Post job

Counselor internship vs youth counselor

The differences between counselor interns and youth counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a counselor internship and a youth counselor. Additionally, a counselor internship has an average salary of $45,500, which is higher than the $36,754 average annual salary of a youth counselor.

The top three skills for a counselor internship include crisis intervention, intake assessments and substance abuse issues. The most important skills for a youth counselor are direct care, mental health, and crisis intervention.

Counselor internship vs youth counselor overview

Counselor InternshipYouth Counselor
Yearly salary$45,500$36,754
Hourly rate$21.88$17.67
Growth rate14%12%
Number of jobs132,69478,461
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

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 youth counselor do?

A Youth Counselor's role is to provide guidance and interact with children or teenagers in need of care and counseling. The duty of a Youth Counselor is diverse, and it highly depends on the organization or employer. However, the responsibilities mostly revolve around establishing rapport with the youngster while trying to work on their issues, ensuring their welfare by monitoring their emotional and physical state, coordinating with families or other facilities, suggesting treatments, and performing crisis intervention if necessary.

Counselor internship vs youth counselor salary

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

Counselor InternshipYouth Counselor
Average salary$45,500$36,754
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $65,000Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyThe Travelers CompaniesNew York State Restaurant Association
Best paying industryFinanceProfessional

Differences between counselor internship and youth counselor education

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

Counselor InternshipYouth Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Counselor internship vs youth counselor demographics

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

Counselor InternshipYouth Counselor
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 23.8% Female, 76.2%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between counselor internship and youth 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

Youth counselor example responsibilities.

  • Instruct students in course work including: reading, writing, mathematics, behavior modification, and social skills.
  • Train in physical restraint, conflict resolution, first aide, CPR, blood borne pathogen management and universal precautions.
  • Complete functional assessment evaluations of residents and write individualized rehabilitation goals that encourage community integration.
  • Monitor behavior, safety and location of juvenile residents that are court mandate, psychological/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities and autism.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all back-of-house areas and customer areas.
  • Supervise teens on maintaining cleanliness of cottage, individual rooms and their individual appearance.
  • Show more

Counselor internship vs youth 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 youth counselor skills
  • Direct Care, 8%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Necessary Paperwork, 6%

Browse community and social services jobs