Family counselor vs clinical counselor

The differences between family counselors and clinical 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 family counselor and a clinical counselor. Additionally, a clinical counselor has an average salary of $54,191, which is higher than the $41,510 average annual salary of a family counselor.

The top three skills for a family counselor include social work, community resources and POC. The most important skills for a clinical counselor are social work, patients, and foster care.

Family counselor vs clinical counselor overview

	Family Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Yearly salary	$41,510	$54,191
Hourly rate	$19.96	$26.05
Growth rate	14%	17%
Number of jobs	93,253	146,133
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

What does a family counselor do?

A Family Counselor treats married couples or family members in order to help them overcome mental or emotional problems. They provide effective treatment measures to help the family members resolve their issues.

What does a clinical counselor do?

A Clinical Counselor interviews clients to assess their mental health and behavioral problems. They examine issues such as substance abuse, depression, stress, aging and self-image.

Family counselor vs clinical counselor salary

Family counselors and clinical counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Family Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Average salary	$41,510	$54,191
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $62,000	Between $43,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Bethesda, MD
Highest paying state	New York	Maryland
Best paying company	Shirley Ryan AbilityLab	Novo Nordisk
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between family counselor and clinical counselor education

There are a few differences between a family counselor and a clinical counselor in terms of educational background:

	Family Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	California State University - Long Beach

Family counselor vs clinical counselor demographics

Here are the differences between family counselors' and clinical counselors' demographics:

	Family Counselor	Clinical Counselor
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 26.3% Female, 73.7%	Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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	6%	15%

Differences between family counselor and clinical counselor duties and responsibilities

Family counselor example responsibilities.

Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Assist the clients in completing their DCF case plan, helping to remove any hindrances they may encounter.
Counsele and test patients who requesting confidential HIV testing services
Collaborate and coordinate patient care with resident/faculty physicians to provide appropriate levels of care to patients.
Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.
Utilize PowerPoint presentations to facilitate ongoing new student orientation, ensuring students understand rules and regulations.

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Clinical counselor example responsibilities.

Manage a caseload of individuals in programs design to provide vocational rehabilitation and other services to the developmentally disable.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Perform client intake assessments and conduct monthly assessments to identify progress of patients and determine individuals ready to graduate from program.
Review charts to ensure that they are in compliance with OASAS standards.
Initial assessment, diagnosis, ASAM criteria, treatment planning , 3rd party contact, group and individual therapy.
Maintain appropriate documentation per NYS OASAS regulations and APG guidelines

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Family counselor vs clinical counselor skills

Common family counselor skills

Social Work, 22%
Community Resources, 13%
POC, 7%
Family Support, 5%
Family Therapy, 5%
DOD, 4%

Common clinical counselor skills

Social Work, 36%
Patients, 8%
Foster Care, 7%
Independent Living, 6%
Child Abuse, 4%
Clinical Services, 3%

Family Counselor vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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