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Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$26.38/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Department: Adult Psychiatry High Acuity Schedule: Day ... Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit Schedule: Night shift | Full-time | 7:00 pm - 7:30 am Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour How you'll make an ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Department: Eating Disorder PHP Schedule: Day shift | Full-time Salary: $27.69 - $40.50 per hour How you'll make an impact in this role * Administer group ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Adult Psychiatry Unit - High Acuity Schedule: Night shift | Part-time | 7:00 pm - 7:30 am Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour How you'll ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Department: Adult Psychiatry High Acuity Schedule: Day shift | Full-time | 7:00 am - 7:30 pm Salary range: $27.69 - $40.50 per hour How you'll make an ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit Schedule: Night shift | Full-time | 7:00 pm - 7:30 am Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour How you'll make an ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Department: Adult Psychiatry Low Acuity Schedule: Day shift | Part-time | 7:00 am - 7:30 pm Salary range: $27.69 - $40.50 per hour How you'll make an ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit Schedule: Day shift | Part-time | 7:00 am - 7:30 pm Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour How you'll make an ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Counselor JobsBehavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Behavioral Health Counselor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$59.2K

$85.6K

How much do behavioral health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health counselor in Chicago, IL is $59,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,600.00 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.
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The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Behavioral Health Counselor job openings:

Behavioral Health Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,202 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Counselor

Ascension

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

$26.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,046 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Hoffman Estates, IL 

Facility: Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital

Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit

Schedule: Night shift | Full-time | 7:00 pm - 7:30 am 

Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour 


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
  • Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
  • Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
  • Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
  • Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
  • Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more


How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • Conduct patient assessments and establish therapy treatment goals.
  • Administer individual and group therapy.
  • Evaluate progress and effectiveness of therapy interventions.
  • Provide patient with information regarding resources and therapeutic activities in the community

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or Psychology required.

What additional preferences we're seeking
  • BH inpatient experience is highly preferred 

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US

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