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The differences between child and adolescent therapists and licensed social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a child and adolescent therapist, becoming a licensed social worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a licensed social worker has an average salary of $57,005, which is higher than the $51,346 average annual salary of a child and adolescent therapist.
The top three skills for a child and adolescent therapist include social work, patients and substance abuse. The most important skills for a licensed social worker are social work, patients, and home health.
| Child And Adolescent Therapist | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $51,346 | $57,005 |
| Hourly rate | $24.69 | $27.41 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 69,031 | 66,130 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Master's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Child and Adolescent Therapists are responsible for providing psychological evaluations and therapy for young people and children. Their duties include conducting behavioral observations, implementing long-term and short-term interventions, and developing individualized treatment plans. They have also been involved in monitoring psychological improvements, producing reports, and overseeing trainee therapists. Child and Adolescent Therapists also facilitate training for other healthcare staff and work collaboratively with schools, agencies, hospitals, and family communities in delivering a holistic therapy service. They participate in continuing professional development (CFD) to keep updated with best practices.
Licensed Social Workers are duly and legally recognized to carry out activities related to social work. They identify individuals or groups of people in need and assess what kind of help they require. They may assist these people in connecting to agencies that would cater to their needs. Licensed Social Workers also help people cope with their challenges. They are responsible for crafting treatment plans or well-being improvement plans for the individuals they help. They may also be called on during times of crisis to provide emotional support to the individuals involved.
Child and adolescent therapists and licensed social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Child And Adolescent Therapist | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average salary | $51,346 | $57,005 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $109,000 | Between $41,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Rafael, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Anchor Counseling Center | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a child and adolescent therapist and a licensed social worker in terms of educational background:
| Child And Adolescent Therapist | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Most common degree | Master's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Social Work | Social Work |
| Most common college | Boston University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between child and adolescent therapists' and licensed social workers' demographics:
| Child And Adolescent Therapist | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 20.9% Female, 79.1% | Male, 16.1% Female, 83.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 15% | 13% |