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Counseling Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Counselor

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$45K/yr

Counseling Supervisor The Career Counselor position provides support for a U.S Department of Labor Job Corps contractor. The Job Corps program is a federally-funded residential training program. The ...

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Counseling information

See Michigan salary details

$31.4K

$52K

$69.3K

How much do counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for counseling in Michigan is $52,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a professional service where trained counselors help individuals, couples, or groups address personal, social, or psychological challenges. Counselors use various therapeutic techniques to support clients in understanding their feelings, improving coping skills, and making positive changes in their lives. Counseling sessions are confidential and can address issues such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, and more. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their concerns and work towards personal growth.

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

To thrive as a Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and therapeutic techniques such as CBT is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and effectively support clients. These abilities are vital for accurately assessing client needs, developing treatment plans, and fostering positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges counselors face when working with clients from diverse backgrounds?

Counselors often encounter challenges such as cultural misunderstandings, language barriers, and differing expectations about therapy when working with clients from diverse backgrounds. It's important to build cultural competence and remain open-minded to effectively address each client's unique perspectives and needs. Counselors typically receive ongoing training and supervision to support them in providing respectful and effective care, and they may collaborate with colleagues or community resources to ensure the best outcomes for their clients.

What is the difference between Counseling vs Social Work?

AspectCounselingSocial Work
Required CredentialsMaster's in Counseling or Psychology, state licensureBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, clinics, schools, mental health centersHospitals, community agencies, schools, social service organizations
Industry UsageFocuses on mental health, emotional well-being, and personal developmentAddresses social, economic, and environmental factors affecting clients

While both Counseling and Social Work professionals support individuals' well-being, Counseling primarily focuses on mental health and emotional issues, often in clinical settings. Social Work encompasses a broader scope, including social services and advocacy, addressing clients' social and environmental needs alongside mental health. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What careers are there in counseling?

Careers in counseling include roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, and career counselor. These positions typically require relevant degrees, licensure or certification, and strong interpersonal skills to support clients in various settings like clinics, schools, or private practice.

What skills are needed for counseling?

Counseling requires strong communication and active listening skills to understand clients' needs effectively. Empathy, emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and ethical judgment are essential, along with relevant certifications or licenses depending on the field. Additionally, patience and the ability to maintain confidentiality are important for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Counseling jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Counseling job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,024 per year, or $25 per hour.

Special Instructor - Counseling

Oakland University

Rochester, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Oakland University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Special Instructor - Counseling
Department
1770 - Counseling
Requisition No.
0000787
Job Description Summary
The Department of Counseling at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan is seeking applicants for a Special Instructor Faculty Position (Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling). The position is a full-time appointment with the possibility of summer teaching starting January 1, 2026. Special Instructor positions emphasize teaching and service activities. We will begin reviewing applications on October 1, 2025 and continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. The primary responsibilities of the position include:
Teach courses (4/4) at the masters and doctoral-levels:
• Teach across the CACREP curriculum including core and clinical courses
• Advise students
• Engage with curriculum planning and development
Service:
• Engage in service assignments at the Department, School, and University level
• Engage in program accreditation
• Engage in professional leadership within the counseling profession
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate in Counselor Education/Counseling (CACREP or CACREP equivalent); eligibility for a Michigan license as a professional counselor and/or school counselor; teaching experience. Demonstration of strong teaching and clinical experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong teaching record in core counseling courses. Strong communication skills.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2025, until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter/letter of intent, a statement of teaching, a curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts (unofficial), and contact information for three references. The teaching statement should include a description of teaching experiences with a list of graduate courses taught in a CACREP CACREP-accredited program at the MA (School and Mental Health) and/or doctoral levels.
School/College & Department/Program Summary
The Department of Counseling offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health ,School Counseling, and a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education. Both Master of Arts programs and the Doctoral program are CACREP-accredited. Our department has a long tradition of high-quality counselor education in the metro Detroit area. We have a dynamic on-site counseling center and strong relationships within mental health and school settings. Our faculty are active in research and local and national leadership.
Our primary mission in the Department of Counseling is to ensure that our graduates demonstrate the skills, abilities, and expertise required of a professional counselor in a diverse society. As a counseling faculty, we are committed to continued study of the most current issues related to the field of counseling. We are committed to a culture of research and inquiry. The faculty aims to provide an educational environment that nurtures rigor and a desire to learn and fosters collaborative relationships between faculty and students.
More About Oakland University
The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor's degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University's Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.
Pay Basis
Open Date
09/10/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Category
Full-time Faculty
EEO Statement
Oakland University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

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