Chemical dependency therapist vs substance abuse counselor

The differences between chemical dependency therapists and substance abuse 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 substance abuse counselor. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $43,069 average annual salary of a substance abuse counselor.

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

Chemical dependency therapist vs substance abuse counselor overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Substance Abuse Counselor
Yearly salary	$56,575	$43,069
Hourly rate	$27.20	$20.71
Growth rate	14%	-
Number of jobs	34,075	78,643
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

Chemical dependency therapist vs substance abuse counselor salary

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Substance Abuse Counselor
Average salary	$56,575	$43,069
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $27,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Trenton, NJ
Highest paying state	-	New Hampshire
Best paying company	-	Erlanger Health System
Best paying industry	-	Non Profits

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and substance abuse counselor education

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Substance Abuse Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	California State University - Long Beach

Chemical dependency therapist vs substance abuse counselor demographics

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

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Substance Abuse Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%
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 substance abuse 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.

Substance abuse counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Perform assessment of patients using ASAM criteria and recommendation for appropriate level of programming.
Process detox patient admissions on computer system which include - conducting alcohol and drug assessment, taking psycho/social history.
Provide clinical services, patient care, education and opiate addiction counseling services to patients receiving methadone maintenance and detoxification treatment.
Certify for first aid and CPR.

Chemical dependency therapist vs substance abuse counselor skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

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

Common substance abuse counselor skills

Patients, 16%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 11%
Social Work, 8%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Intake Assessments, 5%
Rehabilitation, 4%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist
Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Substance Abuse Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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