Post job

Family counselor vs group counselor

The differences between family counselors and group 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 group counselor. Additionally, a family counselor has an average salary of $41,510, which is higher than the $40,155 average annual salary of a group counselor.

The top three skills for a family counselor include social work, community resources and POC. The most important skills for a group counselor are mental health, patients, and crisis intervention.

Family counselor vs group counselor overview

Family CounselorGroup Counselor
Yearly salary$41,510$40,155
Hourly rate$19.96$19.31
Growth rate14%9%
Number of jobs93,25384,413
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

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 group counselor do?

A group counselor provides counseling services primarily in a group setting, aiming to provide clients with a supportive and healthy environment where they can work on different issues and reach personal goals. They typically conduct research and assessments, establish program objectives and guidelines, arrange various activities, and facilitate positive interactions to support one another. Additionally, a group counselor has the duty to implement policies and standards, create treatment plans, and optimize strategies to ensure clients receive optimal support and services.

Family counselor vs group counselor salary

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

Family CounselorGroup Counselor
Average salary$41,510$40,155
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $62,000Between $14,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyShirley Ryan AbilityLab-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between family counselor and group counselor education

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

Family CounselorGroup Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Family counselor vs group counselor demographics

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

Family CounselorGroup Counselor
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 26.3% Female, 73.7%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%15%

Differences between family counselor and group 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.
  • Show more

Group counselor example responsibilities.

  • Administer first aid and CPR when need.
  • Develop leadership skills while training younger counselors.
  • Execute leadership skills by planning and facilitating activities.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Provide behavior modification and social skills training to children and adolescents with ADHD and other behavioral and emotional disorders.

Family counselor vs group counselor skills

Common family counselor skills
  • Social Work, 22%
  • Community Resources, 13%
  • POC, 7%
  • Family Support, 5%
  • Family Therapy, 5%
  • DOD, 4%
Common group counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 23%
  • Patients, 21%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Group Therapy Sessions, 5%

Browse community and social services jobs