Psychotherapist-counselor vs addictions counselor

The differences between psychotherapist-counselors and addictions counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a psychotherapist-counselor, becoming an addictions counselor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a psychotherapist-counselor has an average salary of $82,581, which is higher than the $47,226 average annual salary of an addictions counselor.

The top three skills for a psychotherapist-counselor include family therapy, social work and mental health issues. The most important skills for an addictions counselor are patients, social work, and chemical dependency.

Psychotherapist-counselor vs addictions counselor overview

	Psychotherapist-Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Yearly salary	$82,581	$47,226
Hourly rate	$39.70	$22.70
Growth rate	11%	12%
Number of jobs	28,899	79,459
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	41	39
Years of experience	4	6

Psychotherapist-counselor vs addictions counselor salary

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

	Psychotherapist-Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average salary	$82,581	$47,226
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $114,000	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 psychotherapist-counselor and addictions counselor education

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

	Psychotherapist-Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Hunter College of the City University of New York

Psychotherapist-counselor vs addictions counselor demographics

Here are the differences between psychotherapist-counselors' and addictions counselors' demographics:

	Psychotherapist-Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average age	41	39
Gender ratio	Male, 31.5% Female, 68.5%	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	15%	12%

Differences between psychotherapist-counselor and addictions counselor duties and responsibilities

Psychotherapist-counselor example responsibilities.

Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Collaborate with other professionals in multidisciplinary staff meetings to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
Collaborate with peers in leadership capacity at recreational summer camp leading, coordinating and organizing daily activities and weekly field trips.

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).

Psychotherapist-counselor vs addictions counselor skills

Common psychotherapist-counselor skills

Family Therapy, 12%
Social Work, 12%
Mental Health Issues, 11%
Crisis Intervention, 10%
Clinical Supervision, 8%
Substance Abuse, 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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Psychotherapist-Counselor
Psychotherapist-Counselor vs Addictions Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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