1

Addiction Counselor Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Master's-Level Counseling Intern

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Looking to gain addiction counseling experience? Whether you are interested in therapy, treatment ... BTS Intern Location: Positions available in Lakewood, Golden, and Greeley Schedule: Part Time: ...

Addiction Counselor Intern information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do addiction counselor intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for addiction counselor intern in Colorado is $24.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an addiction counselor intern do?

An Addiction Counselor Intern assists licensed addiction counselors in providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Their responsibilities often include conducting intake interviews, helping with group and individual counseling sessions, maintaining client records, and learning to develop treatment plans under supervision. Interns gain hands-on experience while completing required hours for certification or licensure, and they work closely with experienced professionals to develop essential counseling skills and ethical practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor intern?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in substance abuse counseling, active listening, and a relevant academic background in psychology or social work. Familiarity with case management software, basic clinical documentation, and pursuing or holding certifications like CADC or similar are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build rapport with clients and support effective treatment. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering compassionate care, maintaining client trust, and supporting recovery in a clinical or community setting.

What types of supervision and support can an addiction counselor intern expect during their internship?

As an Addiction Counselor Intern, you will typically work under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor or clinical supervisor, who provides regular feedback and guidance. Most programs offer structured supervision sessions, case discussions, and opportunities to observe experienced professionals, ensuring you gain practical skills while maintaining client safety. You’ll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, nurses, and other counselors, which fosters a supportive learning environment and helps you build a strong professional network.

What is the difference between Addiction Counselor Intern vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing relevant certifications or degrees, supervised internshipTypically requires certification or licensure, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, rehab centers under supervisionFull-time roles in clinics, rehab centers, or healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training phase, often part of a licensing pathwayLicensed professionals providing treatment and counseling services

The main difference is that an Addiction Counselor Intern is in a training or supervised internship phase, often working towards certification, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing direct treatment. Interns gain experience and mentorship, whereas licensed counselors have full responsibilities for client care.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Addiction Counselor Intern jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Addiction Counselor Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Intern job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,097 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Master's-Level Counseling Intern

Lakewood, CO • On-site

Intervention, Inc.
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in mental health therapy? Looking to gain addiction counseling experience?
Whether you are interested in therapy, treatment, behavioral health, psychology, social work, counseling, criminal justice, or restorative justice, we have a position for you!
The mission of Behavioral Treatment Services is to provide accessible, integrated, and inclusive behavioral health services supporting clients throughout the criminal justice system. Behavioral Treatment Services provides a continuum of specialized adult offender substance abuse and other treatment modalities. Being a part of the BTS team means being a part of the forefront of Colorado's behavioral health and criminal justice programs and initiatives. Our goals are to provide a space toward client healing, reduce criminal recidivism, assist clients in working towards personal growth, and collaborate with the system and client to work towards mutually agreeable goals.
BTS provides clinical services, court related services, and specialized programs for adults involved in the criminal justice system. BTS provides services at community corrections sites (including residential treatment programs) and outpatient programs across Colorado.
Job Title: BTS Intern
Location: Positions available in Lakewood, Golden, and Greeley
Schedule: Part Time: flexible schedule available
Salary: Unpaid internship with potential for a bonus if hired on after the internship
BTS offers a comprehensive clinical training environment for master's-level counseling interns seeking hands-on experience with a justice-involved population. Interns will have the opportunity to develop and refine their clinical skills through active participation in intake and diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, group therapy, and ongoing treatment planning.
BTS provides integrated substance use and mental health services, allowing interns to gain experience addressing co-occurring disorders within a multidisciplinary setting. Under the supervision of licensed clinicians, interns will learn evidence-based practices, ethical decision-making, and professional documentation while delivering client-centered care.
This internship is designed to support professional growth, clinical competence, and readiness for post-graduate practice in behavioral health settings.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Click here to learn more about BTS or go to www.btxs.org/employment
**PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDERS**
You should receive a confirmation email from us within a few minutes of completing the application. If you did not receive the confirmation email, please check your Bulk/Spam or Junk email folders. If this has happened, please select the message and mark it NOT Spam/ NOT Junk, which should allow future messages to get through.