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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Normal, IL

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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor information

See Normal, IL salary details

$30.8K

$62.9K

$113.9K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health counselor in Normal, IL is $62,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $70,900.00 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.

How to start a career in entry level mental health counseling?

To start a career as an entry-level mental health counselor, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as psychology or social work, and consider earning a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field. Gaining supervised clinical experience and obtaining licensure or certification, such as the National Counselor Certification (NCC), are also essential steps to qualify for entry-level positions in the field.

What is the fastest way to become an entry level mental health counselor?

To become an entry-level mental health counselor, you typically need to earn a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by obtaining supervised experience or internships. Many states require passing a licensing exam and completing a master's degree in mental health counseling or a similar discipline for full licensure, but some entry-level roles may be available with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
More about Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings:

Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,888 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Marcfirst

Bloomington, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform clinical assessments and develop client-centered treatment plans.

  • Provide individual and group therapy counseling to supported individuals.

  • Complete case notes and other required documentation in compliance with regulations and agency policy.

Job description

Our mission at Lifelong Access is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to their community by helping them break down barriers through a lifetime of meaningful supports. From birth to end of life, Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children, teens, and adults including residential housing, vocational development, supported employment, high school transition, behavioral health counseling and services, and a wide variety of pediatric therapy supports. Guided by our Core Values, our team members have a strong drive and big hearts for improving the lives of others; a place where we support each other and the individuals who put their trust in us.
Lifelong Access is seeking a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). In this position, you will be responsible for providing assessment, treatment planning, therapy, and other mental health services to identified Lifelong Access clients. We are excited to be growing our behavioral health clinic services and the exceptional team of professionals. With this growth, there will be promotional opportunities along with opportunities to earn clinical supervision hours provided by our staff within the clinic. Work with a caring and compassionate team of mental health professionals. Come see why we love what we do!
Minimum Starting Wage: $25 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Primary responsibilities include:
  • Perform clinical assessments and develop client-centered treatment plans.
  • Provide individual and group therapy counseling to supported individuals.
  • Ensure billable services are documented and submitted in accordance with applicable rules.
  • Provide training to agency staff to support the implementation of treatment plans.
  • Implement treatment plans as written; review and modify those treatment plans as necessary.
  • As requested, participate in agency-wide functions to support entire organization, including intra-agency and inter-agency committees.
  • Complete case notes and other required documentation in compliance with regulations and agency policy.
  • Maintain files in accordance with applicable regulations and agency standards.
  • Employee may be asked to perform other duties as required by the employer's business needs.

Qualifications for this position include:
  • Master's or doctoral degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or a related field and has successfully completed either: 1) practicum (or internship) that included a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised direct service in a mental health setting; or 2) minimum one year of documented clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP
  • Experience working with children and adolescent preferred, but not required
  • Illinois professional license preferred, but not required
  • Medicaid knowledgeable preferred
  • High understanding of confidentiality
  • Desire and ability to work under supervision and cooperatively with a treatment team
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Valid Illinois driver's license with safe driving record
  • Must be able to successfully pass criminal, DCFS, and safe driving background check
  • Must be able to successfully pass TB test and drug screen
  • Current proof of automobile insurance

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequently required to talk, hear, and possess clear close and distance vision. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, fingers to reach or feel. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds at times.
Here are some of the benefits we will offer you:
  • Supportive, positive, and friendly team environment
  • Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities
  • Flexible schedule options
  • Comprehensive benefit plans
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays
  • Read more in our Employment Brochure

Lifelong Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply