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Counselor Jobs in Independence, LA (NOW HIRING)

Counselor in Training

Hammond, LA

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Counselor in Training will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Substance abuse counselor conducts group ...

Counselor in Training

Hammond, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Counselor in Training will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Substance abuse counselor conducts group ...

Counselor in Training

Hammond, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Counselor in Training will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Substance abuse counselor conducts group ...

Financial Counselor Diffs

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

The Financial Counselor screens uninsured patients for Medicaid and financial assistance, and evaluates the patient's ability to pay for services. The Financial Counselor performs administrative and ...

Financial Counselor (LSU Perkins)

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

The Financial Counselor screens uninsured patients for Medicaid and financial assistance, and evaluates the patient's ability to pay for services. The Financial Counselor performs administrative and ...

Showing results 21-40

Counselor information

See Independence, LA salary details

$10

$20

$32

How much do counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor in Independence, LA is $20.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a counselor do?

Counselors work in a variety of fields and may help individuals, families, or groups with job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental and emotional health issues, and relationship problems. Mental health counselors, for example, work with people to address and treat mental and emotional disorders. Counselors can work in a wide variety of specialties, so their duties vary greatly, depending on the community in which they work and the population they serve. Counselors may work with children, adolescents, or families on school, social, or domestic problems. They may also work with adults in areas such as mental health disorders, addiction, disability, and employment. Counselors are trained to recognize diverse issues and potential problems in order to provide their clients with appropriate support and coping tools.

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

To thrive as a Counselor, you need a solid understanding of psychological principles, active listening, and assessment skills, generally supported by a relevant degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with counseling software, case management systems, and standardized assessment tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and ethical judgment help counselors build trust and effectively support clients. These skills ensure effective client care, ethical practice, and positive therapeutic outcomes.

What are some common challenges counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Counselors often encounter challenges such as clients being hesitant to open up, managing complex or crisis situations, and preventing burnout from emotionally demanding sessions. These challenges are typically addressed through regular supervision, team debriefings, and ongoing professional development. Many counseling teams foster a supportive environment where colleagues can share difficult cases confidentially, seek advice, and receive emotional support, helping maintain both counselor well-being and high-quality client care.

What is the difference between Counselor vs Therapist?

AspectCounselorTherapist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; licensure varies by stateUsually holds a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchools, community agencies, outpatient clinics, private practicePrivate practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageCommonly used in educational, community, and outpatient settingsUsed across mental health, healthcare, and private practice sectors
FocusGuidance, support, and skill development for clients facing life challengesIn-depth mental health treatment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy

While both counselors and therapists provide mental health support, counselors often focus on guidance and skill-building in specific areas, whereas therapists typically provide more comprehensive psychotherapy for mental health conditions. The roles overlap, but their settings and scope of practice differ.

What degree do most counselors have?

Most counselors hold at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Many also pursue a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work to meet licensing requirements and enhance their qualifications. Certification or licensure often requires completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.

What kind of work does a counselor do?

A counselor provides guidance and support to individuals facing emotional, mental, or behavioral challenges. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and use techniques such as active listening and counseling strategies to help clients improve their well-being, often working in settings like schools, clinics, or private practices. Certification or licensure is typically required depending on the specialization and location.

What type of counselor gets paid the most?

In the counseling field, clinical or mental health counselors with advanced licenses, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), tend to earn higher salaries. Specialized counselors, such as substance abuse counselors or school counselors with additional certifications, may also have higher earning potential depending on their experience and work setting.

What cities near Independence, LA are hiring for Counselor jobs?

Cities near Independence, LA with the most Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor job openings in Independence, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,860 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Counselor in Training

BAART Programs

Hammond, LA

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Compassionate Counselor In Training Needed!

Counselor in Training will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Substance abuse counselor conducts group sessions and individual sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Additionally, Substance abuse counselor will evaluate patients’ progress during therapy.  Substance abuse counselors may also need to collaborate with doctors, nurses and therapists for patients’ therapy and treatment for best overall outcome.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Counselor will conduct individual and group counseling sessions. 
  • Coordinate care of assigned patients and present patient status and concerns with treatment team accordingly. 
  • Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and the development and implementation of patient treatment plans according to State regulatory requirements
  • Provide clinical services and patient care and education and opiate addiction counseling services to patients
  • Excellent documentation and computer skills required
  • Other related duties as determined by supervisor

Qualifications:

  • CITs will be accepted if they have obtained their number and meet the educational requirements.
  • Previous experience working with chemically dependent individuals
  • Must demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward our patient population 
  • Understanding of an EMR system (electronic medical records)
  • Satisfactory drug screen and criminal background check.

 Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and 401(K)
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Excellent growth and development opportunities through our counselor career path
  • Rewarding opportunity with the ability to impact individuals’ life

 

What to expect from us:

BAART Programs, a BayMark Health Services company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment organization is committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting.  Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.  

 

BayMark Health Services is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran’s status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.