Residential Counselor Salaries

Residential treatment centers address emotional, behavioral and substance abuse problems.

Residential counselors work in a variety of facilities. From residential drug rehabilitation centers to dependent-living care to correctional institutions, these workers often hold advanced degrees in addiction, rehabilitation or mental health counseling. Their salaries may vary with the type of institution they work for and the extent of their qualifications.

Counseling Assistants

Some residential counselors do not direct therapy, but simply provide encouragement, promote relationships and ensure compliance with institution rules and policies. Supervising activities, attending mealtimes, transporting clients, documenting behavior and ensuring adherence to the house schedule are among their duties. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies these workers as Social and Human Service Assistants and reports that, as of May 2009, their average annual salary was $24,770, translating into an average hourly wage of $11.91.

Drug and Alcohol Counselors

Drug and alcohol counselors often live and work in substance abuse rehabilitation centers. Their primary objective is to help residents become clean and sober, overcoming addictive behavior. Sometimes called substance abuse counselors, many of these workers have advanced counseling degrees and certification. As of May, 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that substance abuse counselors in residential treatment centers earned an average annual salary of $34,250, corresponding to an average hourly wage of $16.46.

Mental Health Counselors

Mental health counselors work in a variety of institutions, dealing with clients who have emotional and behavioral challenges, sometimes within certain population groups like adolescents, parents or the elderly; they may work with substance abuse issues, as well. Mental health counselors address anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, trauma, grief and low self-esteem. They often work closely with psychologists and social workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May, 2009, mental health counselors in a residential facility earned an average annual salary of $33,020, amounting to a $15.87 average hourly wage.

Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation counselors work with people suffering from disabilities as a result of injury, illness or birth defect. These counselors focus on increasing the independence of residents and exploring vocational and educational opportunities. As of May, 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that rehabilitation counselors earned an average annual salary of $29,220, corresponding to an average hourly wage of $14.05.

References

• Denver Seminary: Residential Counselor at Hope House of Colorado
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social and Human Service Assistants
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Counselors
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mental Health Counselors
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Rehabilitation Counselors

Resources

• "Getting Started in Private Practice"; Chris E. Stout, Laurie C. Grand; Oct 11, 2004