1

Forensic Counseling Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Investigations

Anderson, MO · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Excellent communication skills to present findings and collaborate with legal counsel and ... forensic science, or related area . Preferred Qualifications... Outlined below are the optional ...

Manager, Investigations

Cassville, MO · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Excellent communication skills to present findings and collaborate with legal counsel and ... forensic science, or related area . Preferred Qualifications... Outlined below are the optional ...

Manager, Investigations

Noel, MO · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Excellent communication skills to present findings and collaborate with legal counsel and ... forensic science, or related area . Preferred Qualifications... Outlined below are the optional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Counseling information

See Missouri salary details

$38.5K

$82.4K

$128.5K

How much do forensic counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic counseling in Missouri is $82,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic counseling?

Forensic counseling is a specialized field that combines psychological expertise with the legal and criminal justice systems. Forensic counselors assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who are involved in legal proceedings, such as offenders, victims, or witnesses. They may provide expert testimony in court, conduct risk assessments, or offer therapy to those affected by crime. This work often requires a thorough understanding of both mental health practices and legal standards. Forensic counselors play a critical role in helping courts make informed decisions about mental health issues related to legal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic counselor?

To thrive as a Forensic Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, knowledge of criminal justice, and a relevant license (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT). Familiarity with assessment tools, case management systems, and evidence documentation is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competency, and strong ethical judgment are vital soft skills for building rapport and maintaining professional integrity. These skills and attributes enable effective evaluation, treatment, and advocacy for clients involved in the legal system.

How does a forensic counselor typically collaborate with legal professionals and other stakeholders in the justice system?

Forensic counselors frequently work alongside attorneys, judges, probation officers, and social workers to provide assessments, recommendations, and therapeutic services for individuals involved in the legal system. They may be called upon to present findings in court, develop treatment plans for offenders, or advise on sentencing and rehabilitation options. Effective communication and detailed documentation are crucial, as their work often directly influences legal outcomes and client well-being. This collaborative environment requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of both clinical practice and legal procedures.

What is the difference between Forensic Counseling vs Forensic Psychology?

AspectForensic CounselingForensic Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, licensureDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure as psychologist
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, mental health clinicsCourts, correctional facilities, research settings
Industry UsageLegal cases, mental health assessments, counselingLegal evaluations, expert testimony, psychological assessments

Forensic Counseling and Forensic Psychology both work within the legal system, but Forensic Counseling typically requires a master's degree and focuses on counseling and mental health support, while Forensic Psychology requires a doctoral degree and emphasizes psychological evaluations and expert testimony. Both roles are vital in legal settings but serve different functions based on their training and focus.

How much does a forensic counseling mental health counselor make?

Forensic counseling mental health counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialized training, and whether they work in criminal justice, legal settings, or mental health facilities.

How to become a forensic counselor?

To become a forensic counselor, you typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with specialized training in forensic or criminal justice settings. Licensure or certification is often required, and gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is important for working with legal and criminal cases.

What can a forensic counselor do?

A forensic counselor provides mental health assessments, therapy, and support to individuals involved in the legal system, such as offenders, victims, or witnesses. They often work in correctional facilities, courts, or forensic clinics, utilizing counseling skills and psychological evaluations to inform legal decisions and treatment plans.

What do I need to become a forensic counselor?

To become a forensic counselor, you typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with relevant licensure or certification. Experience in mental health, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system are also important for working in forensic settings.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Counseling jobs in Missouri?

For Forensic Counseling jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Forensic Counseling jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Forensic Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Counseling job openings in Missouri as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,429 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) - Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO • On-site

CLFC Healthcare and Communications
51 - 200 employees

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Reference: 01CLFCT020-LP

About Larned State Hospital

Larned State Hospital. A 78 acre campus and the largest psychiatric facility in the state, serving the western two thirds of Kansas with nearly 1,000 employees and capacity to treat more than 450 patients daily. Accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Position Overview

CLF Consultants LLC is conducting a national search for psychologists on behalf of Larned State Hospital, a State of Kansas psychiatric hospital. The successful candidate is hired directly by Larned State Hospital as a State of Kansas employee with full State benefits, State retirement and paid State holidays. CLFC conducts the national search and supports candidates through presentation, interview, offer and transition into the hospital's onboarding process.

This is a direct patient care role on an assigned inpatient unit. The psychologist carries assessment, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning and therapeutic intervention for adults living with serious mental illness, forensic patients, and individuals in court ordered specialized treatment, working inside a multidisciplinary treatment team.

This is inpatient work with a population most outpatient practice never reaches: adults living with serious mental illness, forensic patients, and individuals in court ordered specialized treatment. Practitioners with competency restoration, civil commitment or forensic evaluation experience will find that work here, and practitioners looking to build it will find supervision and case volume that few settings can offer.

Larned State Hospital sits in central Kansas. This is a rural posting, and it is a deliberate one. The caseload is unusually rich, the treatment teams are stable, and the position carries a compensation and benefit package built for a career rather than a rotation. Candidates relocating from outside Kansas are welcomed and are a substantial part of this search.

Larned carries three psychologist levels and this search fills all of them: Licensed Psychologist at $80,000 to $95,000, Senior Psychologist at $95,000 to $125,000, and Supervisory Psychologist at $125,000 to $155,000. Candidates are considered against the level their experience supports, and a separate posting exists for each.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide direct psychological services to adult inpatients living with serious mental illness within an assigned treatment unit.
  • Conduct psychological assessment, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning and progress review as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Deliver individual and group therapeutic intervention appropriate to an inpatient forensic and civil psychiatric population.
  • Contribute to forensic evaluation work including competency restoration and civil commitment processes, according to position assignment and practitioner qualification.
  • Maintain clinical documentation to State hospital standards and to the requirements of the applicable review and accreditation bodies.
  • Participate in treatment team consultation, case review and coordination with psychiatry, nursing, social work and rehabilitation services.
  • Contribute to risk assessment, behavioral management planning, and discharge and transition planning.
  • Maintain licensure in good standing and complete continuing education requirements, including the hospital's annual on site conference.
Required Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree, PhD or PsyD, in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or another qualifying psychology discipline.
  • Eligibility for licensure as a Psychologist by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Candidates currently licensed in another state who are eligible for Kansas licensure and actively completing the Kansas process are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
  • Experience working with serious mental illness. This is a firm requirement.
  • Ability to obtain employment within a Kansas state psychiatric hospital.
  • Ability to successfully pass all required background investigations and pre employment screening.
  • Ability to perform the position's required on site duties in Larned, Kansas. Some positions may offer hybrid scheduling.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with forensic populations, including competency restoration or civil commitment.
  • Inpatient psychiatric experience, whether in a state hospital, academic medical center, Veterans Affairs facility, or correctional setting.
  • Experience in community mental health, correctional health, or another public sector behavioral health environment.
  • Completion of an APA accredited internship or a postdoctoral fellowship in a forensic or clinical psychology track.
  • Experience contributing to multidisciplinary treatment teams in a licensed inpatient facility.
Compensation and Engagement Details

This position is compensated as a State of Kansas public service role, and the total package is built differently from a private practice offer. The base salary is one part of it. Alongside it sit State retirement and deferred compensation, full family health coverage, paid leave, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Candidates are encouraged to weigh the position on total value across a career rather than on base salary alone.

  • Base salary. $80,000 to $95,000 annual for the Licensed Psychologist level, set by the State of Kansas, commensurate with experience.
  • Federal student loan forgiveness. The hospital is a qualifying public employer for federal student loan forgiveness programs, which may provide substantial long term value for eligible candidates carrying qualifying education debt. Eligibility depends on your loan type, repayment plan and qualifying payment history.
  • Health coverage. Medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, plus additional coverage options, under the State of Kansas employee benefit program.
  • Retirement and deferred compensation. State of Kansas retirement, plus access to State deferred compensation programs.
  • Leave and paid holidays. Sick leave and vacation leave, plus work life balance programs including parental leave, military leave, jury leave and funeral leave, and ten paid State holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, and Christmas.
  • Sign on bonus. A $1,000 sign on bonus paid to new hires six months after the start date.
  • Continuing education. The hospital hosts an annual on site conference carrying continuing education credit for employees, so CE requirements are met without travel or out of pocket cost.
  • Employee discounts and amenities. Employee discounts through the State of Kansas STAR Program. Fitness center access is available at select State locations.
  • Interview travel paid. For candidates invited to an on site visit, the hospital covers lodging and travel including flights and rental vehicle. Meals are not covered. Candidates relocating from out of state are not asked to fund their own interview.
  • Onboarding timeline. Typically 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to start date, driven by background clearance, Kansas licensure where it is not already established, and any notice owed to a current employer.
  • Schedule flexibility. Part time candidates may be considered for some positions, and some positions may be considered for a hybrid schedule. Fully remote is not available.
About CLFC Healthcare and Communications

CLF Consultants is a federal contractor providing healthcare staffing and language access services across U.S. federal, state, and local agencies. Our network of 500+ healthcare professionals and 200+ interpreters supports nationwide coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer.