Addictions counselor vs clinical counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and clinical counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an addictions counselor, becoming a clinical counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a clinical counselor has an average salary of $54,191, which is higher than the $47,226 average annual salary of an addictions counselor.

The top three skills for an addictions counselor include patients, social work and chemical dependency. The most important skills for a clinical counselor are social work, patients, and foster care.

Addictions counselor vs clinical counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$54,191
Hourly rate	$22.70	$26.05
Growth rate	12%	17%
Number of jobs	79,459	146,133
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	39	41
Years of experience	6	4

What does an addictions counselor do?

An Addictions Counselor helps patients overcome personal addiction problems, such as dependence on drugs, alcohol, and other substances. They evaluate the condition of their client through examining, asking questions, and recommending the proper treatment options.

What does a clinical counselor do?

A Clinical Counselor interviews clients to assess their mental health and behavioral problems. They examine issues such as substance abuse, depression, stress, aging and self-image.

Addictions counselor vs clinical counselor salary

Addictions counselors and clinical counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Addictions Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$54,191
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $43,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	Bethesda, MD
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Maryland
Best paying company	Wellpath	Novo Nordisk
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Professional

Differences between addictions counselor and clinical counselor education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Hunter College of the City University of New York	California State University - Long Beach

Addictions counselor vs clinical counselor demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselors' and clinical counselors' demographics:

	Addictions Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 Percentage	12%	15%

Differences between addictions counselor and clinical counselor duties and responsibilities

Addictions counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Develop treatment plans and recommend a level of care within ASAM and DSM-IV guidelines, and approve requirements.
Restore patients to productive roles by educating them about available community base organizations, and social and employment services.
Perform initial evaluations and intakes, make eligibility determinations, conduct rehabilitation planning and problem solving, and counseling.
Provide drug, alcohol, and rehabilitation counseling and education in a residential therapeutic community for female drug offenders.
Serve as an advocate for family with private/public school-relate agencies (IEP meetings/education plans).

Clinical counselor example responsibilities.

Manage a caseload of individuals in programs design to provide vocational rehabilitation and other services to the developmentally disable.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Perform client intake assessments and conduct monthly assessments to identify progress of patients and determine individuals ready to graduate from program.
Review charts to ensure that they are in compliance with OASAS standards.
Initial assessment, diagnosis, ASAM criteria, treatment planning , 3rd party contact, group and individual therapy.
Maintain appropriate documentation per NYS OASAS regulations and APG guidelines

Addictions counselor vs clinical counselor skills

Common addictions counselor skills

Patients, 18%
Social Work, 12%
Chemical Dependency, 6%
Crisis Intervention, 6%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 5%
Intake Assessments, 4%

Common clinical counselor skills

Social Work, 36%
Patients, 8%
Foster Care, 7%
Independent Living, 6%
Child Abuse, 4%
Clinical Services, 3%

Addictions Counselor vs. similar jobs

Addictions Counselor related careers

Addictions Counselor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Community and Social Services Industry
Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor vs Clinical Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs