Chemical dependency therapist vs psychiatric social worker

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and psychiatric social workers 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 psychiatric social worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a psychiatric social worker has an average salary of $59,144, which is higher than the $56,575 average annual salary of a chemical dependency therapist.

The top three skills for a chemical dependency therapist include patients, chemical dependency and treatment services. The most important skills for a psychiatric social worker are social work, patients, and crisis intervention.

Chemical dependency therapist vs psychiatric social worker overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Psychiatric Social Worker
Yearly salary	$56,575	$59,144
Hourly rate	$27.20	$28.43
Growth rate	14%	9%
Number of jobs	34,075	57,284
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Master's Degree, 51%
Average age	39	45
Years of experience	6	2

Chemical dependency therapist vs psychiatric social worker salary

Chemical dependency therapists and psychiatric social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Psychiatric Social Worker
Average salary	$56,575	$59,144
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $43,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	-	San Mateo, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Highmark
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and psychiatric social worker education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Psychiatric Social Worker
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Master's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Psychology	Social Work
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	University of Pennsylvania

Chemical dependency therapist vs psychiatric social worker demographics

Here are the differences between chemical dependency therapists' and psychiatric social workers' demographics:

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Psychiatric Social Worker
Average age	39	45
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2%
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, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	13%

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and psychiatric social worker 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.

Psychiatric social worker example responsibilities.

Screen, identify, diagnose using DSM nomenclature, treat and manage mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Provide clinical supervision and oversight to MSW intern who provide assessments and treatment.
Participate in weekly hospital social services meetings, weekly individual supervision, and facilitate change strategies for patients.
Guide, mentore, and tutor both BSW and MSW students in internship programs.
Assist individual in developing and practicing the skills define on their psychiatric rehabilitation plans.
Follow patients throughout hospitalization, working closely with attending psychiatrist; involve in family, individual and group treatment.

Chemical dependency therapist vs psychiatric social worker skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

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

Common psychiatric social worker skills

Social Work, 23%
Patients, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 7%
Rehabilitation, 5%
Discharge Planning, 5%
Mental Health, 4%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Psychiatric Social Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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