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The differences between counselor interns and substance abuse 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 a substance abuse counselor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a counselor internship has an average salary of $45,500, which is higher than the $43,069 average annual salary of a substance abuse counselor.
The top three skills for a counselor internship include crisis intervention, intake assessments and substance abuse issues. The most important skills for a substance abuse counselor are patients, substance abuse treatment, and social work.
| Counselor Internship | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $45,500 | $43,069 |
| Hourly rate | $21.88 | $20.71 |
| Growth rate | 14% | - |
| Number of jobs | 132,694 | 78,643 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Substance abuse counselors act as a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems and other behavioral issues. They help the patients control their behavior until they achieve a full recovery. The mental health counselors aid patients to overcome their chemical dependencies and become self-sufficient individuals. Part of their duty includes meeting clients to evaluate their health and substance issues while creating goals and treatment plans. They teach clients coping mechanisms, refer them to support groups, and engage them in group therapy sessions. Once the patient is stable, they help them re-establish their careers and give updates and reports of progress to the courts. Requirements for the job include a master's degree in counseling and social work.
Counselor interns and substance abuse counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Counselor Internship | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average salary | $45,500 | $43,069 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $65,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Chicago, IL | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | The Travelers Companies | Erlanger Health System |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a counselor internship and a substance abuse counselor in terms of educational background:
| Counselor Internship | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between counselor interns' and substance abuse counselors' demographics:
| Counselor Internship | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.8% Female, 76.2% | Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7% |
| Race ratio | Black 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 Percentage | 15% | 12% |