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Health Counseling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Health Counseling information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$86.3K

$144.4K

How much do health counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for health counseling in Washington is $86,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is health counseling?

Health counseling involves a trained counselor providing health-related counseling services to a patient to improve their wellbeing on a mental or physical level. Some professionals take on responsibilities in specialized areas like trauma, youth services, or addiction. As a counselor, much of your work is clinical, so you usually work in a hospital, rehab center, or inpatient facility. As a mental health counselor, your duties include offering guidance to individuals, couples, or families while focusing on wellness as opposed to illness. You are expected to provide an open and accepting environment to discuss sensitive topics like depression, substance abuse, bullying, suicide, and more. As a medical counselor, you are responsible for managing the clinical care of patients, conducting client screenings and individual assessments, and creating initial treatment plans. As a clinical mental health counselor, you combine psychotherapy with a problem-solving approach to create a therapy path for effective change and problem resolution. In this position, you offer psychoeducational and prevention programs, prevention crisis management, substance abuse treatment, assessment, and diagnosis.

What is health counseling?

Health counseling is a professional service that helps individuals make positive health-related changes in their lives. Health counselors work with clients to address issues such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle habits. They provide support, education, and motivation to help people achieve their wellness goals and overcome barriers to good health. Health counseling can take place in various settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations.

What are some common challenges health counselors face when supporting clients through behavior change?

Health counselors often encounter challenges such as client resistance to change, lack of motivation, or deeply rooted habits that are difficult to alter. Building trust and rapport is essential, as clients may initially feel hesitant to share personal information. Counselors use evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing and goal-setting to help clients overcome barriers, but progress can be gradual and requires patience and persistence. Effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals is also important to provide comprehensive support and address any co-occurring physical or mental health concerns.

What is the difference between Health Counseling vs Health Coaching?

AspectHealth CounselingHealth Coaching
CredentialsOften requires degrees in counseling, psychology, or related fields; certifications like Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)Typically requires health or wellness certifications; certifications like Certified Health Coach (NBC-HWC)
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mental health centers, private practicesGyms, wellness centers, corporate wellness programs, private coaching
FocusAddressing mental health, behavioral change, emotional supportPromoting healthy lifestyles, goal setting, motivation
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, community healthFitness, wellness, corporate health programs

Health Counseling and Health Coaching both aim to improve well-being but differ mainly in focus and credentials. Health Counseling often involves mental health support and behavioral therapy, while Health Coaching emphasizes lifestyle changes and motivation. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose the right professional for their health goals.

What does a health counselor do?

A health counselor helps individuals improve their health by providing guidance on lifestyle changes, managing chronic conditions, and offering emotional support. They often work in healthcare settings, using communication skills and knowledge of health topics to develop personalized plans and promote wellness.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Health Counseling jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Health Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Counseling job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,350 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Adjunct - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Marymount University

Arlington, VA

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students-but one another-creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice,


Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset.


Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.


Title

Adjunct - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Direct Supervisor

Director, School of Counseling

Status

Part-Time, Exempt

Division

Academic Affairs

Target Weekly Hours 10

Location

2807 N Glebe Road (Main Campus)

Benefits Eligibility

No

JOB SUMMARY

Marymount seeks to build a pool of persons qualified to teach courses specific to Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Qualified applicants will be notified when a teaching need arises.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Teach designated courses and must be committed to program development, monitoring course content, and course implementation.

  • Maintains appropriate office hours (1 hour per course per week) to advise students with regard to coursework.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

Terminal degree or candidates in the final stages of receiving their terminal degree is required. Identity and support of the counseling field and profession is required.

Experience

Licensure and/or certifications in counseling.

Compensation/Benefits

Adjuncts receiveremunerationon a semesterbasis, andmay range from$1,200/credit hour.

They may make their own contribution to a 403b retirement plan.


Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our career portal by submitting a cover letter addressing their qualifications related to the information listed above, along with a resume.


Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/


Marymount University is an E-Verify employer. http://marymount.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTF-8E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es-1.pdf