Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress,…
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies,…
Skills and strengths
- Clear communication
- Listening
- Clear speech
- Spotting problems early
Typical work environment
Work environment varies by employer; may combine office, field, client-site and practical settings
Employment type
Public sector; NGO/Development sector
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → Psychology or relevant community/professional training → field placement/volunteering → entry role → Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors → programme specialist/management
Typical training route
Bachelor's degree plus advanced professional, postgraduate or specialist training
Representative KUCCPS pathway
BACHELOR OF ARTS (PSYCHOLOGY) / COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY - representative route
Entry requirements
Degree mean grade C+. Several psychology/counselling programmes show no additional programme-specific minimum subject requirement on KUCCPS beyond the degree entry threshold.
Training duration
Degree: about 4 years; diploma/Level 6: about 2-3 years
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Community Development
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- Kenyatta University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Mount Kenya University
- Alupe University TVET Institute and other institutions for counselling Level 6
Professional regulator
No single statutory professional regulator identified for this general title
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
Medium - relevant across NGOs, counties, education and community programmes; funding and project cycles affect openings.
Future outlook / AI impact
Stable / human-centred — administrative tasks can be automated, but trust, counselling, facilitation, safeguarding and community relationships remain strongly human-dependent.
Possible specialisations
- Addiction Counselor
- Addiction Recovery Specialist
- Addiction Therapist
- Addictions Counselor
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Clinical/counselling practice may require postgraduate training and professional registration beyond a general psychology degree.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if the day-to-day work interests you and you are willing to build the required practical skills; useful strengths include Clear communication, Listening, Clear speech.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 21-1011.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
Is Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors the right fit for you?
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