Exploring career paths
Find a rewarding path – regardless of your work experience or education.
Be the change in your community.
A career in Behavioral Health can give you:
A way to follow your passion for helping others - make a difference every day.
Multiple career paths and a variety of entry points.
A career that offers growth and new educational pathways.
Community - help your neighbors thrive and work alongside dedicated professionals.
Explore career paths.
Be the change in your community. Washington needs people in the following key roles in mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services. Select a role to learn more about the work you’ll do and how you can start today.
Substance Use Disorder Prevention Specialist
Build healthy communities and schools by promoting mental health and preventing substance use disorders.
Substance Use Disorder Professional
Provide addiction and substance use disorder treatment helping patients on the path to recovery.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Partner with those in recovery to share your experiences and provide support.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Support those in need of mental health treatment and counseling.
| Career path | Average salary | Higher education | Training time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Peer Support Specialist | $45,000 * | None required | 40 hours |
| SUD Prevention Specialist | $67,000 † | None required | 2,080 hours |
| SUD Professional | $55,000 †† | 2 years | 2,500 hours |
| Licensed Mental Health Counselor | $85,000 ** | 6+ years | 36 months |
Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Average salary: $44,500
- Higher education: None required
- Training: 40 hours
SUD Prevention Specialist
- Average salary: $67,140
- Higher education: None required
- Training: 2,080 hours
SUD Professional
- Average salary: $55,162
- Higher education: 2 years
- Training: 2,500 hours
Licensed Mental
Health Counselor
- Average salary: $84,302
- Higher education: 6+ years
- Training: 36 months
“I get to change lives every single day.”