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Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
 
Description

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors - Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

O*NET code 21-1011.00

 
Wages

The national average annual salary for this occupation is $40,810 per year. Nationally, the average hourly wage for this occupation is $19.62. The average wage in New Mexico is slightly above the national average. In New Mexico, the average hourly wage is $20.36 and most workers in this occupation earn between $13.88 and $23.60 per hour.

In the table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas.

New Mexico Local Wages for Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
AreaEntry WageAverage WageExperienced Wage
National Annual$40,810
National Hourly$19.62
Statewide Annual$28,871$42,347$49,085
Statewide Hourly$13.88$20.36$23.60
+ Metro Areas
Albuquerque Annual$36,694$49,280$55,572
Hourly $17.64$23.69$26.72
Farmington Annual$34,290$40,117$43,030
Hourly $16.49$19.29$20.69
Las Cruces Annual---
Hourly ---
Santa Fe Annual$37,876$44,245$47,430
Hourly $18.21$21.27$22.80
+ Regions
Central Annual$36,694$49,280$55,572
Hourly $17.64$23.69$26.72
Eastern Annual$20,649$29,350$33,700
Hourly $9.93$14.11$16.20
Northern Annual$32,046$41,001$45,479
Hourly $15.41$19.71$21.86
Southwestern Annual$29,957$37,618$41,448
Hourly $14.40$18.09$19.93

A dash '-' indicates that information is not available for this occupation or area.
Metro Areas refer to Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
Regions refer to Workforce Investment Areas.
For more detailed information about New Mexico wages visit the Occupational Employment Statistics program website. Information displayed represents annual 2010 wages.

 
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Job Growth

New Mexico

2008 to 2018

In 2008 there were about 480 workers in this occupation in New Mexico. The Department of Workforce Solutions estimates that by 2018 this number will increase by about 28 percent and an estmated 610 will be employed in this occupation. Compared to other occupations, employment growth in this occupation is growing about average. Job opportunities indicate few and keen competition, as there should be about 14 openings each year for workers in this occupation.

In the Table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas

New Mexico Local Needs for Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
AreaEstimated
Employment
2008
Projected
Employment
2018
Annual
Percent
Change
Total
Annual
Average
Openings
New Mexico4806102.52%14
+ Metro Areas
Albuquerque2703402.35%7
Farmington60701.60%1
Las Cruces----
Santa Fe70902.92%2
+ Regions
Central2703402.35%7
Eastern40502.79%1
Northern1401902.63%4
Southwestern20202.48%1

A dash '-' indicates that information is not available for this occupation or area.
Metro Areas refer to Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
Regions refer to Workforce Investment Areas.

 
Education

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors usually need Master's Degree.

Education LevelPercentage
Master's Degree38%
Bachelor's Degree26%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)15%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession5%
Some College Courses4%
Doctoral Degree3%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.2%
High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)1%

Information based on O*NET data and is the result of a national survey.

Use this list to find educational opportunities for this occupation. Contact the specific schools directly to find out application requirements and program availability.

In the table click on the "+" sign to expand/collapse areas.

New Mexico Schools with programs for Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
+ Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell
Website:http://www.roswell.enmu.edu/
TypeStandardized Program Title
Postsec. Awards/Cert./Diplomas; < 1 yr.Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
+ New Mexico Highlands University
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Espanola
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/espanola/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Farmington
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/farmington/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Raton
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/raton/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Rio Rancho
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/riorancho/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Roswell
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/roswell/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ New Mexico Highlands University -Santa Fe
Website:http://www.nmhu.edu/statewidecenters/santafe/index.aspx
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
Master's DegreeClinical/Medical Social Work
+ Santa Fe Community College
Website:http://www.sfcc.edu/
TypeStandardized Program Title
Postsec. Awards/Cert./Diplomas; 1-2 yrs.Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
+ UNM School of Continuing Education
Website:http://dce.unm.edu/
TypeStandardized Program Title
Postsec. Awards/Cert./Diplomas; < 1 yr.Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
+ Western New Mexico University
Website:http://www.wnmu.edu/
TypeStandardized Program Title
Bachelor's DegreeSubstance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

This list is updated once a year and is compiled from the NM Department of Higher Education and other sources.

 
License
License TitleContactYearNumber issued
Alcohol Abuse CounselorNM Counseling & Therapy Practice Board
2550 Cerrillos Road,
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 547-4610
www.rld.state.nm.us/Counseling/index.html
2010
Alcohol and Drug CounselorNM Counseling & Therapy Practice Board
2550 Cerrillos Road,
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 547-4610
www.rld.state.nm.us/Counseling/index.html
2010
Substance Abuse AssociateNM Counseling & Therapy Practice Board
2550 Cerrillos Road,
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 547-4610
www.rld.state.nm.us/Counseling/index.html
2010

Other available certificates or credentials may also be desirable. Additional local licenses or permits may be required, and individual businesses may have specific employment requirements. Licensing information is collected through a variety of New Mexico-based resources and does NOT include federal licensing requirements.

 
WorkKeys Skill Levels

No WorkKeys scores are available for this particular occupation.

For further information on WorkKeys please visit the ACT-WorkKeys website. Skill levels are provided for individuals who know thier scores.

 
Industires that Hire Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors in New Mexico.
IndustryPercent of Employed
Administrative and Support Services2.9%
Ambulatory Health Care Services16.3%
Educational Services*
Hospitals3.6%
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities*
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities18.3%
Self-Employed Workers, Primary Job4.3%
Social Assistance*

* Data is confidential.

Source: NMDWS, Economic Research and Analysis Bureau

 
Common Titles
  • Addiction Counselor
  • Addiction Specialist
  • Addiction Therapist
  • Addictions Counselor
  • Adolescent Substance Abuse Program Coordinator
  • Alcohol and Drug Counselor
  • Alcoholic Counselor
  • Assessment Specialist
  • Behavior Therapist
  • Behavioral Analyst
  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor
  • Certified Addictions Counselor
  • Certified Alcohol Counselor
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
  • Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
  • Certified Drug Counselor
  • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Chemical Dependancy Counselor
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
  • Chemical Dependency Professional
  • Clinical Counselor
  • Clinical Director
  • Clinical Manager
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Clinician
  • Counselor
  • Direct Care Counselor
  • Domestic Violence Advocate
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Drug Abuse Counselor
  • Drug Aftercare Counselor
  • Drug Counselor
  • Employee Assistance Program Counselor (EAP Counselor)
  • Group Counselor
  • Group Home Counselor
  • Human Relations Counselor, Drug or Alcohol Abuse
  • Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Social Worker
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Outreach Worker
  • Prevention Specialist
  • Primary Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Psychiatric Social Worker
  • Quitline Counselor
  • Residential Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Student Assistance Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)
  • Substance Abuse Specialist
  • Technician, Drug Abuse
  • Therapist
  • Treatment Coordinator
  • Treatment Counselor
  • Youth Counselor

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