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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Addictions Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Licensed or Certified Addiction Counselor with the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist Required Experience: At least 2-3 yrs experience with Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Population;

Addictions Counselor

Baltimore, MD

$42K - $57K/yr

Licensed or Certified Addiction Counselor with the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist Required Experience: At least 2-3 yrs experience with Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Population;

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Addiction Counselor information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$32.3K

$53.9K

$70.5K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Baltimore, MD is $53,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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, which generally takes an additional two years to complete.

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 supervision.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

A bachelor's degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is typically required for addiction counselor roles. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree and relevant certification, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), to advance in the profession and provide specialized treatment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD?

The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,881 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Addiction Counselor

Oasis Health Ventures

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Company:

Oasis Health Ventures is a leading mental health organization dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, families, and communities. Our mission is to empower people to achieve emotional well-being and resilience by offering comprehensive mental health services, including therapy, counseling, medication management, and community support programs.

At Oasis Health Ventures, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where both our clients and our team members can thrive. Our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual we serve.

We are passionate about destigmatizing mental health, increasing access to care, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact and grow your career with an organization that values your expertise and well-being, we’d love to have you join our team.

Why Work With Us?

  • A mission-driven organization dedicated to mental health advocacy.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education.
  • Collaborative and supportive team culture.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About the Role:

We are seeking an Addiction Counselor to join our team. As an Addiction Counselor, you will be responsible for providing counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction. Your primary goal will be to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety, while also addressing any underlying mental health issues. You will work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans that are tailored to each client's unique needs. This is a challenging but rewarding role that requires a high level of empathy, patience, and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field
  • Certification or licensure in addiction counseling
  • Experience working with individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues
  • Knowledge of evidence-based treatment approaches for addiction and mental health disorders
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field
  • Experience working in a residential treatment setting
  • Experience with motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy

Responsibilities:

  • Conducting individual and group counseling sessions with clients
  • Developing and implementing treatment plans that address both addiction and mental health issues
  • Providing crisis intervention and support as needed
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients
  • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records

Skills:

As an Addiction Counselor, you will use your skills in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, behavioral health, crisis intervention, addiction recovery, and group therapy on a daily basis. You will also need to have strong skills in discharge planning and motivational interviewing to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety. Your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals will be essential to providing comprehensive care for clients.