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How much do first responder counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder counselor in the United States is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Responder Counselor job?

A First Responder Counselor provides mental health support to first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. They help address stress, trauma, and emotional challenges that arise from high-pressure and often traumatic situations. Their role includes crisis intervention, therapy, and developing coping strategies to improve mental well-being. Many First Responder Counselors have backgrounds in psychology, social work, or counseling and specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the First Responder Counselor position, and why are they important?

To excel as a First Responder Counselor, you need a background in mental health counseling or social work, relevant licensure (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT), and specialized training in trauma or crisis intervention. Experience with case management software, electronic health records, and crisis assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional listening skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively with high-stress clients are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure you can provide timely, effective support to first responders coping with occupational trauma, helping them maintain emotional wellbeing and job performance.

What types of situations or cases does a First Responder Counselor typically handle?

First Responder Counselors primarily work with police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel, helping them process acute stress, trauma exposure, and work-related mental health challenges. You may address issues such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, often delivering both individual and group counseling sessions. Counselors frequently collaborate with HR departments, department leadership, and outside healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive support network. The fast-paced nature of the role means you'll regularly respond to urgent requests while also maintaining ongoing therapeutic relationships. This rewarding role enables you to make a direct impact on the wellbeing and long-term resilience of those who serve on the front lines.

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What cities are hiring for First Responder Counselor jobs? Cities with the most First Responder Counselor job openings:
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First Responder Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Responder Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,365 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Clinical Therapist - First Responder

The Florida House

Deerfield Beach, FL • On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

FHEHealth (“FHE”) is a dually accredited (CARF and JOINT) licensed behavioral healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for First Responders suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We specialize in addictive disorders, and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. We employ a team of highly qualified, compassionate individuals who share in the desire to serve this vulnerable population. We provide innovative treatment by treating not just the mind and the behaviors, but by treating the BRAIN itself through our cutting-edge neuro-rehabilitative services.

FHE Health boasts a “Best in Class” state-of-the-art inpatient treatment facilities, outpatient and sober living campus’ that promotes a strong sense of community while also providing patients with ongoing access to our multi-disciplinary team and services. We have been voted as “Top Work Places” eight years in a row.

What Are We Looking for?

We are looking for someone who has experience and demonstrated knowledge of addressing the special needs of the First Responder population which includes; Firefighters, Police Officers, EMT’s, Corrections Officers, Military (all branches to include Army, Navy, Air Force, Special OP’s, Coast Guard, etc.), to address presenting problems related to a mental health diagnosis, addictive behaviors, long-term traumatic exposure, cultural barriers and how it relates to various addictions manifesting in these communities.

Or is a former first responder with lived experience. Certification and or licensure is a plus. Works under supervision from the program director and coordinates care as part of the dedicated Shatterproof program with other clinical, medical, support staff, and neuro rehabilitative services.

Benefits of the Clinical Therapist - FHE Health First Responder’s Program

As a full time, Clinical Therapist – First Responder’s Program you will be offered the following benefit options:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Supplemental Life
  • Disability
  • 401k
  • Personal PTO
  • Vacation Time
  • Employee Assistance Program

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Establishes rapport, systematically gathers data, determines the readiness of the individual for treatment and change, and apply accepted criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorders.
  • Screens for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Formulates mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objections
  • Provides screenings and assessments of new patients for both partial hospitalization and outpatient services
  • Devises, completes and documents on a regular basis on the initial treatment plan, master treatment plan, integrated diagnostic summary and treatment plan reviews/updates.
  • Shares pertinent information with clinical and medical team as obtained from patient's family, or others as indicated throughout program.
  • Provides education to patient/family on community resources
  • Facilitates a minimum five (5) clinical group therapy sessions weekly
  • Documents in the medical record on an ongoing basis, the assessment of the patient's progress/regress and interventions, and case management referrals provided.
  • Recognizes, responds to and assists in psychiatric crisis situations and provides the interventions necessary.
  • Communicates any clinical concerns to the Director of Clinical Services

Required qualifications:

  • Graduate from an accredited college or university Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or health related field, Master’s Degree preferred. LMHC, LCSW, licensed Psychologist in Florida
  • Certifications of advanced training in areas of practice or continued education as it related to First Responder Services
  • Current CPR Certification
  • Proof of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training or must be obtained within 6 months of hire
  • Previous work with substance abuse/mental health disorders
  • Experience in working with First Responders in a clinical setting.