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Behavioral Intake Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Universal Hospital Services Inc.

$85 - $115/hr

Responsibilities Intake Counselor Del Amo Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals looking for hope and healing from emotional ...

New

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$35.99 - $53.99/hr

Responsibilities Intake Counselor Del Amo Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS ,offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals looking for hope and healing from emotional ...

Spectrum Health Systems

Intake Counselor

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$24.04 - $25/hr

Meeting with participant's primary Counselor to review intake and initial treatment plan ... Addressing program participant issues, concerns, and inappropriate behaviors promptly and in ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Philadelphia, PA

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Intake Counselor/Intake Clinician under the supervision of the Director of Admissions ...

Akua Behavioral Health Inc

Be Seen First

Telehealth Intake Counselor

Newport Beach, CA · Remote

$28/hr

Position: Telehealth Intake Counselor Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $28 per ... Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center.

New

UHS

FT Intake Counselor

Denton, TX · On-site

Responsibilities University Behavioral Health of Denton is a private freestanding psychiatric ... The Intake Counselor is the initial contact with referral sources and potential patients ...

UHS

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

Madera, CA · On-site

River Vista Behavioral Health is currently seeking a dynamic Intake Counselor. The Intake Counselor, under the supervision of the Director of Admissions, interviews and assesses potential patients ...

UHS

Residential Intake Counselor

Savannah, GA · On-site

The Intake Counselor ensures that treatment and clinical service recommendations are based upon ... Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory ...

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Behavioral Intake Counselor information

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$30K

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$83K

How much do behavioral intake counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral intake 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 intake counselor?

Behavioral Intake Counselors are professionals who conduct initial assessments of individuals seeking mental health or behavioral health services. They gather information about a client's mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment needs to determine the most appropriate care or referrals. These counselors often act as the first point of contact in mental health facilities, helping to ensure clients receive timely and suitable support. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations and typically collaborate with other mental health professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral intake counselor?

To thrive as a Behavioral Intake Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, experience in mental health assessment, and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), mental health screening tools, and intake documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and emotional resilience help build trust and manage sensitive situations with clients. These competencies ensure accurate client assessments, effective care coordination, and a supportive intake experience for individuals seeking behavioral health services.

What are some of the main challenges behavioral intake counselors face during client assessments, and how can these be managed?

Behavioral Intake Counselors often encounter challenges such as clients being hesitant to share sensitive information, presenting in crisis, or having complex mental health needs. Managing these situations requires strong active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to establish trust quickly. Counselors also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate triage and referral, utilizing standardized assessment tools to guide their decisions. Continuous training and supervision can help counselors navigate these challenges effectively and ensure the best outcomes for clients.

What is the difference between Behavioral Intake Counselor vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectBehavioral Intake CounselorMental Health Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; some roles may need certificationRequires a master's degree in counseling or related field; licensure often needed
Work EnvironmentIntake settings, hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health agencies, substance abuse centersHealthcare organizations, private practices, mental health clinics
Primary FocusInitial assessment, client intake, referral coordinationOngoing therapy, treatment planning, mental health support

Behavioral Intake Counselors primarily handle client intake and assessments, serving as the first point of contact. Mental Health Counselors provide ongoing therapy and mental health support. While both roles require knowledge of mental health, the intake counselor focuses on initial evaluation, whereas the mental health counselor offers continuous treatment.

More about Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Intake Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs are:

Behavioral Intake Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Intake Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,425 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Juvenile Intake Counselor

Kansas Children's Service League

Topeka, KS • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Kansas Children's Service League is looking to hire a full-time Juvenile Intake Counselor in Topeka, KS. This position earns a wage of up to $18.50 per hour.  This position works a schedule of Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., with Sunday shifts from 3:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m and includes additional monthly on‑call responsibilities. 


About Kansas Children’s Service League

Stronger families start at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). Founded in 1893, KCSL is a statewide, nonprofit agency that serves thousands of Kansas children and families each year. KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children. Our programs work with children and families in the areas of health, safety and education to succeed and break cycles of neglect, abuse and trauma. We help both children and parents develop skills for success in their families, schools and workplaces. KCSL is also the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and Circle of Parents.

As a team member of Kansas Children's Service League, you’ll enjoy the following benefit offerings and more based on selected cafeteria options and employment class:

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance 
  • Pet Insurance 
  • Critical Illness & Accident Insurance 
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(K) & matching offerings
  • Family Friendly Paid Wellness Leave
  • Paid Vacation & Wellness Time
  • Paid Holidays 
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Earned Wage Access

For more details on our benefits, please visit our KCSL Career site. 


EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

At Kansas Children’s Service League, we protect and promote the well-being of children. In doing so, every employee is responsible for supporting the agency’s mission, vision, and values. This includes actively and regularly demonstrating high-quality customer service, accountability in all aspects of your position, and respecting the differences in our staff, customers, and communities. Expected behaviors and qualities include professionalism and competence, active collaboration, effective communication, initiative and innovation, respect, and goal achievement. Employees are to be able, at any time, to provide basic information about the breadth of customer opportunities available through KCSL and to help customers make connections within the organization. KCSL is an equal opportunity employer.  


JOB SUMMARY

Juvenile Intake Counselors provide a need assessment, immediate intervention, mediation, crisis and situational counseling for each youth. This assessment determines the need of each youth and their immediate safety issues.  Intake Counselors determine if a youth needs to be detained and follows the guidelines as per statue. 

 This Juvenile Intake Counselor position works in conjunction with the youth and their family to formulate a plan of action that will allow the youth to build on their strengths and make changes in any problem areas in order to succeed in their goals of avoiding any future contact with the legal system. 

One of the main goals of Intake is to return youth to their parents with referrals to services for their specific issues.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Complete the Intake process and meet with those directly involved with the youth (law enforcement, other agencies and entities, etc.)
  • Complete the JJIAMS to gather demographic information, family history, criminal history, abuse and CINC history and other necessary areas of information. The Intake Counselors administer the MAYSI 2 Questionnaire.
  • Work to divert youth from out-of-home placement and explore all options for services. 
  • Complete the necessary data entry and paperwork. 
  • Provide detailed reports for each intake completed. The report is utilized by many entities to provide an accurate and detailed report in regard to each youth’s life and particular incident. 
  • Transport children in Police Protective Custody to placement


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent 
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must live within a 30-minute response time from Topeka JIAC.
  • One year of work experience with youth population 

Preferred

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Apply