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Addictions counselor assistant vs group counselor

The differences between addictions counselor assistants and group counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an addictions counselor assistant, becoming a group counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an addictions counselor assistant has an average salary of $46,799, which is higher than the $40,155 average annual salary of a group counselor.

The top three skills for an addictions counselor assistant include patients, social work and substance abuse. The most important skills for a group counselor are mental health, patients, and crisis intervention.

Addictions counselor assistant vs group counselor overview

Addictions Counselor AssistantGroup Counselor
Yearly salary$46,799$40,155
Hourly rate$22.50$19.31
Growth rate12%9%
Number of jobs86,50684,413
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4341
Years of experience124

What does an addictions counselor assistant do?

An addictions counselor assistant works with a head counselor to provide support to patients suffering from addiction. They deal with the clerical and administrative side of running a counseling firm. This includes managing data, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, monitoring adherence to government regulations, and assisting with patients' treatment.

What does a group counselor do?

A group counselor provides counseling services primarily in a group setting, aiming to provide clients with a supportive and healthy environment where they can work on different issues and reach personal goals. They typically conduct research and assessments, establish program objectives and guidelines, arrange various activities, and facilitate positive interactions to support one another. Additionally, a group counselor has the duty to implement policies and standards, create treatment plans, and optimize strategies to ensure clients receive optimal support and services.

Addictions counselor assistant vs group counselor salary

Addictions counselor assistants and group counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Addictions Counselor AssistantGroup Counselor
Average salary$46,799$40,155
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $14,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CityBellevue, WA-
Highest paying stateMaryland-
Best paying companyChino Valley Unified School District-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between addictions counselor assistant and group counselor education

There are a few differences between an addictions counselor assistant and a group counselor in terms of educational background:

Addictions Counselor AssistantGroup Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Addictions counselor assistant vs group counselor demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselor assistants' and group counselors' demographics:

Addictions Counselor AssistantGroup Counselor
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 31.6% Female, 68.4%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%15%

Differences between addictions counselor assistant and group counselor duties and responsibilities

Addictions counselor assistant example responsibilities.

  • Certify in CPR and CPI.
  • Med certiffy, CPR certify.
  • Work on PowerPoint presentations, and coordinate the presentations with board activity.
  • Maintain strict confidentially of client information in accordance with HIPPA and PII policy.
  • Maintain data entry of office and patient records, while maintaining HIPPA compliance and patient confidentiality.
  • Conduct in-person assessments to employees formally refer to the employee assistance program (EAP) and formulate treatment goals and plans.
  • Show more

Group counselor example responsibilities.

  • Administer first aid and CPR when need.
  • Develop leadership skills while training younger counselors.
  • Execute leadership skills by planning and facilitating activities.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Provide behavior modification and social skills training to children and adolescents with ADHD and other behavioral and emotional disorders.

Addictions counselor assistant vs group counselor skills

Common addictions counselor assistant skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Substance Abuse, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Chemical Dependency, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
Common group counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 23%
  • Patients, 21%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Group Therapy Sessions, 5%

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