Primary counselor vs addictions counselor

The differences between primary counselors and addictions counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a primary counselor and an addictions counselor. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $44,580 average annual salary of a primary counselor.

The top three skills for a primary counselor include group therapy sessions, mental health and crisis intervention. The most important skills for an addictions counselor are patients, social work, and chemical dependency.

Primary counselor vs addictions counselor overview

	Primary Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Yearly salary	$44,580	$47,226
Hourly rate	$21.43	$22.70
Growth rate	9%	12%
Number of jobs	65,753	79,459
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

Primary counselor vs addictions counselor salary

Primary counselors and addictions counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Primary Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average salary	$44,580	$47,226
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $63,000	Between $32,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Wellpath
Best paying industry	-	Non Profits

Differences between primary counselor and addictions counselor education

There are a few differences between a primary counselor and an addictions counselor in terms of educational background:

	Primary Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Hunter College of the City University of New York	Hunter College of the City University of New York

Primary counselor vs addictions counselor demographics

Here are the differences between primary counselors' and addictions counselors' demographics:

	Primary Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%
Race ratio	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%	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	12%	12%

Differences between primary counselor and addictions counselor duties and responsibilities

Primary counselor example responsibilities.

Coordinate individual client treatment plans to achieve individual and department rehabilitation goals.
Conduct intake screenings and assessment for treatment entry and appropriateness per ASAM criteria.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans base on patient needs and ASAM criteria.
Maintain accurate and complete chart documentation regarding patient attitude and progress in the rehabilitation process following program protocols.
Facilitate group activities, arrange for outside recovery-orient NA/AA meetings, and provide a safe environment for recovering patients.
Facilitate substance abuse group counseling sessions to assist patients in recognizing causal factors of substance abuse and in developing coping behaviors.

Addictions counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Develop treatment plans and recommend a level of care within ASAM and DSM-IV guidelines, and approve requirements.
Restore patients to productive roles by educating them about available community base organizations, and social and employment services.
Perform initial evaluations and intakes, make eligibility determinations, conduct rehabilitation planning and problem solving, and counseling.
Provide drug, alcohol, and rehabilitation counseling and education in a residential therapeutic community for female drug offenders.
Serve as an advocate for family with private/public school-relate agencies (IEP meetings/education plans).

Primary counselor vs addictions counselor skills

Common primary counselor skills

Group Therapy Sessions, 10%
Mental Health, 10%
Crisis Intervention, 10%
Patients, 8%
Intake Assessments, 8%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 8%

Common addictions counselor skills

Patients, 18%
Social Work, 12%
Chemical Dependency, 6%
Crisis Intervention, 6%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 5%
Intake Assessments, 4%

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Primary Counselor vs Addictions Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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