Chemical dependency therapist vs addictions counselor

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and addictions 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 chemical dependency therapist and an addictions counselor. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $47,226 average annual salary of an addictions counselor.

The top three skills for a chemical dependency therapist include patients, chemical dependency and treatment services. The most important skills for an addictions counselor are patients, social work, and chemical dependency.

Chemical dependency therapist vs addictions counselor overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Addictions Counselor
Yearly salary	$56,575	$47,226
Hourly rate	$27.20	$22.70
Growth rate	14%	12%
Number of jobs	34,075	79,459
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

Chemical dependency therapist vs addictions counselor salary

Chemical dependency therapists and addictions counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Addictions Counselor
Average salary	$56,575	$47,226
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $32,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Wellpath
Best paying industry	-	Non Profits

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and addictions counselor education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Addictions Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Hunter College of the City University of New York

Chemical dependency therapist vs addictions counselor demographics

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Addictions Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%
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, 11.4% 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 chemical dependency therapist and addictions counselor duties and responsibilities

Chemical dependency therapist example responsibilities.

Utilize ASAM's criteria to determine the appropriate therapeutic level of care for patients/clients.
Direct weekly psycho-educational group for parents of patients.
Coordinate intake process for new patients including preliminary individual treatment plans.
Develop and increase knowledge of federal, state and agency regulations regarding confidentiality methadone treatment and substance abuse counseling certification.
Conduct psychological test batteries and write integrative reports for IEP meetings.
Administer state require DWI protocols including breathalyzer tests and obtaining specimens.

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).

Chemical dependency therapist vs addictions counselor skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

Patients, 31%
Chemical Dependency, 19%
Treatment Services, 11%
OASAS, 7%
ASAM, 6%
Substance Abuse, 3%

Common addictions counselor skills

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

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Chemical Dependency Therapist
Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Addictions Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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