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Counselor Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pursuing counseling licensure, utilizing internship hours for licensure requirements. * Self-motivated, fast learner with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. * Strong decision-making ...

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Counselor Internship information

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How much do counselor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor internship in the United States is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can counseling interns get paid?

Counseling internships can be paid or unpaid depending on the organization and program. Paid internships typically offer hourly wages or stipends, while unpaid internships may provide academic credit or experience. It is important to verify the specific internship's compensation details before applying.

What Is a Counselor Internship?

A counselor internship is typically a training position for students studying mental health, clinical psychology, or substance abuse therapy, or recent graduates of such programs. Graduate students who are preparing to enter into practice often need to complete an internship or fellowship as part of their educational requirements. As a counselor intern, your responsibilities include observing licensed practitioners during counseling sessions, learning diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to different mental health issues, and performing administrative duties, such as taking patient histories and completing insurance reimbursement and billing paperwork.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in accounting, auditing, consulting, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

What is a counselor internship?

A counselor internship is a supervised practical experience for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in counseling. It allows interns to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop essential counseling skills, and gain exposure to various client populations. Typically, counselor internships are required as part of graduate programs in counseling and are necessary for licensure. Interns work under the supervision of licensed professionals who provide guidance and feedback throughout the process.

What types of supervision and mentorship can I expect during a Counselor Internship?

During a Counselor Internship, you will typically work under the close supervision of a licensed counselor or mental health professional. Supervision usually involves regular one-on-one meetings to review your cases, receive feedback, and discuss counseling techniques. Many organizations also offer group supervision or peer discussion sessions to encourage learning from different perspectives. This supportive structure helps interns build confidence, refine their skills, and ensure they are providing ethical and effective care to clients.

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

To thrive as a Counselor Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge in psychology or counseling, often gained through enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with documentation software, intake assessment tools, and adherence to ethical guidelines is important, and some programs may require progress toward state licensure. Strong active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support and learning from supervised clinical experiences.

What does a counseling intern do?

A counseling intern assists licensed counselors by observing therapy sessions, conducting intake assessments, and providing support to clients under supervision. They often gain experience in active listening, record-keeping, and applying counseling techniques while developing their skills and understanding of mental health practices.

What is the difference between Counselor Internship vs Counseling Assistant?

AspectCounselor InternshipCounseling Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in psychology, social work, or related fieldOften holds a relevant degree or is in training, may require certification
Work EnvironmentInternships are usually in clinics, schools, or community centers, supervised by licensed counselorsAssist in administrative and client support tasks within counseling settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as training experience for future counselors, common in mental health and educational sectorsSupport role within counseling agencies, often part of staff training or volunteer programs

In summary, a Counselor Internship is a training position for individuals gaining practical experience in counseling, often with supervision, while a Counseling Assistant typically supports licensed professionals with administrative or client-related tasks. Both roles are essential in the counseling field but differ mainly in responsibilities and experience level.

How hard is it to get a counseling internship?

Securing a counseling internship can be competitive, often requiring relevant coursework, good academic standing, and sometimes prior volunteer or related experience. Applicants typically need to demonstrate strong communication skills and may need to obtain background checks or certifications depending on the organization. The difficulty varies based on location, program requirements, and the number of available positions.
What cities are hiring for Counselor Internship jobs? Cities with the most Counselor Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Counselor Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Counselor Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Counselor Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,678 per year, or $21 per hour.

Unpaid Counselor Internship

BHG LXXXIX LLC

Virginia Beach, VA

Internship

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and the leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders. With over 110 locations in 22 states, our team of more than 1,900 employees serves over 42,000 patients.

Job Summary: Join our team at Behavioral Health Group (BHG) as a Counselor Intern and contribute to our mission of assisting patients in achieving a drug-free existence. Under the guidance of experienced Counselors, you will support patients in identifying strengths and setting social, educational, and occupational goals. This role involves adhering to state and federal regulations governing addiction counseling practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Ensure prompt and regular attendance at assigned work location.
  • Conduct group counseling sessions as required.
  • Orient patients to treatment program operations and procedures.
  • Maintain complete and organized patient records.
  • Provide crisis intervention and support services.
  • Collaborate with case-management services for appropriate referrals.
  • Support new patients with intake and readmission services, including follow-up counseling.
  • Attend and complete all required trainings as assigned.
  • Comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
  • Pursuing counseling licensure, utilizing internship hours for licensure requirements.
  • Self-motivated, fast learner with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
  • High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and time management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Effective communication skills by phone or in person.
  • Adequate vision for reading correspondence and computer screens.
  • Ability to sit for prolonged periods, with some bending, stooping, or stretching.
  • Manage variable workloads and periodic high stress levels.
  • Work in standard medical office conditions with potential interactions with patients with diverse health and mental health conditions.
  • Keyboarding for extended periods of time.

Why BHG?

Join BHG, where your career flourishes in an environment built on teamwork and compassion. At BHG, we're not just a team; we're a family dedicated to patient well-being and professional growth. Here's why you should be part of our journey:

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off for vacation, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays, ensuring you have time for self-care and personal commitments. Manageable workload.

Investment in Your Growth: BHG prioritizes your development through role-based training and advancement opportunities. Grow with us as we nurture your career path.

Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three robust benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy our tuition reimbursement program and competitive 401K match, along with medical, dental, vision care, life insurance, disability coverage, and vacation time.

Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for completing certifications or licenses.

Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options. Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.

At BHG, we thrive on the greatness of our people. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others.

BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.