For hands-on addiction counseling, a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or addiction counseling is the most direct path. Social work (MSW) offers similar therapy skills plus broader flexibility. Psychology is best if you want a doctorate-level psychologist role focused on research, assessment, or specialized treatment.
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You want to help people overcome addiction. That much you know. But when you look at college majors, you see psychology, social work, counseling, human services, and a dozen other options, each claiming to prepare you for helping careers.
Choose wrong, and you could spend four years earning a degree that doesn't actually lead where you want to go. Or worse, you'll be locked into a career path that doesn't fit your strengths or interests.
The good news: all three major degree paths—psychology, social work, and counseling—can lead to careers in addiction counseling. The key is understanding how each one gets you there, provides the training you need, and aligns with your specific goals beyond just getting a job title.
This guide breaks down the real differences between psychology, social work, and counseling degrees. You'll see how each prepares you for addiction work, what kind of graduate training you'll need, and which path makes sense based on what you actually want to do every day.
Understanding the Core Differences
Psychology, social work, and counseling degrees share a common mission—helping people—but they approach that mission from different philosophical foundations. Understanding these core differences matters because they shape not just what you study, but how you'll think about problems and solutions throughout your career.
Psychology programs center on the science of behavior. You'll study research methods, statistics, cognitive processes, and psychopathology. The emphasis is on understanding why people think and act the way they do, with heavy focus on assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions. Psychology asks: "What does the research tell us about human behavior, and how can we apply that scientifically?"
Social work takes a person-in-environment approach. Rather than focusing solely on individual psychology, social work programs train you to see how systems—family, community, policy, economics—shape people's lives. You'll learn clinical therapy skills, but you'll also study advocacy, case management, community organizing, and social justice. Social work asks: "What barriers prevent this person from thriving, and how can we address those at multiple levels?"
Counseling degrees emphasize applied psychotherapy and the therapeutic relationship. Programs focus almost entirely on developing counseling skills—active listening, empathy, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and group facilitation. The training is intensely practical and client-centered. Counseling asks: "How can I create a space where this person can heal, grow, and make positive changes?"
Here's what matters most: regardless of your undergraduate major, you'll need a graduate degree for most addiction counseling positions. Your bachelor's degree builds the foundation. Your master's degree is where you specialize, gain supervised clinical hours, and become eligible for licensure. That means your undergraduate choice isn't permanent. A bachelor's in psychology can lead to an MSW or a counseling master's. A bachelor's degree in social work can lead to graduate programs in counseling or psychology.
The question isn't "which degree leads to addiction counseling?" All three do. The question is: which training philosophy resonates with how you want to help people?
Psychology vs Social Work vs Counseling: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let's break down exactly how these degrees differ across the factors that matter most to students choosing a major. This comparison focuses on the complete pathway from undergraduate to professional practice.
| Factor | Psychology Path | Social Work Path | Counseling Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Focus | Behavior, cognition, research methods, statistics, neuroscience, psychopathology | Social systems, policy, diversity, human development, community resources, advocacy | Human development, helping relationships, counseling theories, group dynamics, and communication skills |
| Graduate Degree Options | MA/MS in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, PhD/PsyD, Research-focused PhD | MSW with clinical or macro track, DSW (Doctor of Social Work) | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling |
| Direct Path to Addiction Counseling? | Indirect—bachelor's alone rarely qualify. Master's in counseling psychology works. PhD/PsyD is a lengthy route. | Very direct—MSW is widely accepted for addiction therapist roles in most states (licensure requirements vary by state) | Often, the most direct path—CMHC and addiction counseling degrees — is purpose-built for counseling practice. |
| Typical Job Titles | Licensed Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Researcher, Assessment Specialist, Professor | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Therapist, Case Manager, Program Director, Policy Analyst | Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Addiction Counselor |
| Licensure Timeline | 9-12 years for a psychologist (includes a doctorate and supervised hours) | 6-7 years for degree completion, plus 2-3 years supervised practice for LCSW | 6-7 years for degree completion, plus 2-3 years supervised practice for LPC/LMHC |
| Career Flexibility | Strong for research, testing, and academia. Less suited for systems-level or policy work. | Very high—therapy, case management, hospitals, schools, government, policy, administration | Moderate—transfers well across mental health settings—less flexibility for non-clinical roles. |
| Best Fit If You Want To... | Conduct research on addiction, do psychological testing, teach at universities, and specialize in assessment. | Treat addiction AND address housing, employment, justice involvement, family systems, and community resources. | Focus primarily on individual and group therapy in treatment centers or private practice. |
The table shows clear patterns. If speed and direct access to counseling matter most, master's degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or addiction counseling offer the shortest path. You'll spend less time in school and start practicing sooner.
If you value options and want the ability to pivot between therapy, case management, and systems-level work, social work provides the most versatility. An MSW credential opens doors across healthcare, education, criminal justice, and policy settings. You're not locked into direct clinical practice if burnout hits or your interests shift.
If you're drawn to the science of addiction—the neurobiology, the research methodologies, the assessment tools—psychology offers the deepest academic foundation. Just know you're committing to extensive graduate training if you want the full psychologist credential and scope of practice.
Accreditation matters regardless of path. Look for counseling programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), social work programs accredited by CSWE (Council on Social Work Education), and psychology programs accredited by the APA. These accreditations ensure your degree will meet state licensure requirements.
How Each Degree Leads to Addiction Counseling Work
Understanding the academic path is one thing. Understanding how you actually get licensed and hired is another. Here's the reality of how each degree type translates into addiction counseling credentials.
Important: Licensure requirements vary significantly by state. Always confirm requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling in a program.
The Psychology Route
A bachelor's degree in psychology provides foundational knowledge of human behavior, research methods, and mental health. It's valuable. It's also rarely sufficient for independent clinical practice in addiction treatment.
Most states don't license bachelor's-level psychologists to provide counseling services. You can work as a behavioral health technician, case manager, or peer support specialist with a psychology degree. You can't typically bill insurance as a therapist or open a private practice.
That means graduate school is essential if counseling is your goal. You have two main options. First, a master's in counseling psychology or clinical mental health counseling (typically 2-3 years) leads to licensure as an LPC or LMHC. This route works well and is functionally similar to the counseling path described below. You'll complete supervised clinical hours—usually 2,000 to 4,000, depending on your state—then sit for your licensure exam.
Second, if you want the title and full scope of practice of a licensed psychologist, you'll need a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology. This is a 5-7-year commitment post-bachelor's, including coursework, research (for PhD programs), practicum hours, an internship, and a dissertation. Psychology doctorates include extensive supervised training during the program, and some states require additional postdoctoral supervised hours before full licensure. You'll be able to diagnose, treat, conduct psychological testing, and potentially supervise others. It's a longer road, but it positions you as a doctoral-level clinician.
Psychology makes sense for addiction counseling when you're genuinely drawn to research, when you want neuropsychological assessment capabilities, or when specialized psychologist roles (like working in integrated healthcare or leading treatment programs) appeal to you. If your primary goal is to provide therapy and you want to start practicing within 6-7 years, a psychology bachelor's followed by a counseling master's is more efficient than pursuing a psychology doctorate.
The Social Work Route
Social work offers the clearest multiple entry points. Some students start with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which qualifies them for entry-level case management and social service roles. If you have a BSW, you can often enter advanced-standing MSW programs that take just 1-2 years instead of the standard 2-3.
Most students pursuing addiction counseling earn a Master of Social Work (MSW). MSW programs offer two tracks: clinical and macro. The clinical track focuses on direct practice—therapy, counseling, and diagnostic assessment. The macro track emphasizes community organizing, policy, administration, and systems change. You can still do therapy with a macro-focused MSW if you complete the required clinical hours, but the training emphasis differs.
After earning your MSW, you'll need supervised post-graduate hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Requirements vary by state but typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours over two to three years. During this time, you'll work under a licensed supervisor, develop your clinical skills, and document your cases. Once you complete your hours and pass the licensure exam, you're fully credentialed to provide therapy independently.
Social work is especially popular in addiction treatment because the training goes beyond just therapy techniques. You learn how to connect clients with housing resources, navigate insurance and benefits systems, coordinate with criminal justice programs, and address family dynamics. Addiction doesn't happen in isolation. People struggling with substance use often face unemployment, housing instability, legal issues, and relationship breakdowns. MSW training prepares you to address all of it.
That's also why social work credentials are so transferable. If direct addiction counseling becomes unsustainable—the field has high burnout rates—you can pivot to hospital social work, school-based practice, policy roles, or program administration without needing additional credentials. Your MSW travels with you.
The Counseling Route
If you know you want to be a therapist and you're ready to commit to that path, counseling degrees offer the most focused training. Most students major in psychology, human services, or a related field as undergraduates, then pursue a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or a specialized addiction counseling degree.
CMHC programs are designed specifically for counseling practice. You'll take courses in counseling theories, ethics, multicultural counseling, group counseling, career development, and diagnosis. You'll learn about evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care. Many CMHC programs include addiction counseling concentrations or allow you to focus electives on substance use disorders.
The practical training starts early. Most programs require 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship before you graduate. You'll see real clients under supervision, practice your skills, and start building your clinical confidence. After graduation, you'll complete an additional 2,000 to 3,000 hours (depending on your state) of supervised work to qualify for licensure as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).
Counseling degrees are effective because the curriculum points toward a single goal: preparing you to work with clients and facilitate change. You won't spend time on research methods or macro-level policy analysis. You'll focus on clinical skills, therapeutic techniques, and professional development as a counselor.
This focused approach has trade-offs. If you decide counseling isn't sustainable in the long term, your credential is primarily useful in mental health settings. You can work with different populations—kids, families, veterans, people with eating disorders—but you're still doing counseling work. You don't have the same range of pivot options in case management, policy, or administration as social work does.
State Requirements Vary Significantly
Here's the part that confuses students most: every state has its own rules for addiction counselor credentials. All three degree types—psychology master's, MSW, and counseling master's—are generally accepted, but states layer on additional requirements.
- Some states require specific addiction-focused coursework regardless of your degree—often around 270 hours covering the 12 Core Functions of addiction counseling, for example.
- Supervised experience hours vary wildly. Some states require 2,000 hours. Others want 4,000. Some count only hours spent specifically with substance use clients, while others accept general mental health hours.
- Certification versus licensure creates more confusion. Some states license addiction counselors. Others certify them. The distinction affects the scope of practice, insurance reimbursement, and job opportunities.
- Dual credentials are common. Many addiction counselors hold both their state counseling license (LPC/LMHC/LCSW) and a separate addiction-specific certification like CADC or LCDC.
The bottom line: research your state's requirements before choosing a program. Make sure the degree you pursue will satisfy your state's education prerequisites. Most states publish their requirements through a licensing board or addiction counselor certification board. Start there.
Time and Cost Considerations
Let's talk about the practical realities that rarely make it into college marketing materials: how long this actually takes and what it costs.
Length of Training
If you're measuring time from high school graduation to independent practice, counseling and social work degrees typically take 6-7 years to complete, plus 2-3 years of supervised experience before full independent licensure. That's four years for your bachelor's degree, two to three years for your master's, and then you're working under supervision while accumulating your required hours. Most people complete their supervised hours in two to three years while working full-time, so you're looking at 8-10 years from high school to fully licensed independent practice.
Psychology paths vary dramatically based on your end goal. If you pursue a master's in counseling psychology after a bachelor's in psychology, your timeline matches the 6-7-year track above. If you pursue a doctorate, you're looking at 9-12 years total. That's four years for your bachelor's, five to seven years for your PhD or PsyD (including coursework, comprehensive exams, internship, and dissertation), and then you're done with the degree. Some states require additional postdoctoral supervised hours before full licensure, which can add another year or two.
Social work offers the fastest option if you start with a BSW. Advanced-standing MSW programs can take as little as one year if you already have your BSW and the program is full-time. That means you could potentially go from high school to licensed social worker in about 7-8 years if everything aligns. That said, most students don't start with a BSW. They major in psychology, sociology, or another field, then do the full two- to three-year MSW.
Time isn't everything. Starting to earn a salary three to four years earlier (master's route) versus pursuing a doctorate (psychology route) affects your lifetime earnings, student debt load, and career trajectory. You'll need to weigh the opportunity cost of additional years in training against the higher salary and expanded scope of practice that doctoral credentials provide.
Cost Factors
Graduate program costs vary dramatically based on whether you attend public or private schools, in-state or out-of-state, online or on-campus. Public university MSW and CMHC programs often run between $20,000 and $50,000 total for in-state students. Private programs can exceed $80,000 to $100,000. Psychology doctorates may be funded through research or teaching assistantships, especially PhD programs, which reduce your out-of-pocket costs but require you to work 10-20 hours per week throughout your training.
Don't forget living expenses. Three years of graduate school means three years of rent, food, transportation, and healthcare costs. Most master's programs discourage full-time work because of practicum and internship requirements. You'll likely need loans, savings, or family support to cover living expenses.
Here's a reality check: addiction counseling is generally moderate-paying relative to other master's-level careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median salary of $59,190 in 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,090, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,210. Salaries vary significantly by setting—hospitals pay more (median $61,930) than residential facilities (median $49,610). You won't struggle, but you won't get rich either. Factor that into your debt calculations.
The fastest path isn't always the cheapest path, and the most expensive program doesn't guarantee better job outcomes. Look for programs with strong clinical placement networks, high first-time licensure pass rates, and graduates working in roles you want. Those markers matter more than prestige or cost.
Career Flexibility vs. Specialization Trade-Off
Addiction counseling is intense work. You're helping people navigate life-or-death struggles. You witness relapse, trauma, and sometimes fatal overdoses. Not everyone stays in direct addiction treatment forever, and that's okay.
MSW credentials offer the most flexibility if you need to pivot. Licensed clinical social workers work in hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, employee assistance programs, hospice care, and private practice. You can shift from addiction treatment to working with veterans, families, children, or geriatric populations without needing additional credentials. You can also move into program administration, policy work, or supervisory roles. Your MSW travels across settings and populations.
Counseling credentials transfer well within the mental health field but are less flexible outside it. Your LPC or LMHC license qualifies you to provide counseling services across populations and settings—substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and family therapy. You're not locked into addiction work specifically. You are more locked into direct practice. If you want to leave clinical work entirely, counseling credentials don't help much. You'll rely on transferable skills (communication, crisis management, problem-solving) rather than the credential itself.
Psychology doctorates open research, teaching, and specialized assessment paths. If direct addiction counseling becomes unsustainable, you can pivot to academia, research institutions, neuropsychology, program evaluation, or consultation. The downside is the long training period and higher debt load. The upside is that the credential carries weight across many settings.
If you're uncertain about long-term plans—and most 18-year-olds are—MSW or psychology (with a plan for graduate flexibility), hedge your bets. If you're confident about clinical counseling work and ready to commit, CMHC programs are efficient and focused.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
There's no universally "best" degree for addiction counseling. The right choice depends on your goals, interests, working style, and what kind of work actually energizes you. Here's how to think through your options.
Choose Psychology If You...
- Love research and want to contribute to addiction science—studying brain chemistry, treatment efficacy, or behavioral interventions
- Are genuinely interested in psychological testing, neuropsychological assessment, and diagnostic complexity
- Want the title and full scope of practice of a licensed psychologist, including the ability to supervise others and lead clinical programs
- Are willing to commit to doctorate-level training that will take 5-7+ years beyond your bachelor's degree
- Value deep expertise in the science of behavior, psychopathology, and evidence-based treatment
- See yourself potentially teaching at a university or working in research-focused healthcare settings
Psychology isn't the wrong choice for addiction counseling. It's just the longest path if your goal is primarily hands-on clinical work. It's best suited for people who see themselves in research roles, complex assessment work, or specialized psychologist positions where the doctoral credential opens doors that master's-level licenses don't.
Choose Social Work If You...
- Want to treat addiction AND address the systems issues that fuel it—housing instability, unemployment, justice involvement, healthcare access
- Value career flexibility and want options beyond direct therapy if burnout or life circumstances require a shift
- Are drawn to social justice, community organizing, policy advocacy, and making change beyond the therapy room
- Want a credential that transfers seamlessly across hospitals, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and private practice
- Recognize that addiction doesn't happen in a vacuum and want training that addresses root causes and systemic barriers
- Appreciate the person-in-environment perspective—seeing clients as whole people shaped by context, not just symptoms to treat
MSW is the Swiss Army knife of helping professions. You'll be qualified for therapy work while also understanding the systems your clients navigate daily. You'll have the skills to do case management, connect people to resources, and think strategically about policy barriers. If keeping doors open matters to you—if you want options in case your interests evolve—this is your path.
Choose Counseling (CMHC/Addiction Counseling) If You...
- Are certain you want to provide direct therapy as your primary work, day in and day out
- Want the most efficient path to independent counseling practice without extra coursework in areas you won't use
- Are passionate about evidence-based therapeutic interventions—CBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, family systems
- Prefer deep, ongoing relationships with clients over short-term interventions or case management tasks
- Want programs specifically designed around the competencies needed for addiction treatment, with built-in supervision and practical training
- Value the clarity of a single career focus—you're going to be a counselor, full stop, and you're comfortable with that commitment
Counseling degrees are purpose-built for exactly what you want to do. If you know therapy is your calling and you don't need flexibility into macro-level work, CMHC or addiction counseling master's programs offer the fastest, most focused route. You'll spend your time learning counseling skills, practicing interventions, and preparing for licensure. Everything in the curriculum points toward sitting with clients and facilitating change.
Common Questions Students Ask
These questions come up repeatedly in college advising sessions, online forums, and Reddit threads where students try to figure out their path. Here are straight answers.
Do I need a PhD to be a psychologist who treats addiction?
Yes, if you want the title "licensed psychologist" and full scope of practice. However, you absolutely don't need a PhD to do addiction counseling. Master's-level counselors (LPC, LMHC) and clinical social workers (LCSW) provide therapy every single day. They work in treatment centers, hospitals, private practices, and community agencies. The vast majority of addiction counseling work in America is done by master's-level clinicians, not psychologists.
The PhD or PsyD route makes sense if you want research capabilities, specialized assessment roles, or if you're drawn to the psychologist identity and scope of practice. It doesn't make sense if your primary goal is simply to counsel clients struggling with addiction.
Will majoring in psychology lock me out of counseling jobs?
No. Your undergraduate major matters far less than your graduate degree. A psychology bachelor's leads naturally into master's programs in counseling, social work, or counseling psychology. Graduate programs care about prerequisites (like abnormal psychology, statistics, human development), not your exact major title.
In fact, psychology is one of the most common undergraduate majors for future counselors and social workers. You're not locked out. You're building a foundation. Just make sure you explore graduate programs early so you know which prerequisites matter most.
Is social work or counseling better if I want to be a therapist?
Both lead to therapy careers. The difference is in breadth of training and career flexibility. MSW programs train you for therapy AND case management, policy analysis, community organizing, and program administration. If you want options—if you're not 100% certain direct practice is sustainable long-term—MSW hedges your bets.
CMHC programs focus almost entirely on therapy skills. If you're absolutely sure about clinical work and you want the most focused, efficient training, CMHC makes sense. You won't spend time on content you won't use.
In practice, MSW and CMHC graduates often work side-by-side doing similar jobs. Employers hiring for addiction counselor positions accept both credentials. The long-term career flexibility is where they diverge.
Can I specialize in addiction counseling with any of these degrees?
Yes. All three paths allow addiction specialization at the graduate level. Many CMHC programs offer addiction counseling concentrations or tracks. MSW programs let you focus on substance use through electives, field placements, and your specialization area. Psychology programs, especially counseling psychology and clinical psychology, have addiction specialization tracks.
State requirements often mandate addiction-specific coursework regardless of your degree type. Some states require coursework covering topics like assessment, treatment planning, pharmacology, family dynamics, and ethics in addiction treatment. Check your state's rules, but rest assured that all three degree pathways can meet those requirements.
What if I change my mind about working with addiction?
Burnout is real in this field. Compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and the emotional weight of witnessing relapse affect many clinicians. Having an exit strategy isn't defeatist—it's smart planning.
MSW credentials transfer most easily. You can move to hospitals (medical social work), schools (school social workers), hospice care, employee assistance programs, criminal justice settings, policy roles, or program administration. Your MSW is valuable across dozens of settings.
Counseling licenses (LPC, LMHC) transfer well within mental health. You can work with different populations—children, families, veterans, people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma. You're still doing counseling, but you're not locked into substance use specifically. You're more limited if you want to leave direct practice entirely.
Psychology doctorates open research, teaching, consultation, program evaluation, and neuropsychology paths. Your credential carries authority beyond clinical work, giving you options if direct practice becomes unsustainable.
Which degree has the best pay?
Licensed psychologists (PhD/PsyD) typically earn higher salaries than master's-level clinicians. That's partly because of the credential itself and partly because psychologists can bill at higher rates, supervise others, and take on leadership roles more easily. That said, they also spend more years in training and often carry higher debt loads.
Master's-level counselors and social workers earn similar salary ranges, varying by setting, experience, location, and whether they're in private practice or agency work. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median salary of $59,190. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,090, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $98,210. Salaries vary by setting—hospitals pay median $61,930 while residential facilities pay median $49,610.
The bigger question is return on investment. Earning a salary three to four years earlier (master's route) while carrying less debt may result in better financial outcomes over your career than spending additional years pursuing a doctorate for a modestly higher salary. Run the numbers based on your specific situation.
Do I need an addiction-specific degree, or can I major broadly?
Many students major broadly as undergraduates. Most people don't major in "addiction counseling" or "substance abuse studies" during their bachelor's degree. Those specializations happen at the graduate level and through professional certifications.
Psychology, social work, human services, sociology, or counseling (if offered) all provide solid foundations. Focus on building understanding of human behavior, development, mental health, and helping relationships. You'll specialize in addiction through your master's program coursework, practicum placements, internships, and post-graduate supervised hours.
Keeping your undergraduate major broad also protects you if your interests shift. You're 18 or 19 when you declare a major. You might be 22 or 23 when you apply to graduate school. Your perspective will change. Don't box yourself in too early.
Key Takeaways
- All three degree paths—psychology, social work, and counseling—can lead to addiction counseling careers. Your choice depends on your specific goals, working style, and how you want to approach helping people overcome addiction.
- For hands-on counseling work, master's programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or addiction counseling typically take 6-7 years to complete required degrees, plus 2-3 years of supervised experience before full independent licensure.
- MSW degrees offer broad career flexibility, allowing you to blend therapy with case management, move into policy or administrative roles, or transfer across healthcare, education, and community settings if direct practice becomes unsustainable.
- Psychology bachelor's degrees alone don't license you for independent practice in most states. If you choose psychology as your undergrad major, plan for graduate training—either a master's for counseling roles or a doctorate if you want the psychologist credential and scope.
- Your undergraduate major matters less than your graduate degree and supervised clinical training. A psychology bachelor's can lead to MSW or counseling master's programs. Focus on building a strong foundation rather than feeling locked into one path.
- State requirements for addiction counselor credentials vary significantly. All three degree types are generally accepted, but states mandate different amounts of addiction-specific coursework and supervised hours. Research your state's rules before committing to a program to ensure your chosen degree will meet licensure prerequisites.
Ready to Explore Degree Programs?
Now that you understand the differences between psychology, social work, and counseling paths, explore accredited programs that align with your goals. Compare bachelor's and master's programs in addiction counseling across all 50 states.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.
