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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The primary purpose is to provide intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy ...

Addiction Counselor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Description The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The primary purpose is to provide intensive outpatient group therapy and ...

Addiction Counselor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Description The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The primary purpose is to provide intensive outpatient group therapy and ...

Addiction Counselor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Description The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The primary purpose is to provide intensive outpatient group therapy and ...

Certified Counselor

Canton, GA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

  • PTO

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services ... As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Pinnacle ...

Certified Counselor

Canton, GA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

  • PTO

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services ... As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Pinnacle ...

Certified Counselor

Canton, GA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services ... As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Pinnacle ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Dallas, GA

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Acceptable Certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association (GACA), Certified Addiction Counselor from the National Association of Alcoholism ...

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Showing results 1-20

Addiction Counselor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$31.9K

$53.2K

$69.7K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Atlanta, GA is $53,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $59,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, state licensure or certification, and specialized training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), motivational interviewing techniques, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide ethical, evidence-based care and to foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

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

AspectAddiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC, LPC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals helping with addiction issuesOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance-specific treatment

Both Addiction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors work in similar environments and often hold comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; Addiction Counselors typically have a broader focus on various addictive behaviors, while Substance Abuse Counselors may focus more specifically on substance-related issues. However, in practice, these roles are often interchangeable, and the choice of title depends on employer preference or certification specifics.

What does an addiction counselor do?

An addiction counselor helps individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide emotional support, and lead individual or group therapy sessions. Addiction counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them develop coping strategies, and connect them with additional resources for recovery. Their goal is to support clients on their journey to achieve and maintain sobriety.

What are some common challenges addiction counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Building a trusting relationship is crucial, as is maintaining patience and empathy throughout the recovery process. Counselors frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to create a supportive network for clients. Continuous professional development and self-care are important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

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 often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

The most common degree for an addiction counselor is a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many positions also require or prefer a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with relevant certification or licensure. These qualifications help develop the skills needed to assess, treat, and support individuals with addiction issues.

How many years does it take to be an addiction counselor?

Becoming an addiction counselor typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, which takes about four years, followed by obtaining relevant certifications or licenses that may require additional training or supervised experience. Some positions may also require a master's degree, adding two more years of education. Overall, it can take approximately 4 to 6 years to become fully qualified as an addiction counselor.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Atlanta, GA? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,195 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$29.33 - $34.86/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:

  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • Family-focused benefits
  • Wellness incentives
  • Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs...and more!

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The primary purpose is to provide intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy services to persons with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health problems. This role integrates mental health treatment with addiction recovery within an abstinence-oriented treatment model. The Addiction Counselor performs diagnostic assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and develops initial individualized treatment plans and updates ongoing care plans. Additional expectations include - providing substance use disorder and mental health treatment services to patients according to the Addiction Alliance of Georgia standards of care, policies, and procedures. Skilled in recognizing symptoms of addictions and mental health, according to DSM-5 criteria. Knowledgeable and integrates principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve step facilitation, dialectical behavioral therapy and recovery management in delivery of therapy. Able to facilitate family session and assist patients, families, and referents in understanding the importance of sober support systems, community support groups, and continuing care recommendations to support recovery. Participate in program development and conduct education/informational lectures and trainings. Represent the Addiction Alliance of Georgia services to various audiences to ensure consistent knowledge about services, processes, and participation. Provide clinical supervision to students and interns to facilitate development of clinical competency and ethical practice. Communicate patient information to internal and external resources according to Addiction Alliance of Georgia policy and procedures and consistent with Federal Confidentiality (CFR 42) and Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (CFR 45) and mandated reporting requirements. Provide clear, accurate, and complete information and documentation both verbally and in the medical record to the multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrate competency in utilizing the electronic medical record to provide efficient care and communicate with patients or their families. Builds professional relationships with referents that facilitate both patient care and organizational goals through consistent and timely communication related to referrals, intake, assessment, and care planning. Initiates/attends multidisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, conflict resolutions, family conferences, consultations, etc. as needed to facilitate achievement of programmatic and individual goals consistent with recovery. Assure a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, guests, and visitors. Maintains privacy, security, and confidentiality for all patients, past and present, based on federal and state regulations and the Addiction Alliance of Georgia policies. Applies and adheres to standards and regulations for fire, weather, emergency, and environmental hazards. Works safely, using procedures and techniques that apply to work area and equipment, including ergonomics. Completes an incident report for any injury, theft, vandalism, security concern or potential hazard in immediate work area as well as anywhere on Emory/Addiction Alliance of Georgia property.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Completed masters level degree program in counseling, social work, or the equivalent. Two year's experience providing counseling in a mental health/addiction treatment environment. Independent clinical licensure (LPC, LCSW, and LMSW) with certification to provide care in Georgia. CACII, CADCII, CAADC, CPCS, CMAC, or equivalent preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.


Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.


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