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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Counselor (62789)

Edinburgh, IN

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

At Atterbury Job Corps, our Counselors are trusted mentors who walk with students through their entire enrollment -- providing the personal and career counseling that keeps them on track, engaged ...

At Atterbury Job Corps, our Counselors are trusted mentors who walk with students through their entire enrollment - providing the personal and career counseling that keeps them on track, engaged, and ...

Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

Seymour, IN · On-site

$14.70 - $15.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor FT - Bartholomew or Jackson County Starting Pay: $14.70/hour $15.70/hour for bilingual * Medical * 401k - annual company match (% varies) * Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$30.2K

$50.4K

$66K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Columbus, IN is $50,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $56,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Columbus, IN?

For Addiction Counselor jobs in Columbus, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,433 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

$28.49/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Columbus Regional Health (Indiana) rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

671st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

What you need to know about this position:

  • Our Treatment and Support Center (TASC) provides Substance Use Disorder treatment services designed to increase health and wellness through remediation of substance-use disorders in its patients, and by encouraging a lifestyle of recovery following treatment.
  • TASC operates as an outpatient substance-use treatment facility, offering immediate health needs including, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), individual therapy, group therapy, and providing Peer Coach (PRC) services.
  • The Therapist will be tasked with providing therapeutic intervention and care throughout the patient’s attendance.
  • The Therapist will be expected to retain a case load of clients and hold retention to the best of their ability.
  • The base hourly rate for this position is $28.49.  Individual compensation is determined for this position through years of directly relevant experience.  The hourly compensation is only a portion of the total rewards package, and a comprehensive benefits program is available for qualifying positions.
  • This position will require you to work 40 hours weekly, various hours, Monday through Friday.

**TASC will join Ascension Recovery Services (ARS)/Indiana Recovery Homes (IRH) before the end of 2026.

What is required for this position:

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP) or Regionally Accredited Master’s Program in Clinical Field of Study required.
  • One of the following Indiana Licenses is required within 60 days of hire:
    • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC)
    • Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor Associate (LCACA)
    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCA)
  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and recovery including 12-step experience preferred.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Please express interest in position by applying to our position (and we'll introduce you to ARS) or by visiting ARS's Careers page to search for positions in Columbus.  


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