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Primary counselor vs lead counselor

The differences between primary counselors and lead counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead counselor has an average salary of $178,478, 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 a lead counselor are legal advice, litigation, and work ethic.

Primary counselor vs lead counselor overview

Primary CounselorLead Counselor
Yearly salary$44,580$178,478
Hourly rate$21.43$85.81
Growth rate9%10%
Number of jobs65,75374,247
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3942
Years of experience6-

Primary counselor vs lead counselor salary

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

Primary CounselorLead Counselor
Average salary$44,580$178,478
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $63,000Between $100,000 And $315,000
Highest paying City-Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-MDI
Best paying industry--

Differences between primary counselor and lead counselor education

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

Primary CounselorLead Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeHunter College of the City University of New YorkUniversity of Pennsylvania

Primary counselor vs lead counselor demographics

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

Primary CounselorLead Counselor
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 34.5% Female, 65.5%Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%11%

Differences between primary counselor and lead 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.
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Lead counselor example responsibilities.

  • Monitor children at the pool, CPR certify.
  • assist with reading writing mathematics social skills and everyday living skills.
  • Maintain safety and ensure well being of children daily by implementing discipline procedures and using CPR training when necessary.
  • Dispense medication and coordinate supervision of patients abusing behavior altering drugs.
  • Implement a research-base treatment program for children with ADHD and other behavioraldeficiencies.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
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Primary counselor vs lead 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 lead counselor skills
  • Legal Advice, 16%
  • Litigation, 14%
  • Work Ethic, 8%
  • Substance Abuse, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Group Therapy, 6%

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