Addictions counselor vs mental health counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and mental 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 mental health counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mental health counselor has an average salary of $49,471, 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 mental health counselor are social work, patients, and crisis intervention.

Addictions counselor vs mental health counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$49,471
Hourly rate	$22.70	$23.78
Growth rate	12%	9%
Number of jobs	79,459	110,752
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
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 mental health counselor do?

A mental health counselor is responsible for helping patients deal with their emotional and mental disorders by developing treatment plans and conducting regular counseling to track the patient's progress and condition. Mental health counselors encourage active communication from their patients, provide coping strategies for triggering situations, seek advice from other health care professionals, and guide patients on doing other activities that would help them relax. A mental health counselor must have excellent knowledge of the mental health disciplines to assist patients in their healthy lifestyle development.

Addictions counselor vs mental health counselor salary

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

	Addictions Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$49,471
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $34,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	Longview, WA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Washington
Best paying company	Wellpath	Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Health Care

Differences between addictions counselor and mental health counselor education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
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 mental health counselor demographics

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

	Addictions Counselor	Mental 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 mental 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).

Mental health counselor example responsibilities.

Provide clinical consultation to consumers and clients regarding manage care services and other benefits available to them through their EAP programs.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Certify in CPI (crisis intervention technique).
Assist with crisis intervention, (CPI) maintains treatment activities.
Provide mental health assessment and evaluation of detainees refer by facility staff or identify by pre-screening (booking or nursing).
Assess for special needs during booking process.

Addictions counselor vs mental 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 mental health counselor skills

Social Work, 17%
Patients, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 9%
Patient Care, 6%
Mental Health Issues, 5%
Rehabilitation, 4%

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 Mental Health Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs