Post job

Chemical dependency therapist vs behavioral specialist

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and behavioral specialists 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 a behavioral specialist. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $42,029 average annual salary of a behavioral specialist.

The top three skills for a chemical dependency therapist include patients, chemical dependency and treatment services. The most important skills for a behavioral specialist are mental health, autism, and applied behavior analysis.

Chemical dependency therapist vs behavioral specialist overview

Chemical Dependency TherapistBehavioral Specialist
Yearly salary$56,575$42,029
Hourly rate$27.20$20.21
Growth rate14%12%
Number of jobs34,07574,968
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3939
Years of experience66

Chemical dependency therapist vs behavioral specialist salary

Chemical dependency therapists and behavioral specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chemical Dependency TherapistBehavioral Specialist
Average salary$56,575$42,029
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $83,000Between $28,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Barbarian
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and behavioral specialist education

There are a few differences between a chemical dependency therapist and a behavioral specialist in terms of educational background:

Chemical Dependency TherapistBehavioral Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Chemical dependency therapist vs behavioral specialist demographics

Here are the differences between chemical dependency therapists' and behavioral specialists' demographics:

Chemical Dependency TherapistBehavioral Specialist
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 28.8% Female, 71.2%Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage12%12%

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and behavioral specialist 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.

Behavioral specialist example responsibilities.

  • Observe patients and strategically prepare and manage clinical analysis of individuals and their progress in conjunction with formulate behavior goals.
  • Implement a CPR training program for 20 staff serving 50 clients with mental illness.
  • Guide student achievement according to district's math content standards, utilizing identify needs information.
  • Assist children with autism or other developmental disabilities with activities and therapeutic socialization to improve social skills and academic performance.
  • Attend ETR meetings and provide input on students.
  • Sanitize toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Show more

Chemical dependency therapist vs behavioral specialist skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills
  • Patients, 31%
  • Chemical Dependency, 19%
  • Treatment Services, 11%
  • OASAS, 7%
  • ASAM, 6%
  • Substance Abuse, 3%
Common behavioral specialist skills
  • Mental Health, 10%
  • Autism, 10%
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Social Work, 6%

Browse community and social services jobs