Remote substance abuse counselor and peer support specialist jobs allow you to provide addiction treatment via telehealth platforms from anywhere. These positions require the same credentials as in-person roles, HIPAA-compliant technology, and state licensure where your clients are located. Peer support specialist salaries typically range from $40,000 to $50,000 nationwide (BLS data, May 2024), with variation by state, employer, and experience level.
Table of Contents
- What Are Remote Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs?
- Benefits of Remote Addiction Counseling
- Limitations of Online Substance Abuse Counseling
- Qualifications and Requirements
- Remote Peer Support Specialist Jobs
- Salary Expectations
- Where to Find Remote Counselor Jobs
- Technology and Setup Requirements
- Professional Responsibilities and Compliance
- Future of Remote Addiction Counseling
- Frequently Asked Questions
Few people sign up for a substance abuse counseling degree, imagining they’ll be spending their days in front of a laptop screen. Addiction counseling requires building strong interpersonal connections at the deepest levels. You have to be able to communicate clearly and compassionately with your clients to disrupt the negative cycles of addiction.
It’s almost always something everyone pictures happening in person, heart to heart. Eye contact, expressions of concern, and an open back-and-forth conversation. It’s not the sort of thing you imagine would go very well if a computer mediated it.
Just like other kinds of behavioral and mental health counseling, though, substance abuse counseling was thrown suddenly and almost entirely online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To almost everyone’s surprise, online substance abuse counseling was a big hit.
In fact, for some populations, in some cases, remote intensive counseling services proved to be even more effective than traditional outpatient counseling services. Today, that hard-won experience has created a whole new category of position in substance abuse counseling: the remote addiction therapist and peer support specialist.
What Are Remote Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs?
Remote substance abuse counselor positions allow you to provide the full scope of addiction treatment services via telehealth. You’ll conduct one-on-one counseling sessions, facilitate group therapy, complete intake assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide crisis intervention all through secure video conferencing platforms.
These aren’t simplified or watered-down versions of traditional counseling. Remote counselors perform the same clinical functions as their in-office counterparts. The difference is the delivery method.
You might be surprised how flexible and effective video conferencing and app connectivity have become. Modern telehealth platforms offer:
- High-quality video and audio for a genuine connection
- Screen sharing capabilities for educational materials
- Digital whiteboard tools for interactive sessions
- Secure messaging for between-session support
- Integrated electronic health records
- Mobile app access for clients on the go
Remote positions often allow you to work from home, providing the flexibility to create your ideal work environment. Some organizations hire fully remote staff nationwide, while others use hybrid models in which counselors split time between the office and home.
Benefits of Remote Addiction Counseling
With proof that it works well, it was clear after the pandemic that there was no going back for some patients. Those outside of major metros or in places with few counseling options had always been underserved. Remote addiction counseling became a lifeline. For others, the convenience of receiving counseling online made treatment more practical.
At the same time, as other kinds of work have shifted online, remote substance abuse counseling has become better for both counselors and employers.
Benefits for counselors:
- No commute time or expense saves hours each week
- Work-from-home flexibility improves work-life balance
- Access to jobs across the country (within your licensed states)
- Reduced exposure to workplace conflicts or burnout triggers
- Ability to create an ideal therapeutic environment
- More scheduling flexibility for personal appointments
Benefits for patients:
- Access to specialists who aren’t available locally
- Greater privacy and anonymity in treatment
- Reduced transportation barriers
- Easier to maintain employment while in treatment
- Options for evening or weekend sessions
- Continuity of care when traveling or relocating
Benefits for employers:
- Cost savings from reduced office space needs
- Access to a talent pool across multiple states
- Ability to staff services 24/7 more easily
- Lower overhead costs overall
The broader menu of individual counselors patients can choose from when services move online increases the odds of finding an excellent fit for their personality and problems. This matching process is critical to treatment success.
Limitations of Online Substance Abuse Counseling
Remote substance abuse counselor jobs have the exact scope of practice as any other certified addiction counselor job. But there are still specific categories of addiction counseling that probably aren’t going to go online anytime soon.
Anything dealing with patient populations who aren’t internet-savvy or don’t have good connectivity isn’t going to work. Similarly, outreach programs where you’re part of the effort to make initial contact, rather than simply having patients come to you, aren’t feasible remotely.
Populations that may need in-person care:
- Individuals without reliable internet access or technology
- Homeless or unstably housed clients
- Those with severe co-occurring mental health conditions
- Patients in acute withdrawal or medical crisis
- Elderly Clare Ients are uncomfortable with technology
- Individuals who need hands-on medical monitoring
When remote care isn’t appropriate, having a clear referral pathway to hybrid or in-person services is essential and should be built into your practice plan. A good counselor recognizes when a client would benefit more from in-person care and makes appropriate referrals.
There are also cases like criminal justice addiction counseling, where other restrictions limit remote therapy. Although when institutions and agencies get on board, the kind of accessibility and equipment they can put together to assure access and bring costs down could make this a possibility in the not-too-distant future. Workarounds that sprang up in the wake of COVID-19 proved that.
There are also cases and patients where remote counseling can’t provide the necessary connection. Not everyone does well without direct eye contact and a sympathetic voice in the same room. You have to make allowances for personal style and needs with remote therapy.
Qualifications and Requirements for Remote Counseling Work
Remote addiction counseling requires the same credentials and licenses as in-person positions. You can’t sidestep educational requirements or clinical training just because you’re working from home. In many ways, remote work demands even stronger foundational skills since you’re reading subtle cues through a screen.
Standard credential requirements:
- State licensure or certification as a substance abuse counselor
- Completion of required education (associate through master’s degree, depending on level)
- Supervised clinical experience hours (typically 2,000-4,000 hours)
- Passing score on credentialing exams (state or IC&RC exams)
- Background check and ethical fitness review
- Continuing education to maintain credentials
Additional considerations for remote work:
- You must be licensed in every state where your clients are located
- Some telehealth employers only serve clients in states where they maintain multi-state license coverage or where interstate compacts exist.
- Always verify which states an employer serves before applying, as this determines whether your current licensure qualifies you.Â
- Some states allow telehealth services if both the counselor and client reside in states with reciprocal agreements, but regulations vary significantly.
- Some states require specific telehealth training or certifications
- Strong technology skills are essential for troubleshooting
- Self-motivation and time management become more critical
- Ability to establish rapport without in-person presence
Many employers provide training on their specific telehealth platforms and documentation systems. Some also offer guidance on creating an effective home office setup. Don’t be afraid to ask about these supports during the interview process.
If you’re an associate-level counselor still working toward full licensure, you’ll need remote supervision that complies with your state’s requirements. The good news is that supervision itself works well remotely through video conferencing and electronic record review systems.
Remote Peer Support Specialist Jobs: A Special Focus
Peer support specialists have a special niche to fill in substance abuse counseling. As recovered substance use disorder patients themselves, they have a unique ability to connect and communicate with people still on the road to recovery. Their lived experience creates instant credibility and understanding that can’t be taught in a classroom.
You might expect that peer specialists need that in-person connection even more than other counselors. But it turns out that’s not the case. There are plenty of ways they put their special talents to use that don’t involve being shoulder to shoulder with clients.
Why Peer Specialists Excel in Remote Roles
For starters, many peer support specialists have long been a lifeline on the other end of a phone call. When a patient is in crisis, it’s always been easier to call someone who has been there and gotten through it. So in some sense, peer support specialists already offer some level of remote services. The shift to video and secure messaging was a natural evolution.
Remote work also opens up opportunities for peer specialists who may face accessibility challenges. Whether it’s transportation issues, childcare responsibilities, or health concerns, working from home removes barriers that might otherwise prevent talented individuals from entering the field.
Remote Peer Support Specialists in High Demand
Now that role has been expanded. Working from anywhere, peer support counselors can provide phone, email, or chat support in near real time. They can also handle other traditional roles in intake and assessment, client advocacy, and counseling coordination entirely remotely. And they get the same advantages as other counselors, including flexibility, availability, and focus.
The demand for remote peer specialists has grown dramatically. Telehealth companies, crisis hotlines, and recovery support apps all need peer specialists who can provide that crucial connection 24/7. The flexibility of remote work means organizations can staff around the clock more easily, ensuring someone is always available when a person in recovery needs support.
Duties and Responsibilities
Remote peer support specialists perform many of the same functions as in-person peers:
- Providing emotional support and encouragement based on shared experience
- Sharing recovery strategies and coping skills
- Modeling healthy behaviors and hope for recovery
- Assisting with navigation of treatment systems and community resources
- Conducting warm handoffs between levels of care
- Following up with clients between counseling sessions
- Facilitating online peer support groups
- Responding to crisis calls and texts
- Documenting encounters in electronic health records
Many remote peer specialist positions focus on specific populations or needs. You might work exclusively with warmline crisis support, helping people in the moment before situations escalate. Others specialize in intake coordination, being the first friendly voice someone hears when seeking treatment. Still others focus on alum support, maintaining long-term connections with program graduates.
Salary Expectations for Remote Counselors and Peer Specialists
One of the most common questions about remote addiction counseling is whether the pay differs from that of traditional in-person positions. The good news is that remote roles generally pay competitively with office-based positions. In many cases, your ability to access jobs across the country can actually increase your earning potential.
National salary data for peer support specialists (May 2024 BLS data for Social and Human Service Assistants, the occupational category used as a proxy for peer recovery specialists):
- National median salary: $45,120 per year (May 2024)
- National mean wage: $47,090 per year (May 2024)
- Entry level (10th percentile): $33,280 per year
- Experienced (90th percentile): $63,850 per year
Note: Actual peer support specialist salaries often range from $40,000 to $50,000 nationwide, with significant variation by state, employer type, experience, and whether the position is full-time or part-time. Some sources report lower averages around $41,000, reflecting the wide range across different regions and settings.
Top-paying states for peer support specialists (May 2024 BLS data):
- California: $51,780 median, $55,020 mean
- Washington: $49,940 median, $53,010 mean
- Massachusetts: $47,280 median, $52,770 mean
- New Jersey: $49,000 median, $52,840 mean
- Oregon: $48,660 median, $50,880 mean
- Minnesota: $48,860 median, $50,630 mean
Fully licensed substance abuse counselors typically earn more than peer support specialists. According to BLS data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (a combined occupational category), the median annual wage was $53,710 as of May 2023. However, counselors with master’s degrees in private practice who can bill insurance directly often earn toward the higher end of the range, from $65,000 to $85,000 or more, depending on location, specialization, and caseload. Independent clinical SUD counselors who can operate private practices can earn even more. The field is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations.
Factors that influence remote counselor salaries:
- Level of education (certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
- Years of experience in the field
- Type and level of licensure or certification
- Specialized training (trauma, adolescents, MAT, etc.)
- Employer type (private practice, nonprofit, telehealth company, government)
- Full-time vs. part-time or contract status
- States where you’re licensed (compensation varies by region)
Many remote positions offer benefits packages competitive with those in in-person roles, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and continuing education allowances. Some telehealth companies also provide performance bonuses based on client outcomes or satisfaction scores.
It’s worth noting that working remotely can increase your take-home pay even if your base salary remains the same. You’ll save money on commuting costs, professional wardrobes, and often lunch expenses. These savings can add up to thousands of dollars annually.
Where to Find Remote Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
With more and more popping up in the market, jobs for remote substance abuse counselors and remote peer support specialists aren’t tough to find. They appear right alongside other addiction counseling jobs in the same search results. The one catch to remote substance abuse counseling, though, is that it still has to be conducted only with patients in states where you’re licensed to practice.
So, although jobs can be found all over the country, you’ll want to focus your search on employers who serve clients in your licensed state or states. Some counselors strategically obtain licensure in multiple states to increase their employment options.
Job Boards and Resources
General job search platforms:
- Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter (filter for “remote” or “work from home”)
- Glassdoor (includes company reviews and salary information)
- FlexJobs (specializes in remote and flexible positions)
- We Work Remotely (dedicated remote job board)
Healthcare-specific job boards:
- Health eCareers
- Behavioral Health Jobs
- Social Work Helper job board
- PsycholToday therapist jobs section
Professional association job boards:
- NAADAC carTodayoday
- American Counseling Association job listings
- State substance abuse counselor association job boards
Major telehealth employers hiring remote counselors:
- BetterHelp and Talkspace (require independent licensure)
- Optum Behavioral Health
- Teladoc Health
- MDLive
- Amwell
- Recovery centers with telehealth divisions
The same agencies, nonprofits, and private behavioral health services that hire most SUD counselors are now hiring remote counselors. You may not even see any difference in the job titles. Many are all but identical to regular addiction therapist job listings. The remote nature is described.
Search Strategies That Work
You’ll find dedicated remote roles with titles such as:
- Remote Outpatient Group Counselor
- Warmline Peer Support Specialist
- Remote Addictions Counselor
- Telehealth SUD Therapist
- Telehealth Addiction Counselor
- Virtual Substance Abuse Counselor
- Online Recovery Coach
Search keywords to use:
- “Remote substance abuse counselor”
- “Telehealth addiction counselor”
- “Virtual SUD counselor”
- “Work from home peer support specialist”
- “Online addiction therapist”
- Your state name + “remote counseling”
Online substance abuse counseling often lends itself to specialization. For example, some roles are dedicated entirely to intake. If you love evaluating and making initial connections and assessments for new clients all the time, that will be right up your alley. Because specialization is often efficient, many remote therapy organizations are going in that direction.
It’s also the case that these positions are used to try to maximize rare skill sets some counselors possess. For example, many bilingual therapists can easily find remote work. The nature of the population might not support such a role in a single clinic, but with remote clients, it’s easy to fill a roster. If you speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or other languages common in immigrant communities, emphasize this in your applications.
Technology and Setup Requirements for Remote Work
Before you can start working as a remote substance abuse counselor, you’ll need to set up a proper home office that meets both professional and regulatory standards. Your employer will provide guidance on their specific requirements, but here are the general considerations.
Essential equipment and technology:
- Computer: Laptop or desktop with webcam, microphone, and speakers (within the last 5 years for reliability)
- High-speed internet: Minimum 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload (test at peak hours)
- Backup internet: Mobile hotspot or backup connection for emergencies
- Headset: Professional quality with noise cancellation for privacy and audio clarity
- Dual monitors: Helpful for viewing client video while accessing records (not always required)
- Printer/scanner: For occasional paperwork or client handouts
- Secure phone line: For crisis calls, if your role includes phone support
HIPAA-compliant platforms commonly used:
- Zoom Healthcare (not regular consumer Zoom)
- Doxy.me (explicitly designed for telehealth)
- SimplePractice Healthcare
- Thera-LINK
- VSee
- Your employer’s proprietary platform
Online tools for substance abuse therapists need to be HIPAA-compliant.
Never use regular consumer video chat apps like FaceTime, Skype, or standard Zoom for client sessions. These don’t meet federal privacy requirements. Your employer should provide access to approved platforms.
Home office setup considerations:
- Private space: A Door that closes and locks to prevent interruptions
- Neutral background: Professional appearance without personal information visible
- Good lighting: Natural or artificial light on your face, not behind you
- Minimal noise: Away from street traffic, household activity, or barking dogs
- Ergonomic setup: Comfortable chair and proper desk height for long sessions
- Professional appearance: Background should be clean and uncluttered
Some employers provide stipends for home office setup or equipment. Don’t hesitate to ask about this during negotiations. Many also partially or fully reimburse internet costs.
Typical one-time home office setup costs may range:
- Computer upgrades (if needed): $500-$1,500
- Quality headset: $50-$200
- Desk and ergonomic chair: $300-$800
- Ring light or improved lighting: $50-$150
- Total estimated investment: $900-$2,650
Many employers provide equipment stipends, full equipment reimbursement, or company-owned equipment for remote counselors. Some also partially or fully reimburse internet costs. Always ask about technology support and reimbursement during salary negotiations. These costs may also be tax-deductible as business expenses if you’re an independent contractor. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.
Professional Responsibilities and Compliance
Remote addiction counseling is a breakthrough, but it has to comply with all the existing rules and regulations for approved therapy practices. So it continues to include requirements for documentation and maintaining professional standards. Working from home doesn’t mean working without oversight.
That means that remote substance abuse counselors, apart from independent clinical SUD counselors, have to perform under appropriate supervision from a senior counselor. This doesn’t work too differently from remote online therapy itself. It’s entirely possible to get all the feedback and mentoring you need through video and chat.
With the rise of fully electronic record-keeping systems, supervisors don’t have to visit your office and paw through a ragged manila file folder anymore to check out your case notes. They can review your documentation, observe sessions (with client consent), and provide real-time feedback all through secure platforms.
Key compliance requirements for remote work:
- State licensure: Must hold an active license in the client’s state of residence
- Informed consent: Clients must understand and agree to telehealth services
- Emergency protocols: Clear procedures for handling crises remotely
- Documentation standards: Same thoroughness required as in-person sessions
- Confidentiality safeguards: Secure networks, encrypted platforms, private workspace
- Supervision requirements: Regular meetings with a clinical supervisor (for pre-licensed counselors)
- Continuing education: Some states require specific telehealth training
Before starting remote work, familiarize yourself with your state board’s telehealth regulations. Some states have specific rules regarding informed consent documents, emergency contact information, and where you can physically be while conducting sessions. Ignorance of these requirements won’t protect you if there’s a complaint.
Professional boundaries in remote work:
Working from home can blur the lines between professional and personal life. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries:
- Set specific work hours and communicate them to clients
- Create a dedicated workspace that you “leave” at the end of the day
- Use separate phone numbers for work and personal calls
- Take regular breaks between sessions to reset
- Don’t overbook yourself just because commute time is eliminated
- Practice self-care and seek supervision when feeling overwhelmed
Remote work can be isolating. Make an effort to stay connected with colleagues through virtual team meetings, professional associations, and peer consultation groups. This connection helps prevent burnout and keeps you engaged with the broader professional community.
Future of Remote Addiction Counseling
The shift to remote substance abuse counseling during COVID-19 wasn’t just a temporary workaround. It revealed possibilities that are reshaping the field as a whole. The future holds even more integration of technology into addiction treatment.
Remote Addiction Therapy in Practice May Bring New and Innovative Tools
Some of the most interesting new roles popping up in remote substance abuse therapy are those that are blending traditional treatment techniques with new technological approaches. Not only do these make use of remote communication technologies, but they may also be integrated with websites and apps that serve as part of the treatment program.
These apps allow counseling to happen even when the counselor isn’t available. Incorporating best practices from standard therapies like contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy, apps use behavioral cues to intervene when patients need them most.
These apps combine education, reflective therapy, and even gamified skill-building exercises to promote healthier behaviors. Even the VA has gotten on board with VetChange, an app that helps military veterans cope with drinking, smoking, and PTSD impacts.
Remote counseling is also making treatment more effective and more convenient for patients on medicated treatment programs, such as those using methadone to block other opioids. Part of the drill for those patients has long been a commute to a clinic, where they must be directly observed by a technician or therapist taking their dose.
Now, some treatment centers are allowing patients to take their prescriptions home and take them at their convenience, so long as they record themselves taking the dose and forward the video to their counselor for confirmation. This maintains accountability while dramatically improving patients’ quality of life during stable recovery.
Emerging Technologies (What May Come Next)
Considering that this is what the state of the art already offers in remote SUD counseling, what does the profession look like on the other side of breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence and wearable devices?
Note: The technologies described below are largely speculative and not yet widely available in clinical practice. They represent potential future developments rather than current treatment options.
Artificial intelligence may take the path that remote app-based interventions have forged and take it to the next level.
AI systems under development could potentially analyze patterns across clinical data to identify risk factors that even experienced therapists might miss. Combining information across many cases might provide predictive insights that could be applied to individual patients. These systems might give real-time insights into a patient’s recovery efforts, potentially alerting therapists to emerging risk patterns.
Combining those theoretical capabilities with biometric data from wearable devices, such as smart watches and internet-connected glucose monitors, could enable physiological monitoring during recovery. Some researchers are exploring whether wearables could detect physiological signs of substance use or craving states.
This has potential safety implications for remote substance abuse counseling. Many of the newest devices can already automatically call 911 if they detect the wearer has fallen or has been in a crash. Future generations might do something similar for overdoses, sending Narcan-equipped responders immediately, even if the overdose happens somewhere out of sight. However, these technologies are still in development and face significant technical, ethical, and privacy challenges.
Important considerations about future technologies:
- Most AI and wearable integration is 5-10 years away from clinical use
- Privacy concerns must be addressed before widespread adoption
- Human clinical judgment will always be essential in addiction treatment
- Technology should enhance, not replace, therapeutic relationships
- Regulatory frameworks are still being developed
Substance abuse counselors who enter the field today will be in the perfect position to take advantage of these technologies as they mature. They’ll also have a very 21st-century position in terms of the flexibility and independence that comes with the job. It’s an exciting space in addiction counseling —one to watch for future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special certification to work as a remote substance abuse counselor?
No special certification beyond your standard state licensure or certification is typically required. However, some states mandate specific telehealth training as part of your continuing education. Check with your state board for requirements. Your employer may also provide training on the telehealth platform.
Can I work remotely with clients in any state?
No. You must hold an active licensure in every state where your clients are physically located during sessions. Some counselors obtain licensure in multiple states to expand their job opportunities. Interstate compacts for professional licensure are being developed, but aren’t yet widespread for addiction counselors.
Do remote substance abuse counselors make less money than in-person counselors?
Generally no. Remote positions typically pay competitively with in-person roles. In fact, remote work can increase your take-home pay by eliminating commuting costs and other work-related expenses. Access to jobs across the country can also give you more negotiating power.
What if a client has a crisis during a remote session?
All remote counselors must have emergency protocols in place. This includes having the client’s physical address and emergency contact information on file, knowing local emergency services in their area, and being trained in crisis de-escalation via telehealth. Your employer should provide clear procedures for handling emergencies.
Can peer support specialists work remotely without a degree?
Yes. Peer support specialists typically don’t require degrees, though they do need certification in most states. This certification requires lived experience with recovery, training (usually 40-80 hours), and passing an exam. Remote peer specialist positions have the exact requirements as in-person roles.
What are the best platforms for remote addiction counseling?
HIPAA-compliant platforms specifically designed for healthcare are required. Popular options include Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy: me, and SimplePractice Telehealthcare-LINKNK. Never use consumer video chat apps like FaceTime or standard Zoom, as these don’t meet federal privacy requirements. Your employer typically provides access to approved platforms.
How do I build rapport with clients when we’re not in the same room?
Building rapport remotely takes practice, but it is definitely achievable. Make intense eye contact by looking into your camera, not the screen. Use active listening skills, verbal affirmations, and reflective statements. Create a warm, professional environment on your end. Many counselors find that after an initial adjustment period, remote rapport-building feels just as natural as in-person rapport-building. Selling jobs full-time or part-time?
Both options exist. Many organizations hire full-time remote counselors with benefits. Others offer part-time, contract, or per-diem positions that provide flexibility. Some counselors combine remote work with in-person practice. The variety of arrangements available is actually one of the benefits of remote work in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Remote substance abuse counselor and peer support specialist jobs provide the exact scope of practice as in-person roles, using HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.
- You must hold an active licensure in every state where your clients are located, and the standard educational and clinical requirements still apply.
- Peer support specialists earn $45,000-$47,000 nationally on average, with top-paying states like California, Washington, and Massachusetts offering $50,000-$55,000
- Remote work offers significant benefit,s including no commute, work-from-home flexibility, access to nationwide jobs, and potential cost savings that increase take-home pay.
- Essential setup includes reliable high-speed internet, HIPAA-compliant video platforms, a private workspace, and professional equipment, with startup costs typically ranging from $9000-$2,650
- Search for positions on healthcare job boards, telehealth company sites, and general platforms using keywords like “remote,” “telehealth,” and “virtual” combined with your credentials.
- Limitations exist for populations without access to technology, those needing hands-on medical care, and specific settings like criminal justice or outreach programs.
- Future innovations include app-based interventions, AI-assisted risk assessment, and wearable device integration, though most are still 5-10 years from widespread clinical use.
Ready to Launch Your Remote Counseling Career?
Explore the education pathways and state-specific requirements you’ll need to qualify for remote substance abuse counselor positions.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (proxy for Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (proxy for Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
