Addictions counselor vs primary therapist

The differences between addictions counselors and primary therapists 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 primary therapist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a primary therapist has an average salary of $59,826, 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 primary therapist are patients, social work, and group therapy sessions.

Addictions counselor vs primary therapist overview

	Addictions Counselor	Primary Therapist
Yearly salary	$47,226	$59,826
Hourly rate	$22.70	$28.76
Growth rate	12%	9%
Number of jobs	79,459	85,127
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Master's Degree, 49%
Average age	39	45
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 primary therapist do?

Primary therapists are the main point of contact for patients concerning wellness and overall mental health. Those who choose this career path will be expected to supervise and manage efficient treatment according to plan, and to manage between six and eight patients at a time, keeping in constant communication with these patients and various specialists.

Addictions counselor vs primary therapist salary

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

	Addictions Counselor	Primary Therapist
Average salary	$47,226	$59,826
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $43,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	Thousand Oaks, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	California
Best paying company	Wellpath	Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Finance

Differences between addictions counselor and primary therapist education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Primary Therapist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Master's Degree, 49%
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 primary therapist demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselors' and primary therapists' demographics:

	Addictions Counselor	Primary Therapist
Average age	39	45
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 27.1% Female, 72.9%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	15%

Differences between addictions counselor and primary therapist 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).

Primary therapist example responsibilities.

Case managing, intakes, group and individual session, treatment plans, OASAS standards
Provide clinical therapy for severely emotionally disturb adolescents and their families to aid in the rehabilitation process.
Perform crisis intervention, including management of difficult or resistant patients, utilizing clinically appropriate accept techniques and methods.
Assist in development of extend hour IOP and PHP program.
experience, IOP, individual sessions, assessments, case management.
Assist in developing and assessing progress on individual rehabilitation plans.

Addictions counselor vs primary therapist skills

Common addictions counselor skills

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

Common primary therapist skills

Patients, 17%
Social Work, 14%
Group Therapy Sessions, 8%
Eating Disorders, 7%
Patient Care, 5%
Crisis Intervention, 5%

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Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor vs Primary Therapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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