Addictions counselor vs rehabilitation counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation counselor takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $43,111 average annual salary of a rehabilitation counselor.

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

Addictions counselor vs rehabilitation counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Rehabilitation Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$43,111
Hourly rate	$22.70	$20.73
Growth rate	12%	11%
Number of jobs	79,459	77,220
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	39	45
Years of experience	6	12

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 rehabilitation counselor do?

Rehabilitation counselors are professional counselors who are responsible for helping individuals cope with their disabilities to live independently. These counselors are required to consult other professionals, family members, and individuals when developing a treatment plan based on the goals, strengths, limitations, and personal values of their clients. They must make connections with community support so that individuals with disabilities can avail of the types of services that are available. Rehabilitation counselors must also find employers and educate them in understanding the needs and abilities of disabled people.

Addictions counselor vs rehabilitation counselor salary

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

	Addictions Counselor	Rehabilitation Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$43,111
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $31,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	Cleveland, OH
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Ohio
Best paying company	Wellpath	North Shore Healthcare
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Government

Differences between addictions counselor and rehabilitation counselor education

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

	Addictions Counselor	Rehabilitation 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 Washington

Addictions counselor vs rehabilitation counselor demographics

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

	Addictions Counselor	Rehabilitation Counselor
Average age	39	45
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%
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, 13.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 2.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%
LGBT Percentage	12%	21%

Differences between addictions counselor and rehabilitation 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).

Rehabilitation counselor example responsibilities.

Collaborate with institutions of higher learning and local organizations to help assign veterans achieve independent living and academic success.
Develop and manage multidisciplinary rehabilitation center.
Organize and implement individualized rehabilitation programs.
Supervise CRC and LMHC students for practicum and internships at site.
Provide individualized counseling to psychiatric patients, resulting in their social development.
Interview, evaluate interests/aptitudes and transferable skills in order to optimize occupational exploration and customize formal training programs.

Addictions counselor vs rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation counselor skills

Rehabilitation, 23%
Social Work, 12%
Mental Health, 12%
Patients, 6%
Management System, 4%
Vocational Rehabilitation, 4%

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Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor vs Rehabilitation Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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