Post job

Psychotherapist-counselor vs youth counselor

The differences between psychotherapist-counselors and youth 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 psychotherapist-counselor and a youth counselor. Additionally, a psychotherapist-counselor has an average salary of $82,581, which is higher than the $36,754 average annual salary of a youth counselor.

The top three skills for a psychotherapist-counselor include family therapy, social work and mental health issues. The most important skills for a youth counselor are direct care, mental health, and crisis intervention.

Psychotherapist-counselor vs youth counselor overview

Psychotherapist-CounselorYouth Counselor
Yearly salary$82,581$36,754
Hourly rate$39.70$17.67
Growth rate11%12%
Number of jobs28,89978,461
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

Psychotherapist-counselor vs youth counselor salary

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

Psychotherapist-CounselorYouth Counselor
Average salary$82,581$36,754
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $114,000Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-New York State Restaurant Association
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between psychotherapist-counselor and youth counselor education

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

Psychotherapist-CounselorYouth Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Psychotherapist-counselor vs youth counselor demographics

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

Psychotherapist-CounselorYouth Counselor
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 31.5% Female, 68.5%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage15%15%

Differences between psychotherapist-counselor and youth 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.

Youth counselor example responsibilities.

  • Instruct students in course work including: reading, writing, mathematics, behavior modification, and social skills.
  • Train in physical restraint, conflict resolution, first aide, CPR, blood borne pathogen management and universal precautions.
  • Complete functional assessment evaluations of residents and write individualized rehabilitation goals that encourage community integration.
  • Monitor behavior, safety and location of juvenile residents that are court mandate, psychological/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities and autism.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all back-of-house areas and customer areas.
  • Supervise teens on maintaining cleanliness of cottage, individual rooms and their individual appearance.
  • Show more

Psychotherapist-counselor vs youth 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 youth counselor skills
  • Direct Care, 8%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Necessary Paperwork, 6%

Browse community and social services jobs