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Counselor Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Director

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate therapists, Lead Therapists, residents, and counseling interns. * Provide clinical supervision as appropriate. * Monitor clinician caseloads, productivity ...

Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact! Begin your internship journey with VFS today!

INTERNSHIP

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact! Begin your internship journey with VFS today!

COUNSELOR

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Internship at a University/College Counseling Services or mental health agency. Completion of graduate internship at a mental health agency. Level and type of experience Experience in a mental health ...

Conduct individual, group or family counseling sessions as scheduled and document as required ... May assist in the training of new clinical staff and interns, providing direction and clinical ...

Counselor

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

Conduct individual, group or family counseling sessions as scheduled and document as required ... May assist in the training of new clinical staff and interns, providing direction and clinical ...

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Counselor Internship information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$20

$40

How much do counselor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor internship in Virginia is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.03 and $23.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 counselor internship?

Securing a counselor internship typically requires relevant coursework, some experience in helping roles, and strong interpersonal skills. Competition can vary depending on the organization and location, but having certifications such as CPR or mental health training can improve chances. Internships often have specific application processes and may require interviews or references.

What do you do in a counselor internship?

A counselor internship involves assisting licensed counselors or mental health professionals by observing client sessions, supporting clients under supervision, and gaining practical experience in counseling techniques. Interns often participate in case discussions, develop communication skills, and may complete required training or certifications during the internship period.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Counselor Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Counselor Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor Internship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 47% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 52% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,478 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Clinical Director

Child Care Aware

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Clinical Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Safe Harbor's Counseling Program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, survivor-centered clinical services. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Operations, the Clinical Director oversees the daily operations of the Counseling Program and provides supervision, mentorship, and performance management for therapists, Lead Therapists, residents, and counseling interns. This position is responsible for clinical operations, program quality, compliance, data reporting, and continuous quality improvement while maintaining a limited direct clinical caseload. As a member of Safe Harbor's Leadership Team, the Clinical Director collaborates across departments to strengthen clinical services, support organizational initiatives, and advance Safe Harbor's mission.

Key Responsibilities: Essential Responsibilities Leadership & Program Management
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Counseling Program, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services.
  • Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate therapists, Lead Therapists, residents, and counseling interns.
  • Provide clinical supervision as appropriate.
  • Monitor clinician caseloads, productivity, documentation, and program outcomes to ensure quality service delivery and compliance with agency and grant requirements.
  • Conduct regular individual supervision and Counseling Administrative Team (CAT) meetings.
  • Develop, implement, review, and revise counseling policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Review program outcomes and utilize data to guide quality improvement initiatives.
  • Lead performance improvement efforts by identifying trends, addressing clinical concerns, implementing corrective action when necessary, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with program directors and managers to ensure coordinated, client-centered services across the agency.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, referral sources, healthcare providers, schools, and other stakeholders.
  • Serve as staff Chair on Program & Evaluation Committee.
  • Participate as an active member of the Leadership Team, contributing to agency planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational decision-making.
Essential Responsibilities Leadership & Program Management
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Counseling Program, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services.
  • Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate therapists, Lead Therapists, residents, and counseling interns.
  • Provide clinical supervision as appropriate.
  • Monitor clinician caseloads, productivity, documentation, and program outcomes to ensure quality service delivery and compliance with agency and grant requirements.
  • Conduct regular individual supervision and Counseling Administrative Team (CAT) meetings.
  • Develop, implement, review, and revise counseling policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Review program outcomes and utilize data to guide quality improvement initiatives.
  • Lead performance improvement efforts by identifying trends, addressing clinical concerns, implementing corrective action when necessary, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with program directors and managers to ensure coordinated, client-centered services across the agency.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, referral sources, healthcare providers, schools, and other stakeholders.
  • Serve as staff Chair on Program & Evaluation Committee.
  • Participate as an active member of the Leadership Team, contributing to agency planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational decision-making.
Clinical Responsibilities
  • Maintain a direct counseling caseload of approximately 8โ€“10 individual clients per week.
  • Provide individual, and group counseling services in accordance with professional, ethical, legal, and agency standards.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational groups, therapeutic groups, and support groups as needed.
  • Provide clinical consultation and case review to counseling staff.
  • Supervise, mentor, and support counseling interns and residents through direct clinical guidance.
  • Develop and facilitate professional trainings, community education workshops, and outreach presentations.
  • Participate in the agency's hotline on-call rotation as assigned.
Administrative Responsibilities
  • Ensure timely and accurate clinical documentation and data entry in accordance with agency standards.
  • Monitor compliance with grant requirements, licensing standards, accreditation standards, confidentiality requirements, and agency policies.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report program data to support grant reporting, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Represent Safe Harbor at community meetings, multidisciplinary teams, collaborative initiatives, and professional events.
  • Support accreditation, licensing, compliance, and quality assurance activities.
  • Assist with program planning, implementation, evaluation, and organizational initiatives.
  • Address staff concerns, performance issues, and workplace challenges promptly through appropriate supervisory practices while maintaining timely documentation.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of Safe Harbor.
Leadership Expectations

The Clinical Director is expected to:

  • Demonstrate commitment to Safe Harbor's mission, vision, and values.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and trauma-informed work environment.
  • Promote accountability, professionalism, and respectful communication among staff.
  • Support employee growth through coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, and professional development.
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards.
  • Build strong working relationships across departments and with community partners.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and effective decision-making in both routine operations and crisis situations.
  • Model professionalism, integrity, and survivor-centered practice.
Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field required.
  • Active Virginia clinical licensure as an LPC or LCSW required. Candidates must be eligible to provide clinical supervision toward licensure in Virginia, including having maintained independent clinical licensure for at least two years.
  • Supervisory or clinical leadership experience required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, crisis intervention, and evidence-based treatment approaches preferred
  • Experience with grant-funded programs, clinical documentation, program evaluation, and data reporting preferred.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to supervise, coach, and develop clinical staff while maintaining high standards of ethical practice.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

$75,000 โ€“ $85,000 / year

PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, and life insurance, and 401K match after 1 year of employment

Job Classification:

Social Work

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