SOC 21-1018
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ23/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ440,380
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$59K
$39K โ $98K
Projected Growth
๐+16.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค35/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors face a risk score of 23/100 โ 21 points below the national average of 44. With only 35/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $59K ($13K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of just 23/100, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is well-positioned against AI automation. Core responsibilities like deep empathetic engagement with vulnerable populations and navigating complex family and community dynamics rely heavily on human judgment and interpersonal skills that AI cannot easily replicate. The 440,380 Americans in this role can expect continued demand, though they should still stay informed about AI tools that can enhance their productivity.
Will AI Replace Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Chatbot counseling and mental health screening tools
AI-driven case management and resource matching
Data analytics optimizing community program delivery
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Deep empathetic engagement with vulnerable populations
Navigating complex family and community dynamics
Advocacy and relationship-building with institutions
Crisis intervention requiring immediate human judgment
Cultural sensitivity in diverse community contexts
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Workers, All Other | 22 | $69K | 77% |
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 50% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | 22 | $82K | 67% |