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Entry Level Behavioral Therapist Jobs in Springfield, IL

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Entry Level Behavioral Therapist information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$13

$22

$36

How much do entry level behavioral therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level behavioral therapist in Springfield, IL is $22.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level behavioral therapist do?

Entry-level behavioral therapist jobs involve providing mental health counseling and therapy services to patients. Entry-level workers often gain clinical experience under the supervision of senior therapists. Your duties can vary depending on the needs of each patient with whom you work. You evaluate the condition and needs of each client, and after this assessment, you create a treatment plan that helps the client address mental health or developmental issues and change unwanted behaviors. The responsibilities of some entry-level behavioral specialists include implementing a treatment plan by assisting a patient daily. These positions often involve working with people with special needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level behavioral therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Behavioral Therapist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques. Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy methods and data collection software is typical, and some positions may require RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) certification. Strong communication, patience, and empathy are crucial for building trust with clients and supporting their progress. These skills and qualifications ensure effective therapy delivery, accurate progress tracking, and positive client outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level behavioral therapists during their first year on the job?

Entry level behavioral therapists often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse caseload, adapting to individualized treatment plans, and maintaining client engagement during therapy sessions. Balancing documentation requirements with direct client interaction can also be demanding. Additionally, therapists may need to develop effective communication skills to collaborate with families, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure consistent progress and support for their clients.

Where to start to become an entry level behavioral therapist?

To become an entry-level behavioral therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining relevant certifications, such as CPR or behavior analysis credentials, can also be helpful for entry into the field.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Therapist jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Behavioral Therapist jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Behavioral Therapist jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Behavioral Therapist job openings:

Entry Level Behavioral Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Behavioral Therapist job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,283 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Counselor - Substance Use Disorder - Outpatient - Springfield

Family Guidance Centers, Inc.

Springfield, IL • On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Counselor - Substance Use Disorder - Outpatient - Springfield Job Tracking ID: 512588-913882 Job Location: Springfield , IL Job Level: Entry Level (less than 2 years) Level of Education: High School/GED Job Type: Full-Time/Regular Date Updated: July 31, 2026 Years of Experience: Up to 2 Years Starting Date: ASAP Back to job search Invite a friend Job Description: Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance abuse, as well as an array of other related problems. Since 1969, FGC's comprehensive programming has educated and guided individuals toward their full potential as productive members within their own families and our society.

Family Guidance Centers Inc. offers opportunities for individuals with an interested in behavioral health. Our organization provides a comprehensive benefit package for full time employment that includes health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and a 401k pension plan.

Vacation, sick and personal days with 11 paid holidays off are included in our paid time off compensation package. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develops patient treatment plans and conducts continued stay review based on research, clinical experience, and patients' histories - using SAMMS assessment on computer. Provides patient intakes, treatment planning, case coordination, staffing, aftercare planning and discharge with individual and group therapy for a full spectrum of referral sources.

Provides direct clinical service to a full caseload, achieving a minimum of 20 billable hours weekly. Completes and maintains accurate records or reports regarding patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information. Assesses individual's degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing drug screening samples.

Interviews patients, reviews records and confers with other professionals to evaluate individual's mental health and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program. Reviews and evaluates patients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans. Work Location: 120 N 11th St, Springfield, IL 62703, Springfield, IL 62703 Schedule: Must work a minimum of 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm).

Hours may vary based on program needs of the agency and flexibility is required. Pay Rate: $43,000 - $ 55,000 per year (based on certification/experience) Sign-on bonus available for certified external candidates. Number of Openings: Start Date : ASAP Family Guidance Centers, Inc is a Drug Free Environment, an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Experience and Skills: Education and/or Experience: High School diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's in Psychology, Social Work, or counseling degree is preferred but not required. Master's degree preferred, not required.

Some working knowledge of ASAM clinical guidelines, DHS/SUPR contractual language and deliverable expectations, JCAHO/CARF guidelines, DEA, and CSAT rules, regulations and guidelines is preferred. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: IAODAPCA Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor required. CADC is required 2 years from date of hire or if moved into a position that requires CADC if employee does not have previous specific substance use disorder counseling experience.

Job Benefits: Benefits: Family Guidance Centers Inc. offers opportunities for individuals with an interest in behavioral health. Our organization provides a comprehensive benefit package for full time employment that includes: Health Insurance Dental Vision Life Insurance, EAP 401k pension plan Vacation, sick and personal days with paid holidays off are included in our paid time off compensation package.

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