Mental health and substance abuse social workers
SOC Code: 21-1023Also known as:
Addictions Counselor, Alcoholism Worker, Assessment Specialist, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Case Manager
Median Annual Salary
$60,060
+9.7% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
137K
Current Jobs
What Mental health and substance abuse social workers Do
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
💰 Salary
$60,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.7%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
136,800
Projected Employment (2034)
150,100
Related Careers
Marriage and family therapists
$63,780 •
+12.6% growth
Rehabilitation counselors
$46,110 •
+1.4% growth
Healthcare social workers
$68,090 •
+7.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
- Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
- Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
- Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.
- Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.
- Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.
- Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.
- Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.
- Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Mental health and substance abuse social workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a mental health and substance abuse social workers:
Social Work
57,279 degrees awarded •
781 colleges offer this program
Clinical/Medical Social Work
3,296 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Social Work, Other
622 degrees awarded •
29 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Mental health and substance abuse social workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become mental health and substance abuse social workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make?
The median annual salary for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $60,060.
What education do mental health and substance abuse social workers need?
Most mental health and substance abuse social workers positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Social Work, Clinical/Medical Social Work, Social Work, Other.
Is becoming mental health and substance abuse social workers a good career choice?
Mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to see +9.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 13,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for mental health and substance abuse social workers?
Top colleges for aspiring mental health and substance abuse social workers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Southern California, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York University, Boston University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to mental health and substance abuse social workers?
Mental health and substance abuse social workers may also be known as: Addictions Counselor, Alcoholism Worker, Assessment Specialist, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Case Manager, Behavioral Clinician, Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM), Behavioral Health Case Manager, Behavioral Health Social Worker, Behavioral Health Worker, Behavioral Technician, Case Manager, Case Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Therapist, Clinician, Community Mental Health Social Worker, Community Mental Health Worker, Community Support Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.