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Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Counselor information

See Madison, WI salary details

$30.2K

$57.9K

$83.6K

How much do behavioral health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health counselor in Madison, WI is $57,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $67,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Counselor jobs in Madison, WI?

For Behavioral Health Counselor jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Behavioral Health Counselor jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Behavioral Health Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Counselor job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,863 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Consultant

Access Community Health Centers, Inc.

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Identify, triage, and manage patients with medical and behavioral health problems within the primary care setting.

  • Provide skill training through psychoeducation and patient education strategies.

  • Develop behavioral change plans for patients and behavioral health protocols for target populations.


Job description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer or Director of Behavioral Health, the Behavioral Health Consultant is responsible for patient care and a variety of administrative tasks. The Behavioral Health Consultant, as part of the primary care treatment team, identifies, triages, and manages patients with medical and behavioral health problems within the primary care setting. In addition, the Behavioral Health Consultant will provide skill training through psychoeducation and patient education strategies and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients and behavioral health protocols for target populations. 



Madison, Wisconsin, consistently ranks as a top place to live because of its exceptional blend of natural beauty, robust economy, and vibrant college-town energy. Nestled on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, it offers a strong sense of community, short commute times, and safe neighborhoods, all while maintaining the cultural and entertainment amenities of a much larger city.


Desired candidate would have the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology or Clinical Psychology OR Master’s Degree in Social Work (LCSW) OR Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Professional Counseling (LPC) OR Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT)
  • Current Wisconsin licensure as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker OR Licensed Professional Counselor OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior work experience as a Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker, or Counselor in a medical setting
  • Fluency in English and Spanish


Compensation and Benefits: 

Our total compensation package includes competitive wages, plus a full range of attractive benefits for regular full and part time staff working a minimum of 20 hours per week and includes:


Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long and short-term disability insurance
401(k) retirement plan (100% vested with employer match)

Paid time off program – 208 hours given upfront for vacation, personal and sick time
Up to 9 paid holidays

Relocation assistance

Continuing education
Flexible spending plans

Transportation program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health savings account


Other:

Access is an eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Access is a NHSC approved site for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program


Support our mission: 

Improving health. Improving lives.


COVID-19 Vaccine:

Proof that you are fully vaccinated is a condition of employment. Access Community Health Centers will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who cannot be vaccinated because of a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs when doing so does not compromise the safety of others or impose an undue hardship on our organization.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status