Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
Behavioral Health Counselor jobs are open across community mental health centers, hospital systems, substance use treatment programs, corrections, and schools, at every level from entry-level to clinical director, with specializations in trauma, addiction, and crisis intervention. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 196+ Behavioral Health Counselor jobs
BASIC FUNCTION:
Provides comprehensive interdisciplinary services to clients with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Responsible for conducting initial assessments, evaluations and interpretation in developing appropriate interventions and/or treatment/recovery plan for client through individual or group therapy plans. Facilitates effective interpersonal relationships with clients, families and community in maximizing continued interest, while keeping professional boundaries. Organizes, plans, and facilitates support/therapy groups. Completes accurate documentation such as, but not limited to, comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, correspondences, group therapy notes, and all other required documentation per the established policies, procedures and requirements related to client electronic health record keeping.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides direct outpatient psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups, by performing mental health and substance abuse assessments. Develops and implements treatment plans and evaluates treatment outcomes with the ability to assess both mental health and substance use diagnoses.
- Develops and facilitates individual and group sessions according to the needs of the client population, including both mental health and substance use counseling, using a multi-modal approach.
- Provides counseling for all areas of mental health including, but not limited to individual, marital/family dysfunction, child abuse/neglect and substance issues (including urine drug screens as indicated).
- Provides substance use/addictions education to clients and families.
- Recommends and arranges referral for specialized treatment and provides follow-up care.
- Functions as a primary therapist and case manager for given number of clients.
- Connects clients with outside resources, including sober support groups and activities.
- Participates in case conferences and provides consultation to other professional staff.
- Provides pre-admission screening and aftercare counseling in conjunction with community-based clinics.
- Works to promote cooperative staff efforts to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other staff to assure quality patient care.
- Works within the parameters of managed care.
- Implements approved methods of treatment to meet goals and objectives, with completed regular reporting requirements.
- Assures confidentiality of information according to the Privacy Act of 1974 (HIPAA).
- Follows all policies and procedures of the department, Seneca Nation Health System, and Seneca Nation.
- Attends all mandatory staff meetings and in-services, including training to stay current in position and/or department.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Extensive knowledge of clinical interviewing practices and procedures, working with diverse mental health issues including trauma.
- Knowledge of concepts related to cultural components, medical and social factors that influence substance or alcohol use, mental health issues, and how it affects families.
- Ability to effectively communicate goals of the treatment program to clients.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Ability to work with all age groups, family systems, and treatment of substance use/dependence, family violence and sexual abuse.
- Ability to travel as needed for departmental operational demands.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related Human Services field with, or ability to obtain, unrestricted NYS licensure - LCSW-R, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT with 1-2 years’ supervised experience, preferred.
- Experience working within managed care system preferred.
- A valid NYS driver’s license is required.
- Experience in a large hospital, academic medical center, outpatient health care setting, or Indian Health Service (IHS)/tribal health, preferred.
Disclaimer: The information in this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Provides comprehensive interdisciplinary services to clients with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Responsible for conducting initial assessments, evaluations and interpretation in developing appropriate interventions and/or treatment/recovery plan for client through individual or group therapy plans. Facilitates effective interpersonal relationships with clients, families and community in maximizing continued interest, while keeping professional boundaries. Organizes, plans, and facilitates support/therapy groups. Completes accurate documentation such as, but not limited to, comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, correspondences, group therapy notes, and all other required documentation per the established policies, procedures and requirements related to client electronic health record keeping.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides direct outpatient psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups, by performing mental health and substance abuse assessments. Develops and implements treatment plans and evaluates treatment outcomes with the ability to assess both mental health and substance use diagnoses.
- Develops and facilitates individual and group sessions according to the needs of the client population, including both mental health and substance use counseling, using a multi-modal approach.
- Provides counseling for all areas of mental health including, but not limited to individual, marital/family dysfunction, child abuse/neglect and substance issues (including urine drug screens as indicated).
- Provides substance use/addictions education to clients and families.
- Recommends and arranges referral for specialized treatment and provides follow-up care.
- Functions as a primary therapist and case manager for given number of clients.
- Connects clients with outside resources, including sober support groups and activities.
- Participates in case conferences and provides consultation to other professional staff.
- Provides pre-admission screening and aftercare counseling in conjunction with community-based clinics.
- Works to promote cooperative staff efforts to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other staff to assure quality patient care.
- Works within the parameters of managed care.
- Implements approved methods of treatment to meet goals and objectives, with completed regular reporting requirements.
- Assures confidentiality of information according to the Privacy Act of 1974 (HIPAA).
- Follows all policies and procedures of the department, Seneca Nation Health System, and Seneca Nation.
- Attends all mandatory staff meetings and in-services, including training to stay current in position and/or department.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Extensive knowledge of clinical interviewing practices and procedures, working with diverse mental health issues including trauma.
- Knowledge of concepts related to cultural components, medical and social factors that influence substance or alcohol use, mental health issues, and how it affects families.
- Ability to effectively communicate goals of the treatment program to clients.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Ability to work with all age groups, family systems, and treatment of substance use/dependence, family violence and sexual abuse.
- Ability to travel as needed for departmental operational demands.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related Human Services field with, or ability to obtain, unrestricted NYS licensure - LCSW-R, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT with 1-2 years’ supervised experience, preferred.
- Experience working within managed care system preferred.
- A valid NYS driver’s license is required.
- Experience in a large hospital, academic medical center, outpatient health care setting, or Indian Health Service (IHS)/tribal health, preferred.
Disclaimer: The information in this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.
Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
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- Education1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health counselor jobs.
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related clinical field
- State licensure or associate licensure such as LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent
- Experience conducting individual, group, or family therapy sessions
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards
- Training in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- CPR certification and familiarity with mandated reporting and HIPAA requirements
Tips for Your Behavioral Health Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to licensure level
Employers treat LPC, LCSW, LMFT, and associate-level credentials as distinct hiring tiers. List your exact credential abbreviation and state of licensure in your resume header so recruiters don't misread your eligibility and pass you over before the phone screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists behavioral health counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight your specific client population experience
Job postings for behavioral health counselors are often written around a target population: adolescents, veterans, justice-involved adults, or dually diagnosed clients. Name the populations you've served directly in your work history, using the same language the posting uses.
Filter openings by supervision availability
If you're working toward full licensure, prioritize postings that explicitly mention clinical supervision hours. Ask in the first interview who provides supervision, how often, and whether the organization covers any associated costs before committing.
Prepare case conceptualization answers before interviews
Behavioral health panels often ask you to walk through an anonymized case using a specific theoretical framework, such as CBT, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care. Prepare two or three concise examples that show assessment, treatment planning, and progress documentation.
Negotiate for supervision and CEU support
Beyond base pay, counselors at every level can negotiate clinical supervision access, continuing education reimbursement, and licensure renewal cost coverage. These benefits directly affect your career trajectory and cost you nothing to ask for during the offer stage.
Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most behavioral health counselors?
The companies hiring the most behavioral health counselors right now include Ascension, Indiana University Health, and Alexander Youth Network, with the largest share of openings in New York, Arizona, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Community mental health organizations and integrated hospital systems consistently account for the majority of active postings.
How many behavioral health counselor jobs are remote?
About 22% of behavioral health counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with telehealth roles concentrated in outpatient therapy, employee assistance programs, and crisis line services. In-person requirements remain highest for residential treatment, corrections-based programs, and roles serving clients who need on-site crisis stabilization.
How do you become a behavioral health counselor?
You become a behavioral health counselor by earning a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related clinical field, then accumulating supervised clinical hours under a fully licensed professional. Once you meet your state's hour requirements, you sit for the applicable licensure exam. Requirements differ by state, so confirm your state licensing board's specific thresholds for supervised hours and exam eligibility before you begin.
Can you get hired as a behavioral health counselor with little experience?
Yes, many employers hire candidates at the associate or intern licensure level and provide the supervised hours needed for full licensure. Community mental health centers and publicly funded programs are most likely to hire new graduates because they often receive funding tied to training pipelines. Emphasize any practicum placements, fieldwork populations, and clinical modalities from your graduate program, since direct client contact hours signal readiness even without post-degree experience.
What does the behavioral health counselor interview process look like?
Most behavioral health counselor interviews include an initial phone or video screen focused on licensure status and population experience, followed by a panel interview with clinical supervisors or a multidisciplinary team. You'll typically be asked to walk through a case conceptualization, describe your theoretical orientation, and explain how you handle crisis situations. Some employers add a documentation review or a written clinical scenario before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search roles by location, setting, or specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits your licensure level and clinical background.
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