Chemical dependency therapist vs alcohol and drug counselor

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and alcohol and drug 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 alcohol and drug counselor. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $45,758 average annual salary of an alcohol and drug counselor.

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

Chemical dependency therapist vs alcohol and drug counselor overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Yearly salary	$56,575	$45,758
Hourly rate	$27.20	$22.00
Growth rate	14%	-
Number of jobs	34,075	77,461
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 alcohol and drug counselor salary

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Average salary	$56,575	$45,758
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $30,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Montage Health
Best paying industry	-	Professional

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and alcohol and drug counselor education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Alcohol And Drug 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	California State University - Long Beach

Chemical dependency therapist vs alcohol and drug counselor demographics

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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 alcohol and drug 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.

Alcohol and drug counselor example responsibilities.

Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharge from treatment programs.
Practice cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy.
front office, counseling and aftercare.
Administer UA test onsite and send out.
Improve IOP successful completion rate while facilitating seven groups per week.
Collect and organize statistical data as required by DASA, and NEWTA.

Chemical dependency therapist vs alcohol and drug counselor skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

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

Common alcohol and drug counselor skills

Patients, 15%
Social Work, 11%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 6%
Treatment Services, 6%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist
Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Alcohol And Drug Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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