Incentive-Related Human Resource Practices for Substance Use Disorder Counselors: Salaries, Benefits, and Training

Understanding factors associated with incentive-related human resource practices for substance use disorder counselors can help promote a stable workforce in this occupation. We examined three counselor incentives-salaries, benefits, training-and the link with organizational, counselor, and patient characteristics. Data were collected in 2007/08 via face-to-face interviews with 345 administrators/clinical directors in private treatment centers. Centers paid counselors an average of $38,800 annually and provided a mean of 2.83 benefits and 1.61 training (0-4 scales). Characteristics differed based on the incentive. Centers' managements need to be aware of different incentives that can help attract and retain counselors.