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Addiction Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Addiction Counselor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Master's, bachelor's degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related mental health field. * Demonstrated experience in mental health counseling and addiction recovery services.

Addiction Counselor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Master's, bachelor's degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related mental health field. * Demonstrated experience in mental health counseling and addiction recovery services.

Addiction Psychiatry Opportunity in the Heart of Pure Michigan! Discover a Career Where Purpose ... Collaborate with psychologists, social workers, primary care physicians, and recovery coaches in a ...

Suboxone) to address a patient s physical dependence on Opioids, and team-based Behavioral Counseling to address a patient s psychological dependence. We are currently seeking an Addiction Medicine ...

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Addiction Psychologist information

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$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do addiction psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction psychologist in the United States is $92,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree is best for addiction counseling?

An addiction psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology, counseling, or a related field. A master's degree in addiction counseling, psychology, or social work can also qualify for certain counseling roles, often requiring licensure and certification to practice independently.

What do addiction psychologists do?

Addiction psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with substance use and behavioral addictions. They develop therapy plans, provide counseling, and may use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help clients recover and manage their addiction. They often work in clinical settings and require specialized training and licensure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, state licensure, and specialized training in addiction treatment and assessment. Familiarity with evidence-based therapeutic modalities (such as CBT and motivational interviewing), standardized assessment tools, and electronic health record systems is typical. Exceptional listening skills, cultural competence, and the ability to build rapport with clients are key soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective care, fostering trust, and supporting clients through the challenges of addiction recovery.

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

AspectAddiction PsychologistSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure as psychologistHigh school diploma or associate's degree, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practice, research settingsRehabilitation centers, community clinics, outpatient programs
Industry UsageOften involved in diagnosis, therapy, and researchPrimarily provides counseling and support services

While both Addiction Psychologists and Substance Abuse Counselors work to treat addiction, Addiction Psychologists typically hold advanced degrees and provide comprehensive mental health assessments and therapy. Substance Abuse Counselors focus more on counseling and support, often with less formal education. Both roles are vital in addiction treatment but differ in training, scope, and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by addiction psychologists in their daily work?

Addiction psychologists often encounter challenges such as managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders, addressing resistance to treatment, and supporting individuals through relapse and recovery cycles. The role requires strong emotional resilience, as clients may experience setbacks or crises that need immediate intervention. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team—including physicians, social workers, and counselors—is essential to provide comprehensive care and develop effective treatment plans.

Is 40 too late to become a psychologist?

Becoming an addiction psychologist at age 40 is possible, as many psychologists pursue careers later in life. It typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, a master's or doctoral program, and licensure, which can be achieved at any age with dedication and planning.

Which field of psychology is the highest paid?

In psychology, industrial-organizational psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to have the highest salaries, often due to specialized skills and advanced education requirements. Addiction psychologists typically earn moderate to high salaries but generally do not surpass those in industrial-organizational or neuropsychology fields.

What is an addiction psychologist?

An addiction psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. They use evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling to help clients understand and change addictive behaviors. Addiction psychologists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, or community health organizations, collaborating with other healthcare providers to create comprehensive treatment plans. Their goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being.
More about Addiction Psychologist jobs
What states have the most Addiction Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Addiction Psychologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Addiction Psychologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselor

Tadiso Incorporated

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About Company:

TADISO, INCORPORATED

HISTORICAL AND GENERAL INFORMATION

58 YEARS (1968 – 2026)

The program was conceived and implemented by the African American citizens of Manchester responding to the urgent need and desire to save, and hopefully, to better their community.

Tadiso started in August 1968 with two physicians, Dr. Charles Burk and Marshall Johnson and two staff members Bobby Wiles and Ronnie Barfield, volunteering their services until funds were secured from the State of Pennsylvania, which regards drug addiction as a mental health problem. The synthetic narcotic methadone did not become an official part of the program until June 1969.

Two hospitals, Allegheny General and St. John’s General, offered 14 beds to the center’s patients. The youngest person was a 14-year old with a three-year habit behind him. [EBONY Magazine, November 1970, Johnson Publication – “The Methadone Method”]

About the Role:

The Addiction Counselor plays a critical role in supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders by providing comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services. This position focuses on guiding clients through the recovery process using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including individual and group therapy sessions. The counselor collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalized treatment and discharge plans that promote sustained recovery and relapse prevention. Crisis intervention is a key component, requiring the counselor to respond effectively to clients in acute distress. Ultimately, the role aims to empower clients to achieve long-term sobriety and improved mental health through compassionate, client-centered care.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s, bachelor's degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related mental health field.
  • Demonstrated experience in mental health counseling and addiction recovery services.
  • Proficiency in crisis intervention and discharge planning.
  • Strong knowledge of behavioral health principles and psychotherapy techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certification in addiction counseling (e.g., Certified Addiction Counselor or equivalent).
  • Experience facilitating group therapy sessions specifically for substance use disorders.
  • Training in motivational interviewing and other evidence-based addiction treatment modalities.
  • Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems used in behavioral health settings.
  • Bilingual abilities or experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct thorough assessments to evaluate clients' mental health and addiction-related needs.
  • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans incorporating psychotherapy and motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Facilitate group therapy sessions to foster peer support and enhance recovery outcomes.
  • Provide crisis intervention and support during acute episodes to ensure client safety and stability.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to coordinate care and create effective discharge plans.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and interventions.
  • Educate clients and their families about addiction, recovery processes, and available resources.
  • Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in addiction counseling and behavioral health.

Skills:

The required skills such as mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and behavioral health are applied daily to assess client needs and deliver tailored therapeutic interventions. Motivational interviewing techniques are utilized to enhance client engagement and foster intrinsic motivation for change. Crisis intervention skills are critical for managing emergencies and ensuring client safety during high-risk situations. Group therapy facilitation promotes peer support and shared learning among clients, which is essential for recovery. Preferred skills like certification in addiction counseling and experience with diverse populations further enhance the counselor’s ability to provide culturally competent and effective care.