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Addiction Counseling Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Embrave

ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Voluntary Benefits ADDICTION COUNSELOR The Addiction Counselor is responsible for providing direct therapeutic services, group, and individual, to adults with substance use disorders. It is essential ...

CorrHealth

Licensed Addiction Counselor JBBS

Brighton, CO

$60K - $82K/yr

MA Clinical Psych, MA Counseling, MA Social Work, or related field Active Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential; in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA ...

CorrHealth

Licensed Addiction Counselor JBBS

Brighton, CO · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

MA Clinical Psych, MA Counseling, MA Social Work, or related field ✓ Active Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential; in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA ...

CorrHealth

Licensed Addiction Counselor JBBS

Brighton, CO · On-site

$60K - $82K/yr

MA Clinical Psych, MA Counseling, MA Social Work, or related field ✓ Active Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential; in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA ...

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All JobsAddiction Counseling JobsAddiction Counseling Jobs in Colorado

Addiction Counseling information

See Colorado salary details

$38.9K

$55.7K

$74.1K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in Colorado is $55,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do addiction counselors typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support client recovery?

Addiction counselors often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers, to provide comprehensive care for clients. This collaboration ensures that clients receive support for both their substance use issues and any co-occurring mental or physical health concerns. Regular team meetings, shared treatment plans, and coordinated referrals are common practices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they help create a unified approach to each client's recovery journey.

What can I do with a degree in addiction counseling?

A degree in addiction counseling prepares individuals to work as addiction counselors, providing support and treatment to those with substance use disorders. Graduates can work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community health organizations, often requiring certification or licensure depending on the region. The role involves counseling, developing treatment plans, and utilizing skills in mental health and addiction recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, specialized training in substance abuse counseling, and often state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and evidence-based therapy methods like CBT or motivational interviewing is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential for providing effective support, ensuring ethical practice, and facilitating positive outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

What is the difference between Addiction Counseling vs Substance Abuse Counseling?

AspectAddiction CounselingSubstance Abuse Counseling
CredentialsOften requires certification such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)Similar certifications, often CAC or Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, outpatient programsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, focus on addiction recoveryFocuses specifically on substance abuse issues, often used in treatment programs

Both Addiction Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling involve helping individuals overcome addiction and substance-related issues. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Addiction Counseling often emphasizes a broader approach to addiction recovery, whereas Substance Abuse Counseling specifically targets substance-related problems. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their nuances can help in choosing the right career or treatment path.

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling is a professional service that helps individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Counselors work with clients to understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and create personalized treatment plans. They often use various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling. The goal of addiction counseling is to support clients in achieving and maintaining recovery, improving their mental health, and rebuilding their lives.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, addiction counselors with advanced certifications or those who work in private practice or specialized treatment centers tend to earn higher salaries. However, licensed mental health counselors and clinical psychologists generally have higher earning potential compared to other counseling roles, especially with experience and additional credentials.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors typically work in specialized settings or hold advanced certifications, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Experienced counselors with additional credentials or those in supervisory or administrative roles can earn higher salaries, especially in private practice or healthcare organizations.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of addiction issues. The role offers opportunities for personal fulfillment and a stable work environment in healthcare or social services settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado? For Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counseling jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:
Addiction Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,729 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

Embrave

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Embrave, we believe people can and do change. We have an amazing team that provides our clients with the opportunity to do just that! Embrave has also been recognized as the Best Place to Work in Colorado Springs for four consecutive years now. Our commitment to excellence and our supportive work environment makes us a standout employer in the community. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and/or mental health issues, we would love to hear from you!


PAY: $65,000 - 72,000 Depending on Licensure


Employer Paid Life Insurance

401K 5% Employer Match, 2 Years Fully Vested

14 Paid Holidays

Vacation, Sick and Personal Time

For additional information on our amazing benefits, please refer to our benefits guides on our career center page.

  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Voluntary Benefits


ADDICTION COUNSELOR

The Addiction Counselor is responsible for providing direct therapeutic services, group, and individual, to adults with substance use disorders. It is essential to have a thorough knowledge of substance use disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, related evidenced based assessments, and treatment practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Conducts initial clinical assessments using a multitude of standardized assessment tools, including the ASAM Assessment. (Mental health, Substance Use Disorder, Trauma, Daily Living Skills, etc.)
    • Administers follow-up assessments.
    • Conducts group and individual therapeutic interventions.
    • Works collaboratively with the client to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses priority needs of the client, an agreed upon plan of action, and desired treatment outcomes.
    • Utilizes approved curriculum to facilitate weekly groups and/or provides individual treatment to members.
    • Evaluates and reports progress and outcome of treatment services.
    • Completes accurate and timely clinical assessments, intakes, treatment plans/reviews, monthly reports, assessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
    • Participates in mental health on call.
    • Provides crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
    • Promotes and demonstrates the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of Embrave.
    • Develops and maintains good working relationships with all departments, the management team, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
    • Embraces cultural diversity amongst ourselves and our community.
    • Responsible for the human, financial, and material resources as well as data and information entrusted to us.
    • Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

EDUCATION/ WORK EXPERIENCE:

Requires a licensure with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in good standing as a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

OR

Current certification as a Certified Addiction Specialist (previous Certified Addictions Counselor II (CAC II) or higher (CAC III) with Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in good standing, along with a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), Licensed Social Worker Candidate (SWC), or Addictions Counselor Candidate (ADDC) in good standing with Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).