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Behavioral Intake Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a ... The Admissions Counselor provides telephonic and in person risk assessment and crisis intervention ...

Admissions Counselor - River Place Behavioral Health River Place Behavioral Health is located in LaPlace, Louisiana, just 20 miles west of New Orleans and 40 miles east of Baton Rouge. Our ...

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Behavioral Intake Counselor information

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$30K

$57.4K

$83K

How much do behavioral intake counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Intake Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,425 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

UHS

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

490th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities
Located on a 27-acre wooded campus, Fairmount Behavioral Health System is a peaceful, therapeutic environment for patients and families. Fairmount is a major regional resource for children, adolescents and adults who have psychiatric and behavioral problems as well as alcohol and drug dependency needs. The spacious campus borders Fairmount Park in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. With one of the leading alcohol and drug detox and rehab programs in Philadelphia, Fairmount is the provider of choice for individuals requiring specialized co-occurring psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment. We are currently seeking a full-time Admissions Counselor to join our team.
The Admissions Counselor provides telephonic and in person risk assessment and crisis intervention, initial contact with referral sources and potential patients, coordinates the referral and intake process, completes all required computer data entry, determines appropriate level of care, facilitates the admission process, and maintains communication with referral sources, families, patients and unit staff. The Admissions Counselor also assists the Physician by providing face to face clinical assessments, including the history of presenting illness, family dynamics and supporting psychosocial information. The Admissions Counselor maintains responsibility for phone management and completion of the admission process by effectively communicating cases to the Shift Lead. Core functions include:
  • Must be a team player who is willing to assist the team when necessary
  • Attention to detail when managing patient information, ensuring that all admission paperwork and required financial forms are completed thoroughly and accurately
  • Professional telephonic and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to access patient safety via telephone and in-person and provide necessary support when needed
  • Ability to de-escalate patients and support teams during codes in Admissions
  • Verifies patient insurance benefits verbally and documents insurance verification form.
  • Be able to efficiently navigate EMR system and various platforms used during the admissions process
  • Exposure to psychiatric patients who may exhibit violent/aggressive behavior.
  • Must be willing and able to work with adolescents and adults.
  • Knowledge of age specific growth and development
  • Knowledge of addiction issues.
  • Knowledge of limit setting and behavior management, crisis management
  • Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to plan, direct, and monitor others activities with demonstrated leadership abilities that contribute to a positive work environment.
Qualifications
Visit us online at: https://fairmountbhs.com/
This opportunity offers the following:
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
  • Tuition Assistance
Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected health care management companies operating through its subsidiary acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and ambulatory centers nationwide. Founded in 1978, UHS subsidiaries now have more than 90,000 employees. The UHS business strategy is to build or purchase health care properties in rapidly growing markets and create a strong franchise based on exceptional service and effective cost control. Our success comes from a responsive management style and a service philosophy based on integrity, competence, and compassion.
  • Education - master's degree in counseling, Psychology or Human Services field, licensed RN or master's in social work.
  • 1-3 years prior intake, assessment, admission, and crisis intervention experience with a psychiatric mental health population, preferably in an inpatient setting.
EEO Statement
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.
Notice
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skillset and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, let us know by contacting us at: https://uhs.alertline.com or 1-800-852-3449.

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US