Primary counselor vs mental health counselor

The differences between primary counselors and mental health counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a primary counselor, becoming a mental health counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mental health counselor has an average salary of $49,471, 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 mental health counselor are social work, patients, and crisis intervention.

Primary counselor vs mental health counselor overview

	Primary Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Yearly salary	$44,580	$49,471
Hourly rate	$21.43	$23.78
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	65,753	110,752
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	39	41
Years of experience	6	4

Primary counselor vs mental health counselor salary

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

	Primary Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Average salary	$44,580	$49,471
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $63,000	Between $34,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	-	Longview, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between primary counselor and mental health counselor education

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

	Primary Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
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 mental health counselor demographics

Here are the differences between primary counselors' and mental health counselors' demographics:

	Primary Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%	Male, 31.4% Female, 68.6%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	12%	15%

Differences between primary counselor and mental health 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.

Mental health counselor example responsibilities.

Provide clinical consultation to consumers and clients regarding manage care services and other benefits available to them through their EAP programs.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Certify in CPI (crisis intervention technique).
Assist with crisis intervention, (CPI) maintains treatment activities.
Provide mental health assessment and evaluation of detainees refer by facility staff or identify by pre-screening (booking or nursing).
Assess for special needs during booking process.

Primary counselor vs mental health 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 mental health counselor skills

Social Work, 17%
Patients, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 9%
Patient Care, 6%
Mental Health Issues, 5%
Rehabilitation, 4%

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 Mental Health Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs