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Counselor Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Bereavement Counselor - Hospice

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$38.22 - $57.34/hr

Act as counseling resource by providing crisis intervention/debriefings to community organizations as needed. Assist with the provision of initial and ongoing education for staff, volunteers, and the ...

Bereavement Counselor - Hospice

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$38.22 - $57.34/hr

Act as counseling resource by providing crisis intervention/debriefings to community organizations as needed. Assist with the provision of initial and ongoing education for staff, volunteers, and the ...

Bereavement Counselor - Hospice

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$38.22 - $57.34/hr

Act as counseling resource by providing crisis intervention/debriefings to community organizations as needed. Assist with the provision of initial and ongoing education for staff, volunteers, and the ...

Bereavement Counselor - Hospice

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$38.22 - $57.34/hr

Act as counseling resource by providing crisis intervention/debriefings to community organizations as needed. Assist with the provision of initial and ongoing education for staff, volunteers, and the ...

Youth Counselor

Sandy, OR · On-site

$15.05 - $17/hr

Arrive on the scheduled pre-camp arrival day. * Assist with set up and tear down procedures at the ... Work with your co-counselor(s) to determine a fair division of responsibilities within your house ...

Overview Patients receiving genetic counseling at Legacy look to experts in the field not just for advice, but also for compassionate, ethical communication that respects their dignity. If these are ...

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Counselor Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

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$14

$18

How much do counselor assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor assistant in Portland, OR is $14.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.00 and $17.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counselor assistant?

Counselor Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists in providing care to clients. Their duties often include administrative tasks, maintaining client records, assisting with group sessions, and helping clients with resources or information. They may work in schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, or social service agencies. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, they play a vital role in supporting the overall counseling process and ensuring clients receive the help they need.

What are some common challenges counselor assistants face when supporting clients in a therapeutic setting?

Counselor Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally charged situations, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting clients with diverse backgrounds and complex needs. They must balance empathy with objectivity while adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. Regular collaboration with licensed counselors and participation in team meetings can help address these challenges and support ongoing professional development.

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

To thrive as a Counselor Assistant, you typically need foundational knowledge of counseling practices, confidentiality protocols, and a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and scheduling tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help build rapport with clients and support the lead counselor effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure client trust, accurate record-keeping, and efficient support within counseling environments.

What is the difference between Counselor Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounselor AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, community centersHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, schools, outpatient clinicsHospitals, psychiatric units, residential treatment centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Counselor Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, often working in similar environments. Counselor Assistants typically focus on administrative support and client engagement, while Mental Health Technicians are more involved in direct patient care and monitoring. Understanding these differences can help job seekers identify roles that match their skills and career goals.

Do you need a degree to be a counselor assistant?

A counselor assistant typically does not need a college degree, but relevant experience, certifications, or training in mental health or social services can be beneficial. Requirements vary by employer and state regulations, with some positions emphasizing skills and experience over formal education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Counselor Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Counselor Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,035 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

$68K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Vista Counseling is seeking an experienced and compassionate addictions therapist to join our team of mental health professionals. The ideal candidate will be a licensed therapist with a proven track record of successfully helping couples overcome their challenges and strengthen their relationships.

Want to work for a locally-owned company? Vista Counseling is a successful and professionally run counseling private practice established in 2002. Vista has a proven track record of helping our clients, while also greatly improving the quality of life of our therapists. We are seeking mental health providers who demonstrate a heart for helping clients, with excellent counseling experience and skills. We offer a collaborative and professional environment for highly skilled therapists. Our goal is to help therapists focus on therapy, while we take care of the business side of a clinical practice.

We love what we do and it shows!

Compensation:

  • Pre-Licensed : $53,164.80 - $88,608.00
  • Licensed Masters: $56,160.00 - $106,080
  • Licensed Doctoral Level: $68,796.00 - $127,140

Pay range varies depending on sessions per week (18-30 sessions, based on therapist preference) and years of licensed experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • Medical benefits (including vision) for full time staff
  • Paid time off and paid sick leave
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Opportunities for group free or discounted CE trainings
  • All employment taxes processed by Vista
  • Workers Comp & State Unemployment insurance provided
  • Monthly automatic bank deposits based on all sessions provided during the previous month-(no need to wait for protracted insurance reimbursement)
  • Freedom to choose desired amount of time-off
  • Full-service insurance professional credentialing provided
  • Full-service insurance billing department provided
  • Full-time scheduling department coordinates all Intake appointments
  • Dedicated clinical support and group consultations
  • Thriving and connected professional team with year-round social events, monthly catered lunches, and professional growth opportunities

Vista Counseling is committed to addressing cultural issues around implicit bias, racism, for communities of color and diverse backgrounds. We approach this with a culture of humility, as well as an understanding that we are responsible for our own learning. We believe that this learning is lifelong. We strive to be allies in any way we can, work to be open to feedback when we make mistakes, and committed to putting meaningful action behind these sentiments.

Vista is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Requirements

Must be a professionally licensed therapist in Oregon and hold a CADC-I or II. Clinical practice experience is also required. We do not accept Associate level therapists for this position.

Benefits

Vista proudly offers a comprehensive pay and benefit package.