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Internships In Counseling Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Internships In Counseling information

See Portland, OR salary details

$39.2K

$80.9K

$135.2K

How much do internships in counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for internships in counseling in Portland, OR is $80,854.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,600.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship in counseling?

Internships in counseling are supervised practical experiences that allow students or recent graduates to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These internships typically involve working with clients under the guidance of a licensed counselor, gaining hands-on experience in assessment, intervention, and ethical practice. They are usually a requirement for completing counseling degree programs and are essential for developing the skills needed for professional licensure. Interns learn about confidentiality, case management, and diverse counseling techniques, preparing them for future careers in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an internship in counseling?

To thrive in counseling internships, you need foundational coursework in psychology or counseling, along with enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with case management systems, basic diagnostic tools, and sometimes CPR or crisis intervention certifications are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and a high level of empathy help interns build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with supervisors. These competencies are essential because they enable interns to support clients ethically and effectively while gaining practical experience under supervision.

What types of supervision and mentorship can interns expect during counseling internships?

During counseling internships, interns typically receive regular supervision from licensed counselors or clinical supervisors. This includes weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss client cases, review documentation, and address any challenges. Interns often participate in group supervision sessions and may shadow experienced counselors to observe best practices. Mentorship is a key component, providing guidance on ethical issues, client interactions, and professional development, ensuring interns gain practical skills in a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Internships In Counseling vs Counseling Assistant?

AspectInternships In CounselingCounseling Assistant
Required CredentialsUsually pursuing or recent graduate in counseling or psychologyOften requires a related degree, some roles may need certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical or educational settings, internships often part-timeOffice or clinical settings, assisting licensed counselors
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, mental health clinics, non-profitsHospitals, clinics, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonInternships In Counseling vs Counseling Assistant

Internships In Counseling are typically educational opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience under supervision. Counseling Assistants support licensed counselors in administrative and client-related tasks. While both roles involve mental health settings, internships focus on learning and training, whereas counseling assistants provide more direct support in ongoing client care.

Is there paid counseling internships?

Paid counseling internships are available and vary by organization. Some internships offer stipends or hourly wages, especially those affiliated with universities or government programs, while others may be unpaid or offer academic credit. It is important to review specific internship listings for compensation details and requirements.

What do you do in a counseling internship?

A counseling internship involves assisting licensed counselors with client sessions, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans under supervision. Interns gain practical experience in counseling techniques, record keeping, and ethical practices, often working in mental health or educational settings. The role helps build skills necessary for future licensure and professional practice.

What are popular job titles related to Internships In Counseling jobs in Portland, OR?

For Internships In Counseling jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internships In Counseling jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Internships In Counseling jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Internships In Counseling job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,854 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Bilingual Addiction Medicine Counselor (FT, Days)

Kaiser Permanente

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Kaiser Permanente rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 923 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary:

Addiction Medicine (AM) Counselors provide engagement, counseling, and case management services to members that are affected by substance use disorders. AM Counselors are generalists who are flexible in their job duties serving a population that has a variety of needs including treatment for substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and support and education for their family members. AM Counselors function within a multidisciplinary treatment team to support members that present in all phases of readiness for change.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality clinical services (individual, group, and family) to our members through direct assessment, diagnosis and formulation/implementation of treatment plan in outpatient or residential settings. Provide all care in accordance with accepted best practice standards and department protocols (including supervision). Conducts hospital consults as requested by clinical services manager, Clinical Director or Chief of Addiction Medicine department. Provide case management through appropriate triaging and referrals, consultation with other providers, contact with members and their families, and reporting to outside agencies.
  • Document all member care in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted medical/legal standards.
  • Provide other member or department services, such as program development, in-service training, crisis intervention and supervision of members during residential activities.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year working in a setting that is specific to substance use disorder treatment within the last five (5) years OR completion of KP Addiction Medicine department internship before hire/transfer.
  • Completed training from American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria within the first three (3) months of hire or within the most recent two (2) years prior to hire.

Education

  • Masters level degree in counseling, social work, or closely related field (M.S.W., M.S., M.A., M.Ed.), post-masters experience not required, if completed one (1) year of departmental internship.

License, Certification, Registration

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Oregon) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Washington) OR Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certificate (Oregon) OR Professional Counselor License (Oregon) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Oregon) OR Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Certification (Washington) OR Mental Health Counselor License (Washington) OR Substance Use Disorder Professional License (Washington) OR Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Washington) OR Licensed Advanced Social Worker License (Washington)
  • National Provider Identifier required at hire

Additional Requirements:

  • Thorough and working knowledge of current best practice treatment for; adolescents and adults and their family members needing substance use disorder treatment services; including treatment principles for individual, family, and group counseling; and treatment/intervention options for common co-occurring mental health disorders.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of legal requirements for reporting abuse and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of accepted best practice protocols and ethical guidelines and behaviors for counselors.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of best practices for delivering culturally aware services.
  • Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat members affected by substance use.
  • Ability to recognize, assess, and provide treatment for members with co-occurring mental health disorders.
  • Ability to effectively apply ASAM criteria to make placement decisions. Ability to use appropriate procedural/testing equipment and tools.
  • Ability to provide case management for patients with a variety of needs including legal issues and social determinants of health.
  • Ability to interface with large multidisciplinary systems.
  • Competency in computer skills including email, and other typical office applications.
  • Competency in computer skills including ability to access and utilize web-based resources. Proficient in providing both face to face and virtual care.
  • Ability to learn and teach patients to use electronic recovery aids, apps, etc.
  • Oregon licensure/certification is required for Oregon positions. Washington licensure/certification is required for
  • Washington positions, dual licensure is encouraged.
  • Final candidate must pass pre-employment language skill assessment administered over the phone by Kaiser Permanente.
  • Upon hire, must take the next available Kaiser Permanente Qualified Bilingual Staff (QBS) training for continued employment.
  • For licensed mental health professionals that do not hold a drug and alcohol certification are required to demonstrate at least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum Two (2) years of post-masters experience working in a substance use disorder treatment setting within the
  • last 5 years.
  • Experience working in an integrated healthcare setting including primary care services
  • Experience or specialized training in treating adolescents with substance use disorders
  • Experience or specialized training in family therapy and working with family members that have a family member with a
  • substance use disorder
  • Experience or specialized training in treating trauma
  • Experience in applying Motivational Interviewing techniques to engage and triage new patients
  • Experience working with an interdisciplinary treatment team including medical providers
  • Experience working with patients that are receiving either prescribed or dispensed medications for substance use
  • disorders
  • Experience using Feedback Informed Care tools in direct patient care
  • Experience providing crisis management services
  • Experience working with electronic health record systems
  • Certified Addiction Counselor in practicing state required at time of hire/transfer, and Current license to treat mental health disorders without restriction, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LICSW, LMHC in practicing state required at time of hire/transfer.
  • Certified Addiction Counselor in both OR and WA state.

Notes:

  • Schedule may vary

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