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Crisis Line Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY

$20/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention support. This role includes answering crisis calls, texts, and chats ...

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY

$18/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention support. This role includes answering crisis calls, texts, and chats ...

Felton Institute

Crisis Phone Counselor

San Mateo, CA

$24.75 - $32.25/hr

Crisis line staff and volunteers serve over 20.000 contacts annually through their breadth of services. A Crisis Center Phone Counselor works as a part of a larger team to respond to multiple ...

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How much do crisis line counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis line counselor in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crisis line counselor?

Crisis Line Counselors are trained professionals or volunteers who provide immediate support and guidance to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or other urgent situations. They listen non-judgmentally, assess the caller’s needs, offer coping strategies, and may connect individuals to additional resources or emergency services if needed. Their goal is to help people manage their crises safely and feel supported during challenging times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crisis line counselor?

To thrive as a Crisis Line Counselor, you need strong active listening, crisis intervention, and emotional regulation skills, often supported by a background in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with crisis management protocols, documentation systems, and sometimes certifications like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is commonly required. Compassion, resilience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building trust and de-escalating high-stress situations. These abilities are crucial for providing immediate support, ensuring caller safety, and delivering appropriate referrals during critical moments.

What are some common challenges crisis line counselors face during their shifts, and how are these typically managed?

Crisis Line Counselors often encounter emotionally intense calls and must quickly assess and de-escalate situations while maintaining their own well-being. Managing high call volumes and supporting individuals in acute distress can be demanding, so counselors are trained in active listening, risk assessment, and self-care techniques. Most organizations provide regular supervision, peer support, and debriefing opportunities to help counselors process challenging calls and prevent burnout, fostering a supportive team environment.

What is the difference between Crisis Line Counselor vs Crisis Intervention Specialist?

AspectCrisis Line CounselorCrisis Intervention Specialist
Required CredentialsCertification in crisis intervention, mental health trainingSimilar certifications, often with additional emergency response training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, helplines, mental health organizationsEmergency services, community agencies, hospitals
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, mental health agencies, crisis hotlinesEmergency response teams, social services, hospitals

Both Crisis Line Counselors and Crisis Intervention Specialists provide critical support during mental health emergencies. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Crisis Intervention Specialists often respond directly to emergency situations, whereas Crisis Line Counselors primarily operate via phone or online helplines. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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What cities are hiring for Crisis Line Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Crisis Line Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Crisis Line Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Crisis Line Counselor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Crisis Line Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Crisis Line Counselor jobs are:

Crisis Line Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crisis Line Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,735 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Pathways Inc.

Ashland, KY

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Pathways complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy status, victim status, marital status, member of the armed services or covered veteran status, or any other status that is protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.    This policy includes, but is not limited to: recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, termination, compensation, benefits, layoffs, training, and social and recreational programs. 

Compensation:

  • Starting at $18/hour

  • Increase to $20/hour within the first year by passing proficiency exams

Schedule:

  • Saturday 8:15 PM – 8:30 AM

  • Flexibility to cover additional shifts during staff vacations as needed

Position Summary:

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention support. This role includes answering crisis calls, texts, and chats, scheduling follow-ups, referring individuals to appropriate community resources, and occasionally accompanying Mobile Crisis staff on in-person community responses.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat

  • Refer callers to appropriate behavioral health, substance use, and emergency resources

  • Monitor the status of active cases through follow-up

  • Schedule appointments for after-hours callers

  • Accompany Mobile Crisis staff on community-based responses when needed

  • Document all interactions accurately and in a timely manner

  • Use programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Avatar (EHR)

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED (required)

  • Experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, or call center settings preferred

  • Strong multitasking and communication skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic EHR systems (Avatar experience a plus)

  • General knowledge of mental health, substance use, and crisis resources

  • Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations and handle sensitive conversations

  • Must be comfortable working overnight and occasionally responding in the field
     

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