ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Provides a full-range of supportive mental health services including brief individual counseling, group counseling (process or psycho-educational), and specialty group counseling (e.g., anger ...

New

The GEO Group

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$100K/yr

Provides a full-range of supportive mental health services including brief individual counseling, group counseling (process or psycho-educational), and specialty group counseling (e.g., anger ...

New

The GEO Group

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$100K/yr

Provides a full-range of supportive mental health services including brief individual counseling, group counseling (process or psycho-educational), and specialty group counseling (e.g., anger ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMental Health Counselor JobsMental Health Counselor Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Mental Health Counselor information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$29.6K

$60.5K

$109.6K

How much do mental health counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health counselor in Rio Rancho, NM is $60,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $68,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mental Health Counselor vs Social Worker?

AspectMental Health CounselorSocial Worker
CredentialsMaster's in Counseling or Psychology, state licensureMaster's in Social Work (MSW), licensure varies
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, clinics, mental health facilitiesHospitals, community agencies, schools
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsSocial service agencies, healthcare, government
FocusIndividual mental health treatment, therapyHolistic support, resource connection, advocacy

While both roles require advanced degrees and licensure, Mental Health Counselors primarily focus on providing therapy for mental health issues, whereas Social Workers often address broader social needs and connect clients to resources. The choice depends on your career interests in clinical therapy versus social support services.

What does a mental health counselor do?

A mental health counselor is a trained professional who helps individuals manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders or problems with relationships. They work with clients to develop coping strategies, improve their well-being, and achieve personal goals. Counselors use talk therapy and other therapeutic techniques to address issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. They may work in private practice, hospitals, schools, or community agencies, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

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

To thrive as a Mental Health Counselor, you need a strong background in psychology, counseling theories, and therapeutic techniques, typically supported by a master's degree in counseling or a related field and state licensure. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and evidence-based assessment tools is commonly required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and interpersonal communication skills help counselors build trust and effectively support clients. These competencies are crucial for providing ethical, impactful care and facilitating positive mental health outcomes.

What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?

A mental health counselor is a healthcare professional who helps people facing various mental health issues. This job may include holding individual or group therapy to address issues like anxiety and depression, addiction, family or career issues, relationship issues, or other unhealthy and difficult situations in the patients’ lives. A mental health counselor provides skilled assistance through conversation with their clients, but is not licensed to provide prescriptions for medications.

What are some common challenges a Mental Health Counselor might face when working with diverse client populations?

Mental Health Counselors often work with clients from varied cultural, socioeconomic, and age backgrounds, which can present challenges such as addressing language barriers, differing beliefs about mental health, and varying levels of trust in counseling. Building rapport and delivering culturally competent care requires ongoing education and self-awareness. Counselors must also adapt therapeutic approaches to fit individual needs, while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards. These challenges are balanced by the rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact across diverse communities.
More about Mental Health Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Mental Health Counselor jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Mental Health Counselor jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Mental Health Counselor job openings:
Mental Health Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mental Health Counselor job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,504 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Mental Health Therapist

Mental Health Therapist

Presbyterian Medical Services

Rio Rancho, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Presbyterian Medical Services rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

JOB CATEGORY: MENTAL HEALTH / THERAPIST / BEHAVIORAL HEALTH / SOCIAL WORK

POSITION SUMMARY: This is a professional position providing therapeutic services to Behavioral Health clients. 

REQUIREMENTS
 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of Master's degree from an accredited college or university.


     

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • New Mexico State licensure as a Master's level mental health counselor or social worker is required, e.g., LMHC, LPC, LMSW, LAMFT, LPCC, LISW, LCSW, LMFT, or LPAT. Must have by date of hire and maintain current throughout employment.
  • Have or be able to obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire. Certifications must meet the requirements listed in the document "BLS / CPR / ACLS & First Aid Training Resources" posted on Staurolite. It is your responsibility to keep your certifications current at all times.


SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

  • According to PMS Human Resources Policy 205.006, "Healthcare Personnel Testing & Immunization Requirements," this position must comply with required testing and immunizations. Testing and immunizations including TB, Hepatitis B (consent or waiver), Tdap, MMR, and Varicella, will be available at the employee's PMS health center. Influenza vaccines will be required according to dates set by the CDC and NMDOH.
     
  • This position requires successful completion of an initial post-offer of employment:
    • Criminal Records Check.

BONUSES

  • All bonuses subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements

ABOUT PMS 

  • Founded in 1969, PMS is a non-profit organization with over 1,300 employees providing services at 100+ locations in New Mexico. 
  • Our diverse services include primary care, dental, behavioral health, early childhood education, supportive living, and senior programs. 
  • We concentrate our resources on meeting the needs of underserved areas of New Mexico. 
  • We operate the largest network of federally qualified health centers in the state. 
  • PMS is not affiliated with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Presbyterian Hospitals or Presbyterian Health Plan. 

WHY PMS? 

  • Mission-driven organization 
  • Competitive salaries 
  • Nine paid holidays and generous PTO 
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance 
  • Free Life & LTD coverage 
  • Free discretionary pension plan contribution 
  • Employee recognition and engagement activities 
  • Robust training program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 

EOE/AA/M/F/SO/Vet/Disability

What Presbyterian Medical Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Presbyterian Medical Services logo

About Presbyterian Medical Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Presbyterian Medical Services, we believe that the best way to improve community health and wellbeing is for everyone to work together. That’s why we work collaboratively with community groups, school districts, local providers, hospitals, and governments at every level. Together, we develop programs and services that meet the needs of the people living within these communities, and we continue expanding into communities that invite our involvement.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sante Fe, NM, US

Year founded

1969

View All Presbyterian Medical Services Jobs

Apply