Addictions counselor vs community health counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and community health 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 community health counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $43,304 average annual salary of a community health counselor.

The top three skills for an addictions counselor include patients, social work and chemical dependency. The most important skills for a community health counselor are social work, behavioral health, and patients.

Addictions counselor vs community health counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Community Health Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$43,304
Hourly rate	$22.70	$20.82
Growth rate	12%	9%
Number of jobs	79,459	131,804
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 community health counselor do?

A community health counselor typically provides health and welfare support to the disadvantaged members of a community. Their responsibilities revolve around devising strategies to reach out to community members, coordinating with schools and other institutions, and building positive relationships with the communities that they serve. They may also provide counseling sessions to individuals of all ages, conduct observations and assessments, perform interventions, and identify any signs of abuse or neglect, reporting to the authorities right away. Furthermore, they may refer families or individuals to other social services unit if necessary.

Addictions counselor vs community health counselor salary

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

	Addictions Counselor	Community Health Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$43,304
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $29,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	California
Best paying company	Wellpath	Apple
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Health Care

Differences between addictions counselor and community health counselor education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Community Health Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 community health counselor demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselors' and community health counselors' demographics:

	Addictions Counselor	Community Health Counselor
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 31.4% Female, 68.6%
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 community health 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).

Community health counselor example responsibilities.

Provide group and individual therapy along with social service coordination for patients in short term stabilization psychiatric unit.
Train in medication administration, therapeutic holds and CPR.
Maintain cleanliness of home provide assistance with cleaning rooms and common areas.
Train in MNT, TCI, first aide and CPR with several other essential trainings.
Complete insurance verification information for Medicaid participants.
Maintain caseload paperwork in accordance with Georgia Medicaid requirements.

Addictions counselor vs community health 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 community health counselor skills

Social Work, 19%
Behavioral Health, 17%
Patients, 17%
Crisis Intervention, 7%
Rehabilitation, 4%
Discharge Planning, 3%

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Community and Social Services Industry
Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor vs Community Health Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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