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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Romeoville, IL

Mental Health Counselor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85 - $105/hr

Position SummaryThe Mental Health Counselor provides counseling, crisis intervention, referral coordination, and wellness programming for The Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM ...

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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor information

See Romeoville, IL salary details

$32.1K

$65.6K

$118.8K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health counselor in Romeoville, IL is $65,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $73,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Romeoville, IL?

For Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Romeoville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings in Romeoville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,586 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Mental Health Counselor

New Horizons Mental Health & Behavior Services

Plainfield, IL โ€ข Remote

$65 - $85/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Job description

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Fully Licensed Illinois LCPC or LPC or LCSW or LMFT for our team. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality mental health counseling to individuals, including adolescents, teens and adults, couples or families in a supportive and therapeutic environment. This role is essential in helping clients navigate their mental health challenges through various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy among others.

Duties

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine clients' mental health needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Provide evidence-based therapy sessions, utilizing techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and crisis intervention.
  • Offer support and counseling to clients dealing with a range of issues, including GAD, OCD, Depression, trauma, bi-polar, ASD, ADHD, ODD, and behavioral disorders....
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
  • Maintain accurate documentation of client progress ie progress notes, and treatment plans in accordance with ICD-10 standards.
  • Managing their own schedule effectively communicating with clients about scheduling.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in mental health therapy.

Experience

  • A Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is required, and hold an LCPC, LCSW or LMFT or LPC license in Illinois.
  • Medicaid IMPACT registration a plus
  • Previous experience in mental health counseling or clinical counseling is preferred.
  • Familiarity with pediatric populations and experience working with children is a plus.
  • Experience in crisis intervention strategies and patient care practices is a plus.
  • Knowledge of behavioral therapy techniques and the ability to implement them effectively a plus
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Pays attention to detail and works well independently
  • Has good computer skills and has problem solving skills.
  • bilingual a plus

We encourage all qualified candidates who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $65.00 - $85.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 15 per week

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

  • Do you have your own laptop or PC?

Education:

  • Master's (Required)

Experience:

  • Mental health counseling: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

  • LCPC, LPC, LMFT, or LCSW In Illinois (Required)

Malpractice Insurance 

  • Must carry malpractice insurance

Company Description

New Horizons is a small private practice enabling you to work from home in a relaxed environment aided by a user friendly platform, to do case notes and scheduling clients appts. Office support from office staff mon -friday 8:30- 4:00 pm and or professional collaboration when needed and or requested by experienced licensed LCPC.