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Counselor internship vs alcohol and drug counselor

The differences between counselor interns and alcohol and drug counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a counselor internship, becoming an alcohol and drug counselor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an alcohol and drug counselor has an average salary of $45,758, which is higher than the $45,500 average annual salary of a counselor internship.

The top three skills for a counselor internship include crisis intervention, intake assessments and substance abuse issues. The most important skills for an alcohol and drug counselor are patients, social work, and crisis intervention.

Counselor internship vs alcohol and drug counselor overview

Counselor InternshipAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Yearly salary$45,500$45,758
Hourly rate$21.88$22.00
Growth rate14%-
Number of jobs132,69477,461
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4139
Years of experience46

What does a counselor internship do?

When it comes to Counselor Internship, among the primary responsibilities is to assist in dealing with various activities such as preparing and verifying necessary documentation, observing consultations and outreach programs, guide clients and help develop multiple helpful strategies, and provide assessments. Furthermore, one can conduct counseling and consultation only under supervision. It is also essential to track the information gathered and coordinate with assigned personnel to adhere to the company's regulations and policies.

What does an alcohol and drug counselor do?

A drug & alcohol counselor treats addicts in either one-on-one or group settings. They help by educating and developing possible treatment plans for patients to support them in coping with their addictive personalities. A drug and alcohol counselor will evaluate to determine the progress has been successfully made towards recovery. They help patients better understand and overcome their addictions. Counselors help through offering support, rehabilitation, and guidance by using various techniques. Drug & alcohol counselors seek to help an addict find the source of their addiction.

Counselor internship vs alcohol and drug counselor salary

Counselor interns and alcohol and drug counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Counselor InternshipAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Average salary$45,500$45,758
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $65,000Between $30,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyThe Travelers CompaniesMontage Health
Best paying industryFinanceProfessional

Differences between counselor internship and alcohol and drug counselor education

There are a few differences between a counselor internship and an alcohol and drug counselor in terms of educational background:

Counselor InternshipAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Counselor internship vs alcohol and drug counselor demographics

Here are the differences between counselor interns' and alcohol and drug counselors' demographics:

Counselor InternshipAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Average age4139
Gender ratioMale, 23.8% Female, 76.2%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage15%12%

Differences between counselor internship and alcohol and drug counselor duties and responsibilities

Counselor internship example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and attend IEP meetings.
  • Create a rehabilitation plan of juveniles through the investigation of background history.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Monitor academic performance and provide tutoring for one individual with untreat ADHD.
  • Conduct psychological assessments for a diverse population including ADHD, memory, and achievement testing.
  • Show more

Alcohol and drug counselor example responsibilities.

  • Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharge from treatment programs.
  • Practice cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy.
  • front office, counseling and aftercare.
  • Administer UA test onsite and send out.
  • Improve IOP successful completion rate while facilitating seven groups per week.
  • Collect and organize statistical data as required by DASA, and NEWTA.
  • Show more

Counselor internship vs alcohol and drug counselor skills

Common counselor internship skills
  • Crisis Intervention, 14%
  • Intake Assessments, 14%
  • Substance Abuse Issues, 10%
  • Mental Health Issues, 9%
  • Group Therapy Sessions, 4%
  • Community Resources, 4%
Common alcohol and drug counselor skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Substance Abuse Treatment, 6%
  • Treatment Services, 6%

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