Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Job Outlook
Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as addiction and mental health counseling services are increasingly covered by insurance policies.
The number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. The law requires insurance plans to cover treatment for mental health disorders in the same way as other chronic diseases. This will increase access to prevention and treatment services to those who were previously uninsured, did not have these services covered, or found treatment to be cost-prohibitive. Mental health centers, hospitals, and other treatment and counseling facilities will need to hire more counselors in order to meet this increased demand.
Demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is also expected to increase as states seek treatment and counseling services for drug offenders rather than jail time. In recent years, the criminal justice system has recognized that drug and other substance abuse addicts are less likely to offend again if they get treatment for their addiction. As a result, sentences often require drug offenders to attend treatment and counseling programs. In addition, some research suggests that these programs are more cost effective than incarceration and may be increasingly used by states to deal with both budget cuts and overcrowded prisons.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are expected to be good for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, particularly for those with a bachelor's or master's degree. In addition, many workers leave the field after a few years and need to be replaced. As result, those interested in entering this field should find favorable prospects.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
22%
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
12%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
With the Career Query Tool you can search our career profile database by setting specific criteria, such as salary, location and educational requirements!