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Crisis Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Counseling Center also offers crisis intervention and psychological/ psychiatric assessment as well as consultation with others who have concerns about the mental/emotional state of NC State ...

The Counseling Center also offers crisis intervention and psychological/ psychiatric assessment as well as consultation with others who have concerns about the mental/emotional state of NC State ...

Provide crisis counseling and intervention. * Facilitate counseling groups as needed. * Develop and maintain knowledge of local mental health and community resources, and provide these referrals to ...

Provide crisis counseling and intervention. * Facilitate counseling groups as needed. * Develop and maintain knowledge of local mental health and community resources, and provide these referrals to ...

School Counselor

Wendell, NC · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

Provide counseling services that support students' academic development, career readiness, and ... Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and responsive services for students experiencing personal ...

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Crisis Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$31

How much do crisis counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis counselor in Raleigh, NC is $23.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crisis counselor?

A crisis counselor helps people work through stressful situations, such as traumatic events or mental health issues. As a crisis counselor, you may support clients via face-to-face counseling or take client calls through a hotline. Your job duties vary based on the medium through which you counsel, but the end goal is making sure clients are not a danger to themselves or others. You must have some clinical work experience for this job. Some crisis counselors have career training in nursing, social work, or community health work, but your employer may require that you complete additional training. This job requires excellent interpersonal skills and an empathetic mindset.

What are some common challenges crisis counselors face when supporting clients, and how are these addressed within the team?

Crisis Counselors often encounter highly emotional or unpredictable situations, which can be challenging both emotionally and logistically. Managing intense conversations, ensuring client safety, and maintaining personal well-being are central concerns. Most organizations provide regular supervision, debriefings, and peer support to help counselors process difficult experiences and prevent burnout. Working collaboratively with other team members, including supervisors and clinical staff, ensures that clients receive comprehensive support and that counselors are not handling complex cases alone.

What is the difference between Crisis Counselor vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectCrisis CounselorMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate's degree; some roles need certification or licensureRequires a master's degree in mental health or counseling and state licensure
Work EnvironmentOften works in crisis centers, helplines, hospitals, or community settingsWorks in clinics, private practices, hospitals, or community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by crisis intervention services, mental health agencies, and hospitalsEmployed by mental health clinics, private practices, hospitals, and schools

While both Crisis Counselors and Mental Health Counselors support individuals with mental health challenges, Crisis Counselors focus on immediate, short-term intervention during crises, often in urgent settings. Mental Health Counselors provide ongoing therapy and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus and scope differ.

Are crisis counselors in demand?

Crisis counselors are in high demand due to increasing awareness of mental health issues and the need for immediate support in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and community organizations. The profession often requires strong communication skills and relevant certifications, and job growth is expected to be faster than average over the coming years.

What does a crisis counselor do?

A crisis counselor provides immediate support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts. They assess the situation, offer coping strategies, and connect clients to ongoing resources or treatment when necessary, often working in call centers, hospitals, or community settings and requiring strong communication skills and crisis intervention training.

What qualifications do you need to be a crisis counselor?

To become a crisis counselor, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with strong communication and active listening skills. Many roles also require certification such as the Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) or Mental Health First Aid, and some positions may prefer prior experience in mental health or counseling environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crisis Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Crisis Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Crisis Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Crisis Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Crisis Counselor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Crisis Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Crisis Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,344 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Crisis Response Team Licensed Counselor

SouthLight Healthcare

Raleigh, NC

$26.44/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Crisis Response Team Licensed Counselor

Join a supportive team who values Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusion, Hope, amp; Authenticity!

As our Crisis Response Team (CRT) Licensed Counselor, you will provide rapid behavioral health assessment, crisis intervention, stabilization, and care coordination for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises in an outpatient community mental health clinic. The Counselor utilizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approaches to assess risk, develop immediate stabilization plans, and determine the least restrictive appropriate level of care while ensuring compliance with North Carolina Medicaid, state regulations, and agency policies.

This position collaborates closely with psychiatrists, nurses, peer support specialists, case managers, law enforcement, emergency departments, schools, and community partners to promote safety, reduce unnecessary hospitalization, and facilitate timely linkage to ongoing treatment.

Pay

$26.44+ per hour, based on credentials.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:00pm.

Benefits

Being a part of a non-profit behavioral health organization has some unique benefits, along with our incredible health insurance options. Working here at SouthLight, you will be able to make a difference in people's lives every day, and know that you are a part of inspiring positive change in your community.

You will be eligible for medical benefits the first of the month following your first 30 days. We have options for a standard plan, as well as an HSA with a $100 initial contribution and up to a $25 per paycheck match. You would receive 10 paid holidays as well as PTO hours which would accrue at a rate of 10 hours per month. After 6 months you would be eligible to enroll in our 401(k) plan which has a 4% match. We also provide company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, in house and paid training opportunities, and paid credentialing. SouthLight is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

We are excited to offer an additional benefit of Clinical Supervision Reimbursement. We will provide a monthly reimbursement of up to $200 (full-time) or $100 (part-time) to each associate level clinician electing this benefit for no more than 2 years, or until licensure is completed, whichever is first. Licensures eligible to receive this benefit include LCSWA, LCMHCA, LMFTA, LPA, LCASA, and CADC.

Job Responsibilities of a Crisis Response Team Licensed Counselor

  • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial, behavioral health, suicide, homicide, violence, and self-harm risk assessments using evidence-based practices.
  • Evaluate for psychiatric symptoms, substance use disorders, trauma, cognitive impairment, and functional limitations.
  • Provide immediate crisis counseling and stabilization.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, peer support specialists, care managers, and community providers.
  • Coordinate with emergency departments, law enforcement, EMS, schools, and social service agencies.
  • Communicate with family members and natural supports, when appropriate and with client consent.
  • Consult with the psychiatrist regarding medication concerns and diagnostic clarification.
  • Assist in developing individualized crisis stabilization plans.
  • Participate in case reviews and quality improvement activities.
  • Build collaborative relationships with hospitals, law enforcement, schools, homeless service providers, and community agencies.
  • Leverage Eleos AI, an innovative clinical documentation tool that reduces note-writing time so you can spend more time focusing on participant care.

Qualifications of a Crisis Response Team Licensed Counselor

Education and Experience

  • Master’s degree in Human Services
  • Min 1 year experience in community mental health setting

Licensure/Certifications

  • LCMHC, LMFT, LCSW preferred
  • LCMHC-A, LMFT-A, LCSW-A accepted
  • Valid North Carolina Driver License - NC Division of Motor Vehicles

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to change routine in a positive manner
  • Ability to solve problems as they arise
  • Ability to take initiative, make sound decisions
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Able to maintain good work attendance, build positive relationship with people supported,
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computer programs
  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills
  • Lift at least 25lbs, bend, stoop, reach
  • Maintain safe work environment
  • Must be able to tolerate heat/humidity
  • Must have proficient interpersonal skills
  • Must respond appropriately to emergency situations
  • Empathy, responsibility, individual coping, Interact and write to perform essential functions

About Us

Tap into your passion at SouthLight. For more than 55 years, SouthLight Healthcare has been a trusted leader in providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment across Central North Carolina. As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to improving lives by expanding access to high-quality care, supporting recovery, and helping individuals build healthier, more hopeful futures. Each year, our team serves thousands of people through outpatient, community-based, and innovative treatment programs designed to meet people where they are.

At SouthLight, our people are the heart of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where compassion, excellence, authenticity, hope, and innovation guide our work every day. Whether you're providing direct patient care or supporting our mission behind the scenes, you'll join a team committed to making a meaningful impact while investing in your professional growth. If you're passionate about serving others and want to be part of an organization transforming behavioral healthcare in our communities, we'd love to have you on our team.

We agree not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex. Employment offers are contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment drug screen. Professional references will be checked and criminal, abuse, driving, and fraud background reports will be obtained. Unsatisfactory results of any of these reports may result in SouthLight withdrawing the offer.