Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor – LCAS Required

Gastonia, NC – Freedom Detox | Pyramid Healthcare
$60,000 - $65,000/year | Based on Licensure & Experience
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Daytime Hours
Comprehensive Benefits Package

Make an Impact in Recovery-Focused Clinical Care

Freedom Detox is seeking a skilled and compassionate Licensed Counselor to join our clinical team in Gastonia, NC. This position is an excellent opportunity for a behavioral health professional with strong substance use treatment experience who is passionate about providing high-quality clinical care in a detox and recovery-focused setting.

LCAS is required, along with LCSW(A) or LCMHC(A), or higher-level licensure.

The ideal candidate is confident providing individual and group counseling, managing crisis situations, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team. Strong knowledge of ASAM Criteria, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and clinical documentation is highly valued.

What You'll Do

• Provide individual, family, and group counseling to clients receiving detox and substance use treatment

• Complete comprehensive clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment goals

• Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups

• Utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based clinical approaches

• Provide trauma-informed care throughout the treatment process

• Utilize effective de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques

• Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality clinical documentation

• Participate in treatment team meetings and collaborate with medical and clinical staff

• Assist with discharge planning and coordinate appropriate aftercare services

• Support utilization review and insurance authorization activities

• Assist with clinical programming and implementation of best practices

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for clients

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Chemical Dependency, or a related field

• Active North Carolina LCAS or LCAS-A required

• Active North Carolina LCSW-A/LCSW or LCMHC-A/LCMHC required

• Experience providing substance use treatment, behavioral health, or mental health services

Clinical Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding and application of CBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Experience providing trauma-informed care

• Strong group facilitation skills

• Excellent clinical documentation skills

• Strong de-escalation and crisis intervention abilities

• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective during challenging situations

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team

Why Join Freedom Detox?

• Up to $65,000 annual salary based on licensure and experience

• Consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Professional growth and advancement opportunities

• Collaborative clinical environment

• Meaningful work supporting individuals through detox and recovery

• Supportive leadership and mission-driven team

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an LCAS + LCSW(A) or LCMHC(A) who is passionate about substance use treatment and brings strong skills in CBT, MI, trauma-informed care, group facilitation, de-escalation, and clinical documentation, apply today to join the Freedom Detox team in Gastonia, NC.