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How much do substance abuse counselor intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse counselor intern in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance abuse counselor intern?

Substance Abuse Counselor Interns are individuals who are gaining supervised experience in helping people recover from addiction and substance use disorders. They typically work under the guidance of licensed counselors and assist with assessments, treatment planning, and facilitating group or individual therapy sessions. The internship provides hands-on learning, helping interns develop counseling skills and knowledge about addiction recovery. This experience is often required for certification or licensure as a substance abuse counselor.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften pursuing or have completed relevant education; may need state-specific internship requirementsLicensed or certified, with required degrees and certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, rehab centers, supervised environmentsFull professional settings, outpatient or inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageTraining role within healthcare or mental health organizationsLicensed professionals providing ongoing counseling services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level or training roles in substance abuse counselingSeeking licensed professional services or career progression

The main difference between a Substance Abuse Counselor Intern and a Substance Abuse Counselor lies in their experience, credentials, and responsibilities. Interns are typically in training, gaining practical experience under supervision, while licensed counselors provide independent, ongoing treatment. Internships serve as stepping stones toward full licensure and professional practice.

What are some common challenges substance abuse counselor interns face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Substance Abuse Counselor Interns often encounter challenges such as client resistance, relapse setbacks, and managing strong emotions during sessions. It’s important to build trust and rapport with clients, use active listening, and apply evidence-based counseling techniques under the guidance of a licensed supervisor. Interns should also participate in regular supervision and team meetings to discuss difficult cases and receive support, ensuring both effective client care and their own professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse counselor intern?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, psychology, and case management, ideally supported by relevant coursework or enrollment in a counseling degree program. Familiarity with documentation software, client intake systems, and understanding of regulations like HIPAA are typically expected. Active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients. These skills and qualifications enable interns to provide compassionate care, support recovery, and maintain ethical standards within clinical environments.
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Substance Abuse Counselor Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Counselor Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR INTERN

PREFERRED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OF NEW JERSEY

Lakewood, NJ • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

If you are looking to make an impact by helping others, then Preferred Behavioral Health Group is the place for you! By joining our award-winning team, you will become part of the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey. PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization that was proudly named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for both 2024 and 2025 by NJBIZ! Our mission is to change lives and save lives across the state of New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture.

Our staff is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a diverse team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their individual contributions. We encourage staff development and embrace a growth mindset. If you are interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career while being part of a recognized “Best Place to Work”, please submit your resume today for consideration!

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor Intern

Program: Recovery Support Services

location: Lakewood Office - 700 Airport Road, Lakewood New Jersey 08701

Position Type: Full Time

Salary: $42,000.00

Job Summary

The Counselor Intern is responsible for providing recovery-focused support services to individuals working toward their personal recovery goals. Responsibilities include facilitating psychoeducational and recovery support groups, conducting intake evaluations, providing individual counseling sessions, connecting clients with appropriate community resources, and completing all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner. The Counselor Intern will work collaboratively with clients and the treatment team to promote recovery, wellness, and continued engagement in services.

This is a full-time position with varied shifts. The schedule includes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00 PM–9:00 PM, and Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. No weekends or major holidays are required.

A full benefits package is available, including paid time off, health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a retirement plan.

The Substance Abuse Counselor Intern shall be responsible for the following:

  • Assessing the counseling needs of the clients.
  • Assessing clients using the Addiction Severity Index in NJSAMS or other standardized clinical interview tool, and diagnosing clients for substance use disorder using the DSM-5.
  • Facilitate group sessions, utilizing evidence-based interventions to support client engagement, treatment goals, skill development, and recovery within a structured therapeutic environment.
  • Determining the appropriate level of care according to ASAM Criteria.
  • Providing active case consultation.
  • Documenting all counseling and education services, assessments, reassessments, referrals and follow-up in the client's clinical record, and providing appropriate signatures and dating of such entries, including those made in electronic records.

Competencies:

  • Demonstrating knowledge in levels of care index (LOCI).
  • Presenting cases in a coherent, formal professional manner which demonstrates appropriate clinical judgment and clinical technique.
  • Attending staff meetings as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

  • Education: Be enrolled in a course of study leading to CADC or LCADC status, or to another health professional license that includes work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice, without regard to changes in employment, with progress towards certification or licensing on file, reviewed by the facility at least semiannually and documented; and N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.9 ii
  • Be trained, evaluated and receiving continuing formal clinical supervision by the Director of Substance Use Services or designee, pursuant to the clinical supervision rules of the State health professional licensing board for the course of study in which they are enrolled: the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners (BMFTE) for licensed marriage and family therapists; the BMFTE's Professional Counselor Examiners Committee for licensed professional counselors; the BMFTE's Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee for LCADC and CADC; the State Board of Psychological Examiners for licensed psychologists; and the State Board of Social Work Examiners for licensed clinical social workers.

Pre- and Post-Employment Screening/Testing/Examinations:

  • Candidates for this position must submit to a criminal history check, supported by fingerprinting, prior to employment.
  • Candidates for this position must submit to drug and alcohol screening prior to employment, and in accordance with PBHG policy, thereafter.
  • Employee must obtain a physical exam prior to start date, and every three years, thereafter.
  • Employee must submit to Mantoux/TB testing prior to start date, and TB Symptom Assessment form annually, thereafter.
  • Produce proof of Rubeola and Rubella

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance

o 403(b) Retirement Plan

o Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

o Long Term Disability Insurance

o Life and AD&D Insurance

o Employee Assistance Program

o Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account

o Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance

o Staff Training and Development Opportunities

o Employee Referral Bonus program

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