Behavioral analyst vs substance abuse counselor

The differences between behavioral analysts and substance abuse counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a behavioral analyst and a substance abuse counselor. Additionally, a behavioral analyst has an average salary of $69,468, which is higher than the $43,069 average annual salary of a substance abuse counselor.

The top three skills for a behavioral analyst include autism, BCBA and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a substance abuse counselor are patients, substance abuse treatment, and social work.

Behavioral analyst vs substance abuse counselor overview

	Behavioral Analyst	Substance Abuse Counselor
Yearly salary	$69,468	$43,069
Hourly rate	$33.40	$20.71
Growth rate	12%	-
Number of jobs	66,538	78,643
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

What does a behavioral analyst do?

Behavioral Analyst supports and implements a plan to help patients overcome social and mental disabilities. They are involved in assessing patients' behavior in school, homes, or communities, implementing behavioral plans, updating therapy notes to track progress, and communicating with staff, families, and teachers in relaying the client's needs. A behavioral analyst must have good knowledge in applied behavior analysis, proficient report writing, and have comprehension in creating individualized education programs to help improve client behavior.

What does a substance abuse counselor do?

Substance abuse counselors act as a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems and other behavioral issues. They help the patients control their behavior until they achieve a full recovery. The mental health counselors aid patients to overcome their chemical dependencies and become self-sufficient individuals. Part of their duty includes meeting clients to evaluate their health and substance issues while creating goals and treatment plans. They teach clients coping mechanisms, refer them to support groups, and engage them in group therapy sessions. Once the patient is stable, they help them re-establish their careers and give updates and reports of progress to the courts. Requirements for the job include a master's degree in counseling and social work.

Behavioral analyst vs substance abuse counselor salary

Behavioral analysts and substance abuse counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Behavioral Analyst	Substance Abuse Counselor
Average salary	$69,468	$43,069
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $112,000	Between $27,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Trenton, NJ
Highest paying state	Alaska	New Hampshire
Best paying company	Therapy Source	Erlanger Health System
Best paying industry	Health Care	Non Profits

Differences between behavioral analyst and substance abuse counselor education

There are a few differences between a behavioral analyst and a substance abuse counselor in terms of educational background:

	Behavioral Analyst	Substance Abuse Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Northwestern University	California State University - Long Beach

Behavioral analyst vs substance abuse counselor demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral analysts' and substance abuse counselors' demographics:

	Behavioral Analyst	Substance Abuse Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%	Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between behavioral analyst and substance abuse counselor duties and responsibilities

Behavioral analyst example responsibilities.

Observe patients and strategically prepare and manage clinical analysis of individuals and their progress in conjunction with formulate behavior goals.
Collaborate with treatment team including client, parents and caregivers, outside professionals, ABA's, and co-workers.
Assist high functioning autism children develop academic and social skills need to be successful by: helping with homework and playing games
Prepare young children with autism to succeed in mainstream educational environments.
Facilitate positive consumer and personal relationships base on positive consumer and personal relationships base on courtesy, compassion, and respect.
Provide model activities and conduct treatment interventions establish by the IIC define in individual treatment plans.

Substance abuse counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Perform assessment of patients using ASAM criteria and recommendation for appropriate level of programming.
Process detox patient admissions on computer system which include - conducting alcohol and drug assessment, taking psycho/social history.
Provide clinical services, patient care, education and opiate addiction counseling services to patients receiving methadone maintenance and detoxification treatment.
Certify for first aid and CPR.

Behavioral analyst vs substance abuse counselor skills

Common behavioral analyst skills

Autism, 24%
BCBA, 16%
Applied Behavior Analysis, 14%
Developmental Disabilities, 7%
Behavioral Therapy, 6%
ABA, 6%

Common substance abuse counselor skills

Patients, 16%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 11%
Social Work, 8%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Intake Assessments, 5%
Rehabilitation, 4%

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Behavioral Analyst vs Substance Abuse Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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