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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Miami, FL

Primary Therapist

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Prior experience in a healthcare or counseling setting, with substance abuse/mental health experience preferred. * Strong ability to connect with clients and demonstrate empathy and understanding in ...

Primary Therapist

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Prior experience in a healthcare or counseling setting, with substance abuse/mental health experience preferred. * Strong ability to connect with clients and demonstrate empathy and understanding in ...

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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor information

See Miami, FL salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do entry level substance abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level substance abuse counselor in Miami, FL is $24.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

As an entry-level substance abuse counselor, your job is to help protect and support the mental health of a patient and guide them through the rehabilitation process. In this role, you may discuss drug and alcohol abuse with each client, determine whether or not they need an intervention, and create a personalized therapy or treatment plan based on their unique needs. This job title can be confusing because some substance abuse counselors perform counseling work before becoming licensed counselors, so be sure to check whether any job posting you are interested in is for recent college graduates or for fully-licensed counselors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor, you generally need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with knowledge of addiction theories and treatment modalities. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and sometimes state-specific certification or licensure is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help counselors build trust and effectively support clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective treatment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering meaningful client progress.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level substance abuse counselors when working with clients?

Entry level substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be hesitant to engage or have a history of relapse. Managing emotional boundaries is also important, as clients may share difficult experiences that can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, counselors must navigate complex family dynamics and coordinate care with other professionals, such as social workers and medical staff, to provide comprehensive support. Developing effective communication and self-care strategies can help new counselors manage these challenges and thrive in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor vs Substance Abuse Technician?

AspectEntry Level Substance Abuse CounselorSubstance Abuse Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentCounseling sessions, treatment centers, clinicsAssist in treatment settings, support counseling activities
Employer & IndustryRehab centers, clinics, mental health facilitiesRehab facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles involving client interaction and counselingOften searched as a related support role in substance abuse treatment

In summary, Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Technicians both work in addiction treatment settings, often requiring similar certifications. Counselors typically engage directly in client counseling and treatment planning, while Technicians support these activities. Both roles are essential in the treatment process and are commonly sought by individuals starting their careers in substance abuse treatment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL? For Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL are:
What cities near Miami, FL are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities near Miami, FL with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (New Increased Compensation & Benefits)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (New Increased Compensation & Benefits)

BetterHelp

Hollywood, FL • Remote

Other

Posted 6 days ago


BetterHelp rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Private practice with no doors and no overhead.

BetterHelp is one of the world’s largest online therapy platforms for mental health professionals who want to focus on client care — not admin or overhead. You provide the expertise. We handle the rest.


Why Join BetterHelp

  • New increased hourly compensation -Therapists can now earn up to 33% more per session for insurance clients.
  • $500 first client bonus* — Earn when you see your first insurance client within 30 days of applying.
  • $650 Health Benefit Stipend: Eligibility for the Health Benefit Stipend requires a continuous commitment of 30 hours a week
  • No insurance headaches. No clawbacks. No payment delays. We handle everything — you get paid weekly for every session.
  • Increase Caseloads: 70% of clients use insurance, helping you build and sustain a strong caseload.


Additional Benefits

  • Work from the comfort of home (fully remote)
  • Flexible schedule – you set your own hours.
  • Free access to 390+ CEU courses
  • Free BetterHelp membership for self-care
  • Insurance + cash-pay clients available
  • Additional bonuses & incentives for high performers
  • Zero overhead: No fees are collected from the therapist, ever.
  • Autonomy over clinical decisions
  • Access and connect with our community of over 30,000 therapists


We’re Looking For

  • LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Psychologist / PsyD
  • Experienced Mental Health Therapist or Counselor with a passion for helping adults, couples, or teens.


Requirements:

  • 3+ years of mental health counseling experience
  • Master’s or Doctorate in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Fully independent license (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMHC, etc.) and can provide therapy without supervision.
  • A private and professional environment for conducting sessions.
  • Excellent written communication.
  • Must have professional liability insurance.
  • Reliable Internet connection.
  • Currently residing in the US.


NOTE: Unfortunately, if you are an intern or if you require supervision to provide therapy services, you cannot be a provider on BetterHelp at this time. Also, we are unable to accept substance abuse counselors, school counselors, registered nurses, career counselors, Christian counselors, and business coaches (unless they have an additional license as a mental health counselor).


BetterHelp logo

About BetterHelp

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

* We help people change their lives. BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy service. We set out on a mission to provide everyone with easy, affordable, and private access to professional counseling: anytime, anywhere. To date, our network of over 20,000 licensed, accredited, and board-certified therapists have assisted more than 1,000,000 people. Every month, our secure website and mobile app facilitate over 5,000,000 messages, chats, voice calls, and video sessions that help people face life's challenges. * We're taking mental healthcare to the next level. We combine clinical care, cutting-edge technology and data-driven product development to constantly learn, iterate, and improve. We are relentless in our pursuit of better, always questioning the status quo and discovering new ways to get things done and serve our members. * We are a community that grows together - both professionally and personally. Even with our exponential growth, our team is kept agile and nimble, allowing you to have a huge impact and carve your own path from day one. We invest in our team's well-being and professional development because we know that business and individual growth go hand-in-hand. You will move fast, remain flexible, and be challenged every day. Join us!

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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