Primary counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor

The differences between primary counselors and alcohol and drug 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 alcohol and drug counselor. Additionally, an alcohol and drug counselor has an average salary of $45,758, 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 alcohol and drug counselor are patients, social work, and crisis intervention.

Primary counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor overview

	Primary Counselor	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Yearly salary	$44,580	$45,758
Hourly rate	$21.43	$22.00
Growth rate	9%	-
Number of jobs	65,753	77,461
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 alcohol and drug counselor salary

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

	Primary Counselor	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Average salary	$44,580	$45,758
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $63,000	Between $30,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Montage Health
Best paying industry	-	Professional

Differences between primary counselor and alcohol and drug counselor education

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

	Primary Counselor	Alcohol And Drug 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	California State University - Long Beach

Primary counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor demographics

Here are the differences between primary counselors' and alcohol and drug counselors' demographics:

	Primary Counselor	Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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 alcohol and drug 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.

Alcohol and drug counselor example responsibilities.

Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharge from treatment programs.
Practice cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy.
front office, counseling and aftercare.
Administer UA test onsite and send out.
Improve IOP successful completion rate while facilitating seven groups per week.
Collect and organize statistical data as required by DASA, and NEWTA.

Primary counselor vs alcohol and drug 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 alcohol and drug counselor skills

Patients, 15%
Social Work, 11%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 6%
Treatment Services, 6%

Primary Counselor vs. similar jobs

Primary Counselor related careers

Primary Counselor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Community and Social Services Industry
Primary Counselor
Primary Counselor vs Alcohol And Drug Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs