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Chat Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Netcare Access

988 Chat Clinician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Crisis Assessment Counselor Responsible for providing crisis assessment and counseling via text/chat interactions, as it relates to mental health and/or alcohol and other drug crisis intervention.

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Chat Counselor information

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$22

How much do chat counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for chat counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chat counselor?

Chat Counselors are trained professionals who provide emotional support, guidance, and crisis intervention through online chat platforms. They help individuals cope with personal issues, mental health concerns, or stressful situations by offering a safe and confidential space to communicate. Chat Counselors are skilled in active listening and empathy, and they may work for helplines, mental health organizations, or support services. Their main goal is to assist users in finding resources, coping strategies, and a sense of relief during difficult times.

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

To thrive as a Chat Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, strong written communication skills, and familiarity with crisis intervention techniques. Proficiency with chat platforms, client management systems, and sometimes certifications in mental health first aid or counseling are commonly required. Emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, and the ability to build rapport online are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important for providing effective, timely support to clients in distress and ensuring their safety and well-being.

What are some common challenges a chat counselor might face when providing support online?

Chat Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing multiple conversations simultaneously, interpreting clients' emotions without visual cues, and maintaining professional boundaries in a digital environment. They must also be adept at quickly building rapport through written communication and staying calm under pressure when dealing with crises. Successful Chat Counselors use strong active listening skills and digital empathy to effectively support clients while adhering to confidentiality and organizational guidelines.
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What states have the most Chat Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chat Counselor jobs include:

Chat Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chat Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Text and Chat Counselor (Full-Time) (11786)

Baltimore Crisis Response, INC

Baltimore, MD • Remote

$22 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Text and Chat Counselor 
Remote
 $22.00-$25.50 Hourly     
Full-Time | Shifts: 7:00AM-3:00PM, 3:00pm-11:00pm, 11:00PM-7:00AM | Monday- Friday

Being the Leader Communities Need in Moments of Crisis.

About Us

CarePoint Response is a nationally recognized nonprofit and Baltimore’s only comprehensive crisis response system. Since 1992, we’ve been at the forefront of behavioral health crisis care — providing timely, community-based services for individuals and families experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a 988 Text and Chat Crisis Counselor to join CarePoint Response as part of our expanding crisis services team. In this role, you’ll be the first line of support for individuals reaching out through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline digital platforms — offering calm, compassionate, and life-saving care through text and chat.

You’ll connect with people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises — providing immediate support, conducting risk assessments, and helping individuals find safety and hope in difficult moments. Using empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed techniques, you’ll guide each conversation with care and professionalism.

What You’ll Do

  • Respond promptly to incoming text and chat messages through the 988 Lifeline platform
  • Engage with users using active listening, empathy, and evidence-based crisis intervention techniques.
  • Conduct suicide risk assessments and escalate high-risk situations to supervisors or emergency services as needed.
  • Maintain professional boundaries, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care practices at all times.
  • Provide appropriate referrals to local mental health services, shelter, substance use treatment, or other resources.
  • Document all interactions accurately and promptly in electronic records per agency and legal requirements.
  • Participate in regular supervision, debriefings, and training sessions.
  • Uphold confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and 988 Lifeline standards.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or bachelor’s in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred). 

Experience

  • Strong typing, written communication, and crisis de-escalation skills.
  •  Comfort working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+, youth, people in active mental health or substance-related crisis.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills are preferred.

Work Environment & Equipment

  • Remote position with required internet connectivity and private, quiet workspace
  • Equipment provided (laptop, headset)
  • Must adhere to all HIPAA and confidentiality requirements

Why Join CarePoint Response 
 Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
 403(b) Retirement Plan
 Generous PTO – Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holidays.
 Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Support.
 Be part of an innovative, impact-driven team shaping the future of crisis care.

Make a Difference. Lead with Compassion.
This is more than a leadership role — it’s a chance to help individuals and families find stability in their most vulnerable moments.

 Apply today and become a guiding force for change.

Apply