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How much do behavioral health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health counselor in the United States is $57,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Behavioral Health Counselor?

A Behavioral Health Counselor is a licensed mental health professional who helps individuals manage emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. They use evidence-based techniques such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other interventions to support clients in improving their well-being. Behavioral Health Counselors work with people experiencing issues like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and stress, and they may practice in settings such as hospitals, community centers, or private practices. Their goal is to empower clients to develop coping skills and make positive changes in their lives.

What Is a Behavioral Health Counselor?

As a behavioral health counselor, you help clients to overcome behavioral issues and improve their quality of life. Your job duties include assessing new patients, creating a treatment plan, and monitoring progress. You may offer a range of mental health therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy or positive self-talk, to help your clients change harmful behaviors and negative thought patterns. You may also work in conjunction with a clinical doctor to prescribe medications such as antidepressants or focus aids for regulating the brain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Counselor, you need a solid understanding of psychological theories, counseling techniques, and typically hold a relevant degree with state licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), standardized assessment tools, and crisis intervention systems is often required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, facilitating positive behavioral change, and ensuring client safety in sensitive mental health environments.

Who gets paid more, LCSW or LMHC?

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) generally earn higher salaries than Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) due to their broader scope of practice, additional licensing requirements, and ability to provide a wider range of services. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, but LCSWs tend to have higher earning potential in the behavioral health field.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries due to advanced education, licensing, and their roles in diagnosis and treatment. Behavioral health counselors generally have lower median incomes, but earning potential increases with specialization, experience, and additional certifications such as licensed professional counselor (LPC) or clinical supervisor roles.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Health Counselors face when working with diverse client populations?

Behavioral Health Counselors often encounter challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and varying attitudes toward mental health when working with diverse client populations. Adapting therapeutic approaches to respect cultural values and beliefs while maintaining effective treatment can be complex. Counselors must also stay informed about community resources and engage in ongoing cultural competency training to provide the best support for all clients. Building trust and rapport in these contexts requires patience, empathy, and strong communication skills.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health often include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, especially those with specialized certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically involve leadership, advanced clinical skills, and often require a master's or doctoral degree, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually in many cases.

What degree do you need to be a behavioral counselor?

To become a behavioral health counselor, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field is typically required. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with relevant licensure or certification depending on the state or employer.
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Behavioral Health Counselor jobs near you
Behavioral Health Counselor

Behavioral Health Counselor

Sanford Health

Dickinson, ND • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 523 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 872 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36

Compensation:

Salary Range: $26.00 - $41.50

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Summary

The Behavioral Health Counselor requires a broad, yet solid, understanding of human behavior and theories of counseling. May work with a wide range of patient populations and presenting issues, requiring a foundation in a variety of treatment modalities. This role is a team-based role where responsibility for patient well-being is diffused among the treatment team and the overall responsibility lies with a clinical supervisor or admitting provider.

Job Description

The Behavioral Health Counselor assesses patient needs, may diagnose disorders, develops treatment plans, and implements treatment interventions specific to patient needs. Continually assesses patient's progress and revises treatment plans and interventions accordingly. Documents treatment sessions. Provides patient progress updates to interdisciplinary team, as needed. May educate patient support members about patient issues and interventions. May refer for additional clinical services or to specialists, as needed. Must stay current on emerging issues in the profession.


In a clinic setting (other than primary care), the Behavioral Health Counselor conducts scheduled face-to-face counseling sessions designed to assess and improve patient's emotional, mental, and behavioral health.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related Behavioral Health Sciences required; graduation from an accredited school preferred.
License must be in good standing in state(s) of practice.
In North Dakota, must have one of the following:
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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