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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Normal, IL

Apostolic Christian Ministries

Clinical Counselor

Morton, IL · On-site

$56K - $74K/yr

Licensed & License-Eligible Clinical Counselor Reports to: Clinical Director Classification ... Provide consultations to people seeking information about mental health issues or relationship ...

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All JobsMental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Normal, IL

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 (LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LSW) (75111)

Centurion Health

Lincoln, IL

$44 - $46.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Centurion Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

650th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

$5,000 SIGN ON BONUS

Pay rate for LCPC, LCSW, LMFT: $44.00/Hourly to $46.71/Hourly Depending on Experience

Pay rate for LPC, LSW: $37.00/Hourly to $39.29/Hourly Depending on Experience

Centurion is proud to be the provider of comprehensive healthcare services to the Illinois Department of Corrections. We are currently seeking a full-time Qualified Mental Health Professional to join our team at Logan Correctional Center located in Lincoln, Illinois.

The QMHP provides comprehensive mental health care to patients in a correctional setting, including intake and assessments, crisis intervention, treatment planning, consulting with a multi-disciplinary team, case management, and providing individual and group therapy. Performs all duties as assigned by leadership and as directed by Centurion policy and procedure, as well as IDOC Directives, and Standard Operating Procedures.

We offer excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits for our full-time team members including:

  • Health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Continuing Education benefits
  • Much more...

Shift/Hours: 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

  • Masters level degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field from an accredited educational institution required
  • Active Independent mental health professional license Illinois: LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, LPC or LSW required
  • Must maintain current tuberculosis documentation and active CPR/AED certification
  • Minimum of two years’ experience with direct care for individuals with mental illness preferred
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable

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