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Addiction Counseling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Addiction Counseling information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$48.1K

$64K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in Tennessee is $48,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $50,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 driven by increased awareness of mental health and addiction issues. The role often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What can you do with an addiction counseling degree?

An addiction counseling degree prepares individuals to work as addiction counselors, providing support and treatment to clients with substance use disorders. Graduates can work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community 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.

Where do addiction counselors make the most money?

Addiction counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and working in private practices or specialized treatment centers. Typically, urban areas and states with more comprehensive healthcare funding offer higher compensation for addiction counseling roles.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counseling jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counseling jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:

Addiction Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,102 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Licensed Drug Addiction Counselor - Henning TN

Henning, TN

Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Amergis Healthcare Staffingexternal

$39K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Licensed Addiction Counselor provides one on one drug and alcohol consultation to patients/clients; along with individual and group therapy in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient programs. The Licensed Addiction Counselor also provides crisis intervention and assists with behavioral health needs and issues including mental illness, developmental and learning disabilities, substance use, etc.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work or public health required
  • Current license or certificate in addictions/substance abuse counseling in the state of assignment required
  • Experience in behavioral health guidelines, to include behavioral health assessments, individual and group therapy, clinical management of patients with mental illness and / or substance abuse issues preferred
  • Complies with all relevant professional standards of practice 
  • Current CPR if applicable
  • TB questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable 
  • Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation) 
  • Must meet all federal, state and local requirements 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age  

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