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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

evolvedMD

Mental Health Therapist

Albuquerque, NM

$70K - $95K/yr

Mental Health Therapist - Professional Counselor - Licensed Social Worker - Marriage and Family Therapist $12,500 Sign-on Bonus! Location: split between two clinics ~ (Tues. - Fri.) Albuquerque, NM ...

evolvedMD

Mental Health Therapist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Mental Health Therapist - Professional Counselor - Licensed Social Worker - Marriage and Family Therapist $12,500 Sign-on Bonus! Location: split between two clinics ~ (Tues. - Fri.) Albuquerque, 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 16, 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 Therapist

Enchanted Minds Behavioral Health

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description:

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of New Mexicans? Enchanted Minds Behavioral Health provides individual, family, couples, and group therapy to individuals starting at 4 years of age.


Job Duties

Client Care Experience

- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to offer support and guidance to clients.

- Assist clients to navigate and cope with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

- Provide excellent customer service for clients and community providers by responding to communication requests within two business days.

- Utilize creativity in interventions to help clients achieve and exceed their mental health goals.

- Work collaboratively with a dynamic team to further the mission of filling gaps within our community.

- Collaborate and coordinate services with case managers, families, work personnel, medical personnel, other Enchanted Minds staff, and school staff as needed.

- Communicate any cancellations or need for rescheduling appointments with clients directly, requesting confirmation they received the information, and with as much notice as possible. Ensure supervisor is also aware of any clinician cancellations.

- Complete Warm Welcomes with all new clients.


Productivity

- Complete ongoing documentation within 2 working days, including cancellations; PTO is not allowed to be taken until all documentation is completed.

- Complete and implement treatment plan within 30 days of initial session and treatment plan reviews every 90 days thereafter. Update relevant treatment recommendations, goals, objectives, and interventions accordingly.

- Evaluate mental health diagnosis and record into client chart when completing intake session along with client’s medications, allergies, and other required information. Update client’s diagnosis accordingly.

- Engage in community outreach and education initiatives to promote services to potential clients.

- Follow all documentation requirements set forth by Enchanted Minds Behavioral Health Leadership Team, state/federal regulations, and insurance providers.

- Clinicians must meet or exceed 25 billable hours per week.


Ethical and Legal Compliance

- Adhere to ethical standards and state or federal regulations including but not limited to client confidentiality and professional conduct.

- Stay informed about changes in laws and regulations affecting mental health practice.

- Ensure all documentation and billing information is accurate and meeting documentation standards.

- Complete all training requirements both for the clinic and for maintaining your professional licensure.

- Report any changes in licensure to your supervisor immediately.


Professional Development

- Attend and participate in clinical supervision to enhance clinical skills and address challenging cases. Frequency to be determined based on licensure and clinician’s specific needs.

- Complete all training requirements for Enchanted Minds Behavioral Health and for maintaining your professional licensure.

- Review and follow all state regulations, code of ethics, and insurance protocols in accordance with your position.

- Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

- Adhere to all company policies and ensure you are reviewing and adhering to any new policies as instructed throughout your employment.


Requirements:
  • Staff are required to have a master’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences or related fields from an accredited college or university and on track to obtain licensure in their designated field.
  • Clinicians must have active clinical licensure (LMFT, LMHC, LPCC, LCSW, LMSW, LPAT etc.). Provisional licensure is accepted.
  • Required experience with completing diagnostic assessments, treatment plans and clinical case notes.
  • Required experience with children, adolescents, teens and/or adults.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with clients.
  • Ability to complete and submit documentation of services and other documents in a timely manner.
  • Comfort and familiarity working with a diverse client base.
  • Proficient in the use of typical office technology (computers, e-mail, etc.) and Electronic Health Record systems.
  • Must be able to be credentialled and contracted with insurance panels for commercial and Medicaid plans.
  • Must pass a background check.
  • Clinicians must be a fully licensed mental health professional (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LISW, LPAT) OR if non-independently licensed, must be willing to be in active clinical supervision in accordance with state regulations.