Masters of Science in Addiction Counseling- questions. (Associates degree, master's, careers)

[breakingbad]

I am just beginning my Master of Science in Addiction Counseling and was wondering if anyone had input about what I can expect upon graduation and licensure? Salary? Is it a good career? Residential treatment facilities vs. hospitals vs. private counseling etc. Which allows for greater income potential?
Naturally I am not in it to get rich but, I do want to make the most money I can from the get go.
I live in AZ and some day would like to move to MA when my five year old boy grows up and gets accepted to Harvard University

[L210]

Do you want to become an LPC/LMHC or just a licensed chemical dependency counselor? Substance abuse counselors aren't paid much because licensure only requires an associates degree in most states.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

[breakingbad]

LISAC (Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor)...it would be MS degree. I did some research and found that they start at about $40k in AZ. I was wondering if someone had some insight into what path in employment to take...hospitals, residential, outpatient etc. I have a BSBM and my choice was to go back and get Associate's of Applied Science degree, or go forward and get the Master's degree and I opted for the more advanced degree - no brainer - but failed to get the salary information from my contact at the AZ Board of Behavioral Health Examiners because it is what I really want to do with the rest of my life and wasn't the most important question I had for him.... it has a little more significance now though!

[Amaro]

Mental health careers are very low paying, if your doing it for the money your in the wrong field.

[Archguy]

I know mental-health practitioners who make $500K per year.
They are M.D. psychiatrists though

[brightdoglover]

Every credential depends on the state where the credential is held and what the insurance (third-party payor) situation is.