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Addiction Counseling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating individuals with substance use disorders. * Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction ...

Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating individuals with substance use disorders. * Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction ...

Addiction Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating individuals with substance use disorders. * Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction ...

ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

Petersburg, VA

$44K - $59K/yr

Counseling services include individual, group, and family counseling. Responsibilities: * Acts as primary counselor to address substance use disorders. * Develops individualized, PCP and its ongoing ...

ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Counseling services include individual, group, and family counseling. Responsibilities: * Acts as primary counselor to address substance use disorders. * Develops individualized, PCP and its ongoing ...

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Addiction Counseling information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$52.5K

$69.9K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in Virginia is $52,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $55,500.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counseling jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Addiction Counseling jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,544 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Addiction Specialist

Leidos

Chantilly, VA

$116K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking an Addiction Specialist to work in Chantilly, VA or McLean, VA *location to be determined by staffing need. This is a very rewarding and challenging opportunity supporting our Military and Intelligence men and women and the challenges they face.

Leidos will consider sponsoring qualified individuals towards gaining the Top Secret/SCI with Poly security clearance required for this position.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide addictions treatment to include diagnosis, therapy, and consultation to individuals seeking assistance for substance use disorders.

  • Evaluate community treatment centers, assist in placing individuals in treatment, work with treatment facilities to provide appropriate aftercare, and provide individual case management.

  • Provide in-person addictions treatment to client staff in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (WMA).

  • Provide remote addictions treatment to client staff in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology

  • Completion of an APA-accredited program

  • Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling.

  • 3 years of experience in treating individuals with substance use disorders.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction treatment.

  • US Citizenship required

  • Must have or be able to obtain Top Secret SCI clearance with polygraph.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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