Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs
New grad mental health counselor jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a practicum placement can carry more weight than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Non-Profit & Social Services, with employers like LifeStance Health, Riverside Community Care, and New York State Office of Mental Health hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 30+ Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs
INTRODUCTION
Mental Health Counselor - Group Living Environment
At Riverside Community Care, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling, self-directed life in the community.
Join our dedicated team and make a lasting difference as a Mental Health Counselor in one of our Group Living Environments (GLE's) — safe, comfortable homes where adults can build confidence, skills, and independence with the right support.
This is your chance to become part of our Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program — a respected, innovative model of care that empowers adults on their path to recovery.
As a Mental Health Counselor, you will bring compassion, creativity, and a strong sense of collaboration to an environment that honors each person’s strengths and potential while you:
- Partner with residents to reach personal goals by offering guidance, education, and daily living support.
- Help individuals strengthen their physical and emotional wellness while developing essential life skills.
- Encourage self-advocacy, connection, and community involvement through meaningful interactions and supportive coaching.
- Collaborate with a committed team that values mutual learning, respect, and growth.
- Create an environment where people feel safe, heard, and inspired to envision new possibilities for their futures.
At Riverside, we know that when people feel supported — both those we serve and those who serve — amazing things happen. Join a team that values your voice, nurtures your growth, and shares your passion for empowering others to live full and independent lives.
SCHEDULE
Full-Time 40 hours/week
- Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Monday: 7 am - 3 pm
- Tuesday: 2 pm - 10 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday: 7 am - 3 pm
PAY RATE
$21.37/hour
WHY YOU'LL LOVE RIVERSIDE
We make a true difference in people’s lives through rewarding work. Most of our jobs come with great benefits – including healthcare, numerous professional development opportunities, and generous time off - all in a respectful and inclusive environment, perhaps why Riverside was named a Boston Globe Top Workplace and a best-in-state employer by Forbes.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Comprehensive, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options
- Flexible Spending Accounts – both medical and dependent care
- Twelve paid holidays
- Separate accruals for vacation (increases with tenure), personal, and sick time
- Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Employee Assistance Plan / Travel Assistance Plan
- Employee bonus for referrals resulting in hiring
- Discounts to movie theaters, sporting, and entertainment events
- Employee YMCA discount: 10% off a YMCA monthly membership and 50% off the joiner’s fee
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in the English language) required
- Ability to work evening and weekend hours required. Must have valid driver's license and available, dependable transportation and be willing to provide transportation to persons served in personal vehicle, as needed
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree preferred. High School diploma and one year related experience required
- Experience working with recovery model, dual diagnosis, and/or addictions a plus
Riverside Community Care is dedicated to respect, integrity and engagement of all individuals. We are committed to building an inclusive and culturally competent organization and we value the richness of having a diverse applicant pool. As an employer committed to equal opportunity, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic as established by law.
INTRODUCTION
Mental Health Counselor - Group Living Environment
At Riverside Community Care, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling, self-directed life in the community.
Join our dedicated team and make a lasting difference as a Mental Health Counselor in one of our Group Living Environments (GLE's) — safe, comfortable homes where adults can build confidence, skills, and independence with the right support.
This is your chance to become part of our Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program — a respected, innovative model of care that empowers adults on their path to recovery.
As a Mental Health Counselor, you will bring compassion, creativity, and a strong sense of collaboration to an environment that honors each person’s strengths and potential while you:
- Partner with residents to reach personal goals by offering guidance, education, and daily living support.
- Help individuals strengthen their physical and emotional wellness while developing essential life skills.
- Encourage self-advocacy, connection, and community involvement through meaningful interactions and supportive coaching.
- Collaborate with a committed team that values mutual learning, respect, and growth.
- Create an environment where people feel safe, heard, and inspired to envision new possibilities for their futures.
At Riverside, we know that when people feel supported — both those we serve and those who serve — amazing things happen. Join a team that values your voice, nurtures your growth, and shares your passion for empowering others to live full and independent lives.
SCHEDULE
Full-Time 40 hours/week
- Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Monday: 7 am - 3 pm
- Tuesday: 2 pm - 10 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday: 7 am - 3 pm
PAY RATE
$21.37/hour
WHY YOU'LL LOVE RIVERSIDE
We make a true difference in people’s lives through rewarding work. Most of our jobs come with great benefits – including healthcare, numerous professional development opportunities, and generous time off - all in a respectful and inclusive environment, perhaps why Riverside was named a Boston Globe Top Workplace and a best-in-state employer by Forbes.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Comprehensive, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options
- Flexible Spending Accounts – both medical and dependent care
- Twelve paid holidays
- Separate accruals for vacation (increases with tenure), personal, and sick time
- Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Employee Assistance Plan / Travel Assistance Plan
- Employee bonus for referrals resulting in hiring
- Discounts to movie theaters, sporting, and entertainment events
- Employee YMCA discount: 10% off a YMCA monthly membership and 50% off the joiner’s fee
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in the English language) required
- Ability to work evening and weekend hours required. Must have valid driver's license and available, dependable transportation and be willing to provide transportation to persons served in personal vehicle, as needed
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree preferred. High School diploma and one year related experience required
- Experience working with recovery model, dual diagnosis, and/or addictions a plus
Riverside Community Care is dedicated to respect, integrity and engagement of all individuals. We are committed to building an inclusive and culturally competent organization and we value the richness of having a diverse applicant pool. As an employer committed to equal opportunity, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic as established by law.
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Find JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- LifeStance Health11
- Riverside Community Care4
- New York State Office of Mental Health2
- UPMC1
- Teksky1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services22
- Education5
- Non-Profit & Social Services3
- Technology & Software2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level mental health counselor job?
Start by highlighting supervised clinical hours, practicum placements, and internship experience on your resume, since employers at this level prioritize hands-on client work over years on the job. A relevant licensure track (such as working toward an LPC, LMHC, or LCSW credential) signals commitment. Tailoring your application to the population a clinic or program serves, whether children, adults, or crisis clients, gives you a clear edge.
Which companies hire entry level mental health counselors?
Companies hiring entry level mental health counselors right now include LifeStance Health, Riverside Community Care, and New York State Office of Mental Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. At this level, community mental health centers, behavioral health nonprofits, hospital systems, and outpatient clinics tend to be the most active employers, as they often have structured supervision programs that support pre-licensed candidates.
Are there remote entry level mental health counselor jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles are on-site or hybrid given supervision requirements for pre-licensed counselors. About 28% of entry level mental health counselor openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and these tend to appear at telehealth platforms and larger behavioral health organizations that have built out virtual supervision infrastructure.
Are these new grad mental health counselor jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior mental health counselor roles. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts practicum or internship hours toward the requirement, or accepts a portfolio of supervised clinical work in place of post-graduation employment. Look for language like "will train" or "pre-licensed candidates welcome" as clear signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level mental health counselors?
Entry Level mental health counselor roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Non-Profit & Social Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because they operate under funding models, such as Medicaid reimbursement and grant-based programs, that support bringing on pre-licensed staff and providing the supervision hours required for full licensure.