Chemical dependency therapist vs family therapist

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and family therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a chemical dependency therapist, becoming a family therapist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $50,774 average annual salary of a family therapist.

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

Chemical dependency therapist vs family therapist overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Family Therapist
Yearly salary	$56,575	$50,774
Hourly rate	$27.20	$24.41
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	34,075	106,982
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	39	41
Years of experience	6	4

Chemical dependency therapist vs family therapist salary

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Family Therapist
Average salary	$56,575	$50,774
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	Dignity Health
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and family therapist education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Family Therapist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	California State University - Long Beach

Chemical dependency therapist vs family therapist demographics

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Family Therapist
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 25.8% Female, 74.2%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	6%

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and family therapist 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.

Family therapist example responsibilities.

Complete documentation to medicaid standards.
Create maximum billable Medicaid hours and submitting necessary paperwork for Medicaid billing.
Apply behavioral analysis instruction for a student with autism concentrating on communication, socialization, self-help skills and community skills.
Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.

Chemical dependency therapist vs family therapist skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

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

Common family therapist skills

Social Work, 27%
Patients, 6%
Rehabilitation, 4%
Community Resources, 4%
Mental Health Issues, 4%
Group Therapy, 3%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist
Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Family Therapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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