Crisis intervention counselor vs residential counselor

The differences between crisis intervention counselors and residential 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 crisis intervention counselor and a residential counselor. Additionally, a crisis intervention counselor has an average salary of $52,041, which is higher than the $34,117 average annual salary of a residential counselor.

The top three skills for a crisis intervention counselor include social work, behavioral problems and safety planning. The most important skills for a residential counselor are direct care, medication administration, and mental health.

Crisis intervention counselor vs residential counselor overview

	Crisis Intervention Counselor	Residential Counselor
Yearly salary	$52,041	$34,117
Hourly rate	$25.02	$16.40
Growth rate	9%	12%
Number of jobs	30,988	81,287
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

Crisis intervention counselor vs residential counselor salary

Crisis intervention counselors and residential counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Crisis Intervention Counselor	Residential Counselor
Average salary	$52,041	$34,117
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $71,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Washington
Best paying company	Sante Group	The Evergreens
Best paying industry	Transportation	Education

Differences between crisis intervention counselor and residential counselor education

There are a few differences between a crisis intervention counselor and a residential counselor in terms of educational background:

	Crisis Intervention Counselor	Residential Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	California State University - Long Beach

Crisis intervention counselor vs residential counselor demographics

Here are the differences between crisis intervention counselors' and residential counselors' demographics:

	Crisis Intervention Counselor	Residential Counselor
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 30.7% Female, 69.3%	Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between crisis intervention counselor and residential counselor duties and responsibilities

Crisis intervention counselor example responsibilities.

Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

Residential counselor example responsibilities.

Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
Engage, educate and empower participants to access community base resources in order to achieve greater self-determination, rehabilitation and recovery.
Train in AMAP, SCIP, and first aid procedures.
Assist residents with ADL, occasionally accompany to medical appointments, administer medications.
Refine an understanding of HIPAA and DMH programs.
Assist special needs students to reach their IEP and treatment plan goals in 1:1 and group settings.

Crisis intervention counselor vs residential counselor skills

Common crisis intervention counselor skills

Social Work, 19%
Behavioral Problems, 7%
Safety Planning, 6%
Mental Health Crisis, 6%
Hotline Calls, 6%
Child Abuse, 6%

Common residential counselor skills

Direct Care, 9%
Medication Administration, 9%
Mental Health, 8%
Social Work, 7%
Developmental Disabilities, 6%
Mental Illness, 6%

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Community and Social Services Industry
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Crisis Intervention Counselor vs Residential Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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