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  1. Occupations
  2. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

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.

SOC: 21-1023.00

Common Job Titles

  • Case Manager
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Social Worker
  • Therapist

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

125,910

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,620. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,550. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,060. 75th percentile: U.S. $78,980. 90th percentile: U.S. $104,130. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$39,620
10% of workers earn the following or more$104,130
Workers on average earn$68,290

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Therapy and Counseling4.8/5
  • Psychology4.7/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
  • Education and Training3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Client records software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Information presentation software
  • James Frazier Associates DataStart
  • Medical condition coding software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Mental Health Counselors 21-1014.00
  • Healthcare Social Workers 21-1022.00
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 21-1013.00
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors 21-1011.00
  • Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015.00

Moderately Similar

  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 19-3033.00
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021.00
  • Psychiatrists 29-1223.00
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 29-1141.02
  • Clinical Neuropsychologists 19-3039.03

Related

  • Psychiatric Technicians 29-2053.00
  • Psychiatric Aides 31-1133.00
  • Social and Human Service Assistants 21-1093.00
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians 29-1214.00
  • Community Health Workers 21-1094.00
  • Recreational Therapists 29-1125.00
  • Occupational Therapy Aides 31-2012.00
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 31-2011.00
  • Occupational Therapists 29-1122.00
  • Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 21-1012.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateIET.MentalHealthWorker.08Issuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • CertificateSkills for Success--Mental Health WorkerIssuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • Master's DegreeMaster of Social WorkIssuer: Troy University
  • Bachelor's DegreeSocial Work Program (BSW)Issuer: Troy University
  • Bachelor's DegreeSocial Work, BSIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Bachelor's DegreeSocial WorkIssuer: Jacksonville State University
  • Doctoral DegreeSocial Work, PhDIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Master's DegreeSocial Work, MSWIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Bachelor's DegreeSocial WorkIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Bachelor's DegreeSocial WorkIssuer: Auburn University at Montgomery