Chemical dependency therapist vs primary counselor

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and primary 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 a primary counselor. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $44,580 average annual salary of a primary counselor.

The top three skills for a chemical dependency therapist include patients, chemical dependency and treatment services. The most important skills for a primary counselor are group therapy sessions, mental health, and crisis intervention.

Chemical dependency therapist vs primary counselor overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Primary Counselor
Yearly salary	$56,575	$44,580
Hourly rate	$27.20	$21.43
Growth rate	14%	9%
Number of jobs	34,075	65,753
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

Chemical dependency therapist vs primary counselor salary

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Primary Counselor
Average salary	$56,575	$44,580
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and primary counselor education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Primary Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
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 primary counselor demographics

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Primary Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
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 primary 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.

Primary counselor example responsibilities.

Coordinate individual client treatment plans to achieve individual and department rehabilitation goals.
Conduct intake screenings and assessment for treatment entry and appropriateness per ASAM criteria.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans base on patient needs and ASAM criteria.
Maintain accurate and complete chart documentation regarding patient attitude and progress in the rehabilitation process following program protocols.
Facilitate group activities, arrange for outside recovery-orient NA/AA meetings, and provide a safe environment for recovering patients.
Facilitate substance abuse group counseling sessions to assist patients in recognizing causal factors of substance abuse and in developing coping behaviors.

Chemical dependency therapist vs primary counselor skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

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

Common primary counselor skills

Group Therapy Sessions, 10%
Mental Health, 10%
Crisis Intervention, 10%
Patients, 8%
Intake Assessments, 8%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 8%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist
Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Primary Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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