Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers does

Help individuals struggling with mental illness or addiction by providing counseling, case management, and connecting them with treatment resources and support services. They work in hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to improve client wellbeing.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).

Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~6 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Social and Human Service Assistants — $45,930/yr
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers — $59,550/yr
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors — $64,330/yr
• Healthcare Social Workers — $67,880/yr
• Rehabilitation Counselors — $46,850/yr