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Addictions Counselor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Addictions Counselor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$29.3K

$49K

$64.1K

How much do addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for addictions counselor in Houston, TX is $48,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $55,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an addictions counselor?

Addictions Counselors are trained professionals who help individuals overcome substance abuse and behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support recovery efforts. Addictions Counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices. Their role also includes educating families and communities about addiction and supporting relapse prevention.

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

To thrive as an Addictions Counselor, you need a solid background in psychology or social work, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with counseling software, electronic health records, and assessment tools is often required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These abilities are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring ethical treatment, and fostering positive outcomes for individuals overcoming addiction.

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

Addictions Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to change, and emotional burnout. Building strong rapport and trust with clients is crucial to encourage openness and commitment to recovery. Counselors can address these challenges by employing evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing, maintaining professional boundaries, and actively participating in supervision or peer support networks. Self-care and ongoing professional development also play important roles in managing stress and maintaining effectiveness in this rewarding, yet demanding, field.

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

AspectAddictions CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addictions counselors
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals treating addictionOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance abuse

Both Addictions Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors typically hold similar certifications and work in similar environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Addictions Counselor' may encompass a broader scope of addiction issues beyond just substances. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addictions counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use and behavioral issues. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth driven by increasing awareness of mental health and addiction treatment needs.

Is it hard to be an addictions counselor?

Being an addictions counselor can be challenging due to the emotional nature of the work and the need for strong interpersonal skills. It often requires specialized training, certification, and the ability to handle difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.

What degree is best for addictions counseling?

Addictions counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many employers prefer or require a master's degree in counseling or a similar discipline, along with relevant certifications or licensure such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Practical experience and strong interpersonal skills are also important for success in this role.

Where do addictions counselors make the most money?

Addictions counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, experience, and working in private practice or specialized treatment centers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What job categories do people searching Addictions Counselor jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Addictions Counselor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Addictions Counselor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Addictions Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addictions Counselor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,951 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

FT Counselor (Tues-Sat)

Summit Behavioral Healthcare

Spring, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

FT Counselor (Tues-Sat)

Great Oaks Recovery Center | Egypt, Texas

The Counselor Two provides treatment, counseling, and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with modifying problem behaviors; may also provide counseling services to families of clients.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for conducting client assessments focused on identifying client history, current presentation, problem areas, ongoing clinical need for treatment and risk assessment.
  • Responsible for conducting ongoing assessments of chemical dependence services required by the treatment program.
  • Prepares and carries out client initial treatment planning and treatment plan progress reviews as assigned and documents as required.
  • Leads assigned group counseling, individual or family sessions and implements evidence-supported treatment modalities as assigned and documents as required.
  • Provides client and family education relative to substance abuse/psychiatric problems.
  • Ensures all documentation regarding client care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
  • Provides crisis intervention and counseling to clients, as needed.
  • Plans for and completes required documentation of aftercare for assigned clients.
  • Acts as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
  • Acts as a liaison between referral sources and clients.
  • Provides case management duties for clients, ensuring individualized quality care.
  • Conducts educational workshops both within the Hospital and in the community as required.
  • Serves as a liaison with self-help groups and EAP professionals.
  • Evaluates the needs of the client to determine the appropriate level of care and determines if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in social services, addiction, mental health or closely related health services field with 2+ years of post-Bachelor degree professional experience in the addictions or counseling field required.
  • OR Master's degree in social services, addictions, mental health or closely related health services field with 1+ years of post-Master's degree professional experience in the addictions, therapy or counseling field.
  • Degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications:

  • Must have current and valid licensure or certification (excluding a'supervisee', 'temporary', 'in-training', 'provisional', or similarly titled designation) as a social worker, professional counselor, therapist or addiction counselor per state agency.
  • CPR certification and de-escalation training required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Work Location:

This position is onsite and is not a remote position.

Supervisory Requirements:

This position is an Individual Contributor.

Why Great Oaks Recovery Center? Great Oaks Recovery Center offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Great Oaks Recovery Center is an EOE.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.


Summit BHC logo

About Summit BHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Summit BHC, based in Franklin, TN, USA, is a recognized leader in the field of addiction treatment and behavioral health care services. The company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers aimed at caring for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders. Summit BHC was established with the mission to provide high-quality, addiction treatment and behavioral health services to those in need throughout the United States. With compassion, dignity, and respect as their core values, they endeavor to instill hope during the journey to recovery and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2013

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