1

Counseling Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor/Counselor Trainee

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview Counselor/Counselor Trainee will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts ...

Substance Use Counselor/Counselor Trainee

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview Counselor Trainee will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Counseling Trainee information

See salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do counseling trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for counseling trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counseling trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counseling Trainee, you need a foundational education in psychology or counseling, often working toward or holding a relevant degree and supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with counseling theories, assessment tools, and case management systems is commonly expected. Strong active listening, empathy, and ethical judgment help trainees build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective support and fostering personal growth in a supervised learning environment.

What is the difference between Counseling Trainee vs Counseling Intern?

AspectCounseling TraineeCounseling Intern
Required CredentialsUsually pursuing a master's in counseling or related fieldTypically enrolled in a graduate counseling program
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, mental health clinics, schoolsInternship placements, supervised counseling settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by mental health agencies, schools, private practicesCommonly used in educational institutions and clinics

Both Counseling Trainees and Counseling Interns are in supervised training roles during their education. The main difference lies in terminology used by different programs or institutions, but both involve gaining practical experience under supervision to prepare for licensure.

What is a counseling trainee?

Counseling Trainees are individuals who are in the process of completing the education and supervised experience required to become licensed professional counselors. They typically work under the supervision of licensed counselors or therapists while gaining practical experience in providing counseling services to clients. Their responsibilities often include conducting client assessments, participating in counseling sessions, and learning ethical and professional standards. Counseling trainees play a crucial role in their own professional development and in supporting clients under supervision. This training period is an essential step toward full licensure as a counselor.

What types of supervision and support can a counseling trainee expect during their training period?

As a Counseling Trainee, you will typically receive regular supervision from a licensed counselor or therapist, often in both individual and group formats. Supervision sessions are designed to provide feedback on your client interactions, support your professional development, and ensure that ethical and best practices are followed. In addition, many organizations offer peer support groups and structured training workshops, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This supportive structure is crucial for building your confidence and competence as you transition into a fully licensed counseling role.

How to become a counseling trainee?

To become a counseling trainee, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs require enrollment in or completion of a relevant bachelor's degree such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and pursuing supervised training or certification are also common steps in preparing for a counseling trainee role.
What cities are hiring for Counseling Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Counseling Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Counseling Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Counseling Trainee jobs include:

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you interested in working in a fast-paced, challenging behavioral healthcare organization? Are you interested in a position that is rewarding and makes a difference in the lives of others? Do you like to be challenged and work in a setting that allows you to grow? Then Alvarado Parkway Institute wants to hear from you!


Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) is a free-standing psychiatric hospital in La Mesa, California with three Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization Programs. Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) provides comprehensive adult inpatient behavioral health and addictive disorders services in a 66-bed hospital setting located in La Mesa, California. At Alvarado Parkway Institute, we are committed to improving the mental health and well-being of our community. Alvarado Parkway Institute in La Mesa is San Diego County's leading provider of comprehensive mental health and substance abuse care. API offers a variety of Outpatient Services designed to assist patients in functioning at the highest level. API provides Partial Hospitalization services and Intensive Outpatient services. These programs emphasize symptom management, community integration, and prevention of hospitalization or re-hospitalization. Value-added services enhance the patient's treatment experience.


As a Counseling Trainee you will provide direct services to patients that are hospitalized due to currently experiencing acute mental health symptoms.  These services include group and individual therapy, danger to self or to other assessments, addictive disorders assessments and developing behavior plans for patients engaging in harmful or self-destructive behaviors. Counseling Trainee will be provided with individual supervision, didactic training, and group supervision weekly. 

Requirements

Requirements:

  • Must have an undergraduate degree. 
  • Must be enrolled in a graduate degree program that is either a MA in Counseling, Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy.  
  • Must be enrolled in a practicum class at the same time you are accruing trainee hours for graduation.  
  • It is a 12-month commitment 
  • Required to be present 20 hours a week.  

Conditions of Employment

In compliance with API's policies and guidelines, all API employees are required to adhere to the following:

Background/Reference Check & Licensures/Certifications

  • Completion of a satisfactory background and reference checks.
  • Employee signed employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement
  • Individuals whose position may require licensure, registration or certification must maintain such as current and valid. It is the employee's responsibility to send updated copies to Human Resources before the expiration date. It is the employee's responsibility to notify Human Resources of any changes or proposed changes in status to licensure, registration, or certification. Failure to do so could result in employee suspension.
  • CPR certification if applicable to position

Flu Vaccinations; Medical

  • Annual Flu vaccination is required as a condition of hire and ongoing employment. Only those who are allergic to the vaccine or meet contraindications as indicated on the current CDC Vaccine Information Statement shall be exempt from this condition of hire and ongoing employment but are required to wear a mask while inside an APIU owned or operated building or vehicle during influenza season, Employees must provide physician documentation to support any reported allergy or contraindication. Flu season typically runs between November and March.
  • Pass drug and alcohol test
  • Clear TB skin test or Chest X-Ray at a Concentra Occupational Health Clinic
  • Complete a satisfactory physical examination at a Concentra Occupational Health Clinic designed solely to determine your ability to perform the duties of the position being offered.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Article 2.5 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act [11164 - 11174.3] as a condition of employment.



EEO Statement

API provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.