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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Cincinnati, OH

Headway

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Florence, KY

$90/hr

" Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Wage: Up to $90/hour Licensed Mental Health Counselor -- Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice? Headway is here to help you start accepting ...

KVC Health Systems

Mental Health Therapist

Florence, KY · On-site

$52K - $64K/yr

The Mental Health Counselor / Therapist of Family First Preservation & Reunification Services (FFPRS) will provide comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and clinical services ...

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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor information

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$61.8K

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How much do entry level mental health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health counselor in Cincinnati, OH is $61,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $69,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Do?

As an entry-level mental health counselor, your job is to provide therapy, assessment, and emotional support for a client as part of a treatment plan. Entry-level mental health counselors often specialize in specific areas, such as behavioral therapy, and you can also focus on specific demographics like children, inmates, or immigrant populations who only speak a foreign language. Many entry-level mental health counselors work under the supervision of more-experienced counselors. Doing this can help you progress towards additional industry licensing or certification. This job can be remote, but most entry-level mental health counselors work out of offices or, less often, travel to visit patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Mental Health Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mental Health Counselor, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), counseling software, and sometimes relevant state licensure or certification is important. Outstanding listening skills, empathy, and strong verbal communication help counselors build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively supporting clients' mental health and ensuring ethical, high-quality care.

What kinds of support and supervision can entry-level mental health counselors expect in their first year on the job?

Entry-level mental health counselors typically receive regular supervision from licensed clinicians, which helps them develop their counseling skills and navigate challenging cases. Many organizations offer weekly or bi-weekly individual and group supervision sessions, along with opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. New counselors often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with social workers, psychologists, and case managers to coordinate comprehensive care for clients. This structured support system ensures that new counselors build confidence and competency while working towards licensure.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mental Health Counselor vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level Mental Health CounselorMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; some roles may need state licensure or certificationUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certification may be preferred but not always required
Work EnvironmentClinics, mental health facilities, hospitals, private practicesHospitals, residential treatment centers, community health settings
Job ResponsibilitiesProviding counseling, developing treatment plans, supporting clients' mental health needsAssisting with client activities, monitoring behavior, supporting treatment plans under supervision

In summary, Entry Level Mental Health Counselors typically hold a bachelor's degree and provide direct counseling services, while Mental Health Technicians often have less formal education and focus on supporting client care and monitoring in mental health settings.

More about Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH? The most popular types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH? For Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Cincinnati, OH are:
What cities near Cincinnati, OH are hiring for Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs? Cities near Cincinnati, OH with the most Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings:
Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs near you
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Naphcare, Inc.

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

NaphCare rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

740th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, etc.) to join our team of medical professionals in the Hamilton County Justice Center in Cincinnati, OH.
As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have various duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.
Responsibilities
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:
  • Collaborating with medical, mental health and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
  • Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
  • Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
  • Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria
  • Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings
  • Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
  • Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards

Qualifications
Experience / Skills / Requirements
  • Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in STATE
  • Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening
  • A minimum of 3 years' clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
  • Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
  • Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients' situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
  • Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
  • Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
  • Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
Why Join NaphCare?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:
  • Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
  • Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
  • Lowest Cost Benefits!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Generous paid time off & paid holidays
  • Free continuing education and CMEs

Want a better idea of what it's like to work in a jail? See what our MHPs do:
NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube
If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I'll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare

What NaphCare employees say

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About NaphCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NaphCare partners with correctional facilities to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare. We recognize that we serve a unique and diverse patient population, and our onsite teams take pride in bringing excellence in care to a population in great need. Be part of a world-class team of professionals who are revolutionizing correctional healthcare. NaphCare offers competitive compensation! Our full-time teammates have a top-notch benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, FREE prescriptions, flexible spending account, company-paid life and AD&D insurance with voluntary life and AD&D options, ST & LT disability, 401(k) company contribution, 20 days Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, employee referral bonuses, etc.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1989

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