Prison classification counselor vs mental health counselor

The differences between prison classification counselors and mental health 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 prison classification counselor and a mental health counselor. Additionally, a prison classification counselor has an average salary of $52,033, which is higher than the $49,471 average annual salary of a mental health counselor.

The top three skills for a prison classification counselor include role model, treatment programs and . The most important skills for a mental health counselor are social work, patients, and crisis intervention.

Prison classification counselor vs mental health counselor overview

	Prison Classification Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Yearly salary	$52,033	$49,471
Hourly rate	$25.02	$23.78
Growth rate	10%	9%
Number of jobs	27,559	110,752
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

Prison classification counselor vs mental health counselor salary

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

	Prison Classification Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Average salary	$52,033	$49,471
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $69,000	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 prison classification counselor and mental health counselor education

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

	Prison Classification Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Psychology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	California State University - Long Beach

Prison classification counselor vs mental health counselor demographics

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

	Prison Classification Counselor	Mental Health Counselor
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%	Male, 31.4% Female, 68.6%
Race ratio	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%	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	15%	15%

Differences between prison classification counselor and mental health counselor duties and responsibilities

Prison classification counselor example responsibilities.

Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

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.

Prison classification counselor vs mental health counselor skills

Common prison classification counselor skills

Role Model, 72%
Treatment Programs, 28%

Common mental health counselor skills

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

Prison Classification Counselor vs. similar jobs

Prison Classification Counselor related careers

Prison Classification Counselor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Community and Social Services Industry
Prison Classification Counselor
Prison Classification Counselor vs Mental Health Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs