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Counselor internship vs peer counselor

The differences between counselor interns and peer counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a counselor internship has an average salary of $45,500, which is higher than the $37,464 average annual salary of a peer counselor.

The top three skills for a counselor internship include crisis intervention, intake assessments and substance abuse issues. The most important skills for a peer counselor are peer support, substance abuse, and wic program.

Counselor internship vs peer counselor overview

Counselor InternshipPeer Counselor
Yearly salary$45,500$37,464
Hourly rate$21.88$18.01
Growth rate14%10%
Number of jobs132,69476,608
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

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 a peer counselor do?

Typically working at schools, communities, or medical facilities, a peer counselor specializes in providing counseling to an individual or group of people, aiming to help them deal with and overcome crises. Their duties often include conducting initial assessments through interviews and appointments, listening to clients and offering advice, recommending opportunities, referring them to other support agencies, and coordinating treatment services as needed. Above all, a peer counselor must provide emotional support and guidance to clients, giving them comfort and a shoulder to lean on.

Counselor internship vs peer counselor salary

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

Counselor InternshipPeer Counselor
Average salary$45,500$37,464
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $65,000Between $24,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILHayward, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyThe Travelers CompaniesThe Brooklyn Hospital Center
Best paying industryFinanceEducation

Differences between counselor internship and peer counselor education

There are a few differences between a counselor internship and a peer counselor in terms of educational background:

Counselor InternshipPeer Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachUniversity of Pennsylvania

Counselor internship vs peer counselor demographics

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

Counselor InternshipPeer Counselor
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 23.8% Female, 76.2%Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage15%11%

Differences between counselor internship and peer 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

Peer counselor example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Refer clients (as needed) to inpatient or outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation programs and assist them in qualifying for services.
  • Formulate and edit nutrition education materials and monthly newsletters for WIC participants.
  • Counsele and enroll people in ACA and ABE.
  • Work with multiple groups of undergraduate students to improve GPA's.
  • Present information via PowerPoint and hand-outs to students on the dangers of poor credit decisions.
  • Show more

Counselor internship vs peer 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 peer counselor skills
  • Peer Support, 14%
  • Substance Abuse, 9%
  • WIC Program, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Community Resources, 6%
  • Mental Illness, 6%

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