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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 7, 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 Therapist - Primary Care

UW Health

Madison, WI • On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


UW Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Work Schedule:
100% FTE, days. Shifts are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You will work at 20 S. Park St in Madison, WI.

Pay:

  • This position may be eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus.

Be part of something remarkable

Working as an independent health care provider, you'll play an integral role in our care teams by providing high-quality, cost-effective care to patients while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team. This position is part of the Collaborative Care workstream in Primary Care.

We are seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist to:

  • Collaborate with other medical professionals in a fast-paced environment.
  • Work as a team with the primary care staff and team psychiatrist helping deliver brief interventions for pediatric patients in Primary Care.
  • Provide short, but intense follow-up.
  • Use outcome-based models to track patient improvement.

At UW Health, you will have:

  • An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
  • Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
  • Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
  • Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
  • The opportunity to earn a referral bonus for referring friends, former colleagues or others to apply for open, posted positions.

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or other behavioral health related field Required

Work Experience

  • 2 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment for a variety of behavioral health diagnoses for children, adolescents, or adults Required
  • 5 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment for a variety of behavioral health diagnoses for children, adolescents, or adults Preferred

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker Upon Hire Required or
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Upon Hire Required or
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Upon Hire Required and
  • Basic Life Support/CPR within 6 months Required and
  • Substance Abuse Counselor Upon Hire Preferred or
  • Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor Upon Hire Preferred

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 90 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

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UW Medical Foundation benefits


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About UW Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US