of Oregon or be licensed in Oregon as an LMFT, LCSW, LPC or clinical Psychologist.

In order to avoid potential conflict of interest, applicants for this position cannot have received services from Options for Southern Oregon within the last 12 months.

Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred. 

Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Candidate must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.

Options for Southern Oregon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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