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Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Counselor -MS Location: Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN Shift: Full-Time, Days -- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Onsite) Position Overview: The Counselor provides ...

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Behavioral Health Counselor information

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$28.5K

$54.6K

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How much do behavioral health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health counselor in Indiana is $54,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $63,300.00 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?

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.

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 cities in Indiana are hiring for Behavioral Health Counselor jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Behavioral Health Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Counselor job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,643 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Behavioral Health Counselor MS

IU Health

Muncie, IN • On-site

$52 - $72/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Indiana University Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Position Title: Behavioral Health Counselor –MS

Location: Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN

Shift: Full-Time, Days — Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Onsite)

Position Overview: The Counselor provides outpatient behavioral health services, including individual, family, and group counseling. This role involves facilitating patient involvement in treatment, conducting psychosocial assessments, and supporting emotional, social, and physical well-being. The Counselor also serves as a point person for cases involving abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and protective services, coordinating with community agencies as needed. The position emphasizes delivering evidence-based practices, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Facilitate patient participation in treatment and educational activities.
  • Conduct psychosocial assessments and provide therapeutic interventions for patients and families.
  • Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral and support crisis intervention efforts.
  • Assist with discharge planning, ensuring appropriate follow-up and resource connection.
  • Serve as a liaison for cases involving child and adult abuse, neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence, coordinating with protective services.
  • Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and support daily activities and programming.
  • Document clinical activities accurately in electronic medical records.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and other stakeholders.
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
  • 0–3 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience.
  • License-eligible in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or LCAC; must have a minimum of a permanent LSW, LMHC-A, or LMFT-A upon hire.
  • Certification in crisis intervention may be required; BLS certification may also be required.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT), crisis de-escalation, and legal mandates for protective services.
  • Understanding of the impact of disease processes and human behavior in psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention.
  • Knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan.
  • Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct on daily activities.
  • Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Strong relationship-building skills with community, healthcare, law enforcement, and social service agencies.
Benefits

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits

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