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Drug Counselor Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VITALITY UNLIMITED

$30/hr

A certified alcohol and drug counselor / intern works with clients enrolled in treatment for substance use disorder. Under close supervision of the clinical supervisor, they will facilitate ...

VITALITY UNLIMITED

$30/hr

A certified alcohol and drug counselor / intern works with clients enrolled in treatment for substance use disorder. Under close supervision of the clinical supervisor, they will facilitate ...

Washoe County

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR

Reno, NV · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

An ideal candidate will be bilingual in Spanish, be a Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor or Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor Intern or Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor or Licensed ...

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Drug Counselor Intern information

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$64K

$111K

How much do drug counselor intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug counselor intern in the United States is $64,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug counselor intern?

Drug Counselor Interns are individuals who are in training to become certified or licensed drug and alcohol counselors. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to gain practical experience in helping clients overcome substance abuse and addiction. Their duties often include conducting assessments, assisting with therapy sessions, developing treatment plans, and providing support and education to clients. The internship helps them fulfill educational and clinical requirements needed for certification or licensure in the field. This role is essential in preparing aspiring counselors for a career in substance abuse counseling.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a drug counselor intern?

To thrive as a Drug Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, understanding of substance abuse disorders, and typically enrollment in or completion of relevant coursework or certification programs. Familiarity with clinical documentation systems, counseling frameworks like Motivational Interviewing, and compliance with confidentiality regulations such as HIPAA is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies ensure effective support for clients on their recovery journey and contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment.

What types of support and supervision can a drug counselor intern expect during their internship?

As a Drug Counselor Intern, you can typically expect to work under the close supervision of a licensed counselor or clinical supervisor who will guide your professional development. Regular one-on-one meetings, case reviews, and group supervision sessions are common, providing opportunities to discuss client cases, ethical dilemmas, and counseling techniques. Many organizations also offer structured training sessions and encourage collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as social workers and medical staff, fostering a supportive learning environment. This supervision not only ensures client safety but also helps interns gain confidence and competence in their counseling skills.

What is the difference between Drug Counselor Intern vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectDrug Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or holding a relevant degree; may need state-specific internship approvalTypically requires certification or licensure, such as CADC or state license
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, or treatment centers under supervisionFull-time professional role in clinics, rehab centers, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programs, treatment facilitiesEstablished treatment centers, healthcare providers, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Drug Counselor Intern is typically a student or trainee gaining supervised experience, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing independent treatment services. Interns are in training, whereas licensed counselors have completed certification requirements and can work independently.

What cities are hiring for Drug Counselor Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Drug Counselor Intern job openings:

What states have the most Drug Counselor Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drug Counselor Intern jobs include:

Drug Counselor Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Counselor Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,006 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern (Minneapolis, MN)

People Incorporated

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern (Minneapolis, MN)
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is seeking an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern to join our team. This position provides hands-on experience for students pursuing higher education in alcohol and drug counseling. This position will support harm reduction and recovery-based services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs. Under supervision, they will gain experience conducting comprehensive assessments, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, providing psychoeducation, and supporting treatment planning and clinical documentation. They will also have the opportunity to work as part of an interdisciplinary team while developing skills in person-centered, low-barrier care approaches.
Schedule: Part-Time Monday-Friday during Business Hours (Schedule flexibility based on program and site need)
Location: Hybrid Rotating between Sites:
  • Huss Center for Recovery (2120 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
  • York Mental Health Clinic (317 York Ave, St, Paul 55130)
  • Northside Community Support Program (1309 Girard Ave, Minneapolis 55411)

Pay: Unpaid Internship
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years, we have been a leading community partner, transforming the health of our communities through innovative solutions.
Main Job Duties:
  • Participate in comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, and discharge plans under supervision and according to established deadlines.
  • Assist with client intake, admission paperwork, and program orientation.
  • Coordinate services with other providers in the community to ensure clients have access to necessary resources.
  • Facilitate treatment coordination by recognizing client needs and facilitating access to available resources.
  • Provide group and individual counseling addressing various client needs and health issues.
  • Attend clinical care consults as scheduled.
  • Ensure daily tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintain regular attendance as an essential function of the position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements
Required Education
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Alcohol & Drug Counseling program.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preference given to current People Incorporated employees in good standing.
  • Previous experience working with or knowledge of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, and/or other health conditions that impact mental health.
  • Previous experience working with at risk and underserved communities.

People Incorporated is committed to improving the wellness of our clients, staff, and the communities that we serve by providing a tobacco-free environment.
People Incorporated is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
People Incorporated values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

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