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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

A Bird's Nest

Mental Health Counselor

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Mental Health Therapist - Join Our Compassionate and Collaborative Team Job Overview A Bird's Nest ... Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field. * Active and valid NM ...

A Bird's Nest

Mental Health Counselor

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Mental Health Therapist - Join Our Compassionate and Collaborative Team Job Overview A Bird's Nest ... Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field. * Active and valid NM ...

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All JobsMental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Entry Level Mental Health Counselor information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$29.6K

$60.5K

$109.6K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health counselor in Rio Rancho, NM is $60,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $68,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What does an Entry Level Mental Health Counselor do?

An Entry Level Mental Health Counselor provides support and guidance to individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. They typically work under the supervision of licensed counselors or therapists, conducting intake assessments, assisting with treatment planning, and facilitating individual or group sessions. Their role also includes documenting client progress and helping connect clients with additional resources as needed. Entry level counselors often work in community agencies, schools, hospitals, or private practices while gaining experience and working toward full licensure.

How to become an entry level counselor?

To become an entry-level mental health counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any required state licensure or certification are also important steps in starting this career.

How to start a career in 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 gain experience through internships or volunteer work. Pursuing a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field is typically required for licensure, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.

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.

Is there a demand for mental health counselors?

The demand for mental health counselors, including entry-level positions, is strong and expected to grow faster than average due to increased awareness of mental health issues and a shortage of mental health professionals. This growth is driven by expanded access to mental health services and the need for qualified counselors in various settings such as clinics, schools, and community organizations.

Who gets paid more, LCSW or LMHC?

In general, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) tend to earn higher salaries than Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) due to their broader scope of practice, additional licensing requirements, and ability to provide a wider range of services. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, but LCSWs often have higher earning potential in mental health counseling roles.

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 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.

More about Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM 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 Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,504 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Mental Health Counselor

A Bird's Nest

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Mental Health Therapist – Join Our Compassionate and Collaborative Team

Job Overview
A Bird’s Nest Therapeutics is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Therapist to join our growing team. We welcome clinicians passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a special interest in Play Therapy, family therapy, and flexible scheduling. Candidates who are working toward their clinical credentials are encouraged to apply.

In this role, you will provide therapeutic support through evidence-based practices, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and facilitate both in-person and telehealth sessions. Experience or interest in Play Therapy and/or EMDR is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

  • Complete comprehensive mental health assessments.
  • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
  • Provide individual, family, and group therapy using a variety of modalities.
  • Manage crisis situations effectively to ensure client safety.
  • Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and resources.
  • Offer telehealth services as needed to increase client access and flexibility.
  • Participate in case management and referral support for community services.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
  • Active and valid NM licensure (LMHC, LMSW, LPCC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.).
  • Experience in individual and group therapy, as well as crisis management.
  • Interest or training in Play Therapy is a plus, but not required.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality.
  • Comfortable using electronic health records and telehealth platforms.

Why Join Us?

  • Supportive, collaborative environment
  • Flexibility in scheduling and caseload
  • Opportunity to grow professionally and earn advanced credentials

Employee Benefits (W-2 Position)

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Annual Continuing Education Stipend
  • In-House CEUs (NM Counseling Board & SW Approved)
  • Supervision Provided for Licensure
  • Eligible to Earn CEUs Toward Registered Play Therapist Credential (APT)

We are excited to welcome a clinician who shares our passion for healing, growth, and community care. If you're looking for a meaningful career in mental health, we’d love to hear from you.