Addictions counselor vs lead counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and lead counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead counselor has an average salary of $178,478, 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 lead counselor are legal advice, litigation, and work ethic.

Addictions counselor vs lead counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Lead Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$178,478
Hourly rate	$22.70	$85.81
Growth rate	12%	10%
Number of jobs	79,459	74,247
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	39	42
Years of experience	6	-

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 lead counselor do?

A Lead Counselor is responsible for the management of patients' mental health and rehabilitation services. Often, they help them to recover from a tragic or traumatic kind of situation. They also help the patient cope with family and job-related stress and other personal issues. They teach other staff and especially clients to educate them in dealing with stress management and eventually monitor their progress. This person should also have strong written and verbal communication skills.

Addictions counselor vs lead counselor salary

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

	Addictions Counselor	Lead Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$178,478
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $100,000 And $315,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	New Jersey
Best paying company	Wellpath	MDI
Best paying industry	Non Profits	-

Differences between addictions counselor and lead counselor education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Lead Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Hunter College of the City University of New York	University of Pennsylvania

Addictions counselor vs lead counselor demographics

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

	Addictions Counselor	Lead Counselor
Average age	39	42
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	11%

Differences between addictions counselor and lead 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).

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Lead counselor example responsibilities.

Monitor children at the pool, CPR certify.
assist with reading writing mathematics social skills and everyday living skills.
Maintain safety and ensure well being of children daily by implementing discipline procedures and using CPR training when necessary.
Dispense medication and coordinate supervision of patients abusing behavior altering drugs.
Implement a research-base treatment program for children with ADHD and other behavioraldeficiencies.
Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.

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Addictions counselor vs lead 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 lead counselor skills

Legal Advice, 16%
Litigation, 14%
Work Ethic, 8%
Substance Abuse, 8%
Crisis Intervention, 7%
Group Therapy, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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