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Licensed Associate Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Licensed Associate Counselor

Caldwell, NJ · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Licensed Associate Counselor Come join a rapidly expanding, leading national substance abuse & mental health organization who is currently seeking a Licensed Associate Counselor for their growing ...

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Licensed Associate Counselor information

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$35K

$71.9K

$114K

How much do licensed associate counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for licensed associate counselor in the United States is $71,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Licensed Associate Counselor typically collaborate with supervisors and other mental health professionals?

As a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), you will regularly participate in supervision meetings with a licensed clinical supervisor to review cases, receive feedback, and ensure adherence to ethical standards. Collaboration with other mental health professionals—such as psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists—is common, especially when coordinating care for clients with complex needs. This team-based approach not only supports client outcomes but also contributes to your professional growth and skill development. Open communication and a willingness to seek guidance are key to thriving in this collaborative environment.

What can I do with an Associates in counseling?

With an Associate's in counseling, you can work as a mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral health assistant, supporting licensed professionals and clients in various settings. These roles often involve assisting with client activities, documentation, and basic counseling support, and may require supervision or further certification for advanced responsibilities.

How to make 200,000 as a therapist?

Licensed Associate Counselors can increase their earning potential by gaining specialized certifications, building a strong client base, and working in high-demand settings such as private practice or specialized clinics. Increasing hours, offering teletherapy, and developing niche expertise can also help reach higher income levels, but reaching $200,000 typically requires advanced experience and possibly transitioning to independent practice or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Licensed Associate Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Licensed Associate Counselor, you need a solid background in counseling theory and techniques, typically supported by a master’s degree in counseling and state licensure. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and documentation software is often required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong interpersonal communication set outstanding counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust with clients, accurately assessing needs, and providing effective therapeutic support.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. Licensed Associate Counselors typically earn less than these roles but can increase earning potential with additional certifications, specialization, or experience. Salary varies based on location, setting, and years of practice.

What is a licensed associate counselor?

A licensed associate counselor (LAC) is a mental health professional who has completed a master's degree in counseling or a related field and is licensed to provide counseling services under supervision. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed professional and are required to accumulate supervised clinical hours to become fully licensed as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or equivalent.

What is the difference between Licensed Associate Counselor vs Licensed Professional Counselor?

AspectLicensed Associate CounselorLicensed Professional Counselor
CredentialsRequires a master's degree and supervised experience; must pass the exam to become licensedRequires a master's degree, supervised experience, and passing the licensing exam; fully licensed
Work EnvironmentTypically works under supervision in clinics, schools, or mental health agenciesWorks independently or with a team in similar settings, with full licensure
UsageOften used during the licensure process; title held before full licensureFull licensure status, allowing independent practice

The main difference between a Licensed Associate Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor is the licensure status. The Associate is in the process of becoming fully licensed, working under supervision, while the Professional Counselor has completed all requirements and can practice independently.

More about Licensed Associate Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Licensed Associate Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Licensed Associate Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Licensed Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Licensed Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Licensed Associate Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Licensed Associate Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Licensed Associate Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,915 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Licensed Associate Counselor

PRAESUM HEALTHCARE

Caldwell, NJ • On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Counseling Center:
Position Title: Licensed Associate Counselor
Come join a rapidly expanding, leading national substance abuse & mental health organization who is currently seeking a Licensed Associate Counselor for their growing Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Counseling program! We have achieved this remarkable growth by building a reputation for compassionate care, clinical expertise, continuous improvement and a focus on exceeding the expectations of our patients, clients, and their families. At our company, you can enjoy a rewarding career.
Licensed Associate Counselor Duties/Responsibilities:
• New patient intake and orientation
• Conducts initial assessment of patient problems and needs and reports to clinical team to initiate treatment planning
• Conducts individual sessions
• Facilitates groups with patients
• Addresses patient's concerns and helps eliminate possibility of AMA
• Provides Case Management
• Provides tours for prospective patients and their families as requested.
• Documentation in patient medical record
Licensed Associate Counselor Requirements:
• Must have one of the following: LAC, LPC, LSW or LCSW
• Mental Health license or certification, clean and active
• New graduates welcome
• Experience conducting group sessions
• Flexibility and willingness are great attributes
Licensed Associate Counselor Schedule:
• Full Time
• Monday - Friday
• 1PM - 9:30PM
Licensed Counselor Compensation:
• Hourly rate competitive with experience and location
Full time employees may be eligible for the following:
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and STD options
• Medical FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401k with company match up to 5%
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Education reimbursement
• Career Advancement Opportunities
*** This job does NOT sponsor visa's and we are unable to consider out of country applicants ***
If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone that you respect who would be a good fit for this position, please email:
Ray@praesumhealthcare.com
#IND123