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How much do prison therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison therapist in the United States is $27.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a prison therapist?

To thrive as a Prison Therapist, you need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with state licensure and experience in mental health care. Familiarity with assessment tools, case management software, and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and resilience are essential for building trust and managing challenging situations with incarcerated individuals. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering effective mental health support and fostering rehabilitation in a correctional environment.

What challenges do prison therapists face when providing mental health support to incarcerated individuals?

Prison therapists often encounter unique challenges, such as working with individuals who may be distrustful of mental health services due to past trauma or the stigma surrounding therapy in correctional environments. Additionally, security protocols and limited privacy can impact the therapeutic relationship and session consistency. Therapists must also navigate complex ethical considerations and collaborate closely with correctional staff, all while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality. These challenges require strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and adaptability.

What is a prison therapist?

Prison therapists are mental health professionals who work within correctional facilities to provide counseling and therapeutic services to incarcerated individuals. Their responsibilities include conducting mental health assessments, offering individual or group therapy, and developing treatment plans to address issues such as trauma, substance abuse, anger management, and rehabilitation. Prison therapists play a crucial role in supporting inmate well-being, reducing recidivism, and helping individuals reintegrate into society after release.

What is the difference between Prison Therapist vs Correctional Counselor?

AspectPrison TherapistCorrectional Counselor
CredentialsMaster's in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling; licensure often requiredSimilar credentials; often licensed mental health or substance abuse counselors
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilitiesPrisons, jails, community correctional agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, correctional institutionsGovernment agencies, community organizations, correctional facilities
Job FocusProviding mental health therapy, crisis intervention, rehabilitationCounseling, case management, behavioral intervention

Both Prison Therapists and Correctional Counselors work within correctional settings and require similar mental health credentials. However, Prison Therapists primarily focus on providing therapy and mental health treatment to inmates, while Correctional Counselors often handle case management and behavioral interventions. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path within the correctional mental health field.

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Prison Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,893 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

On-Call Prison Based Counselor (Therapist)

Gateway Foundation

Marquette, MI • Hybrid

$22 - $30/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice.  You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
  • Exposure to diverse patient demographics
  • Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
  • Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Location: Marquette Branch Prison 1960 U.S. Hwy. 41 South Marquette, MI 49855 

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - daytime coverage during the hours of 8:00am-4:30pm. Position will be part-time/on-call. 

Prison-Based Counselors (Therapists) are responsible for: 

  • Provides group orientation, individual intake, comprehensive assessment, Mid-Program assessment and discharge planning including aftercare recommendations, in accordance to MDOC contract requirements.
  • Documents treatment and discharge plans, and client's progress and responses to treatment; and maintains related records and charts.
  • Provides Evidenced-Based group therapy for up to 15 offenders per group in accordance to MDOC contract requirements.  
  • Provides individual segregation discharges as needed/approved for offenders terminated early from substance abuse services, in accordance to MDOC contract requirements and at the discretion of the correctional facility.  
  • Completion of reporting requirements
  • Adherence to MDOC policies and procedures, with specific attention to safety and security, and maintenance of professional boundaries with offender population.
  • Ability to navigate between internal electronic health record and Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) system for reporting.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree with minimum of two years' experience OR Master's Degree and minimum of one year of experience
  • Experience in substance abuse related field, with specific skills in counseling, assessment, treatment planning and group therapy; working with offender population.   
  • Clinical licensure and/or Certification in State of Michigan or ability to obtain this within designated timeframe specified through the Michigan Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
  • Ability to follow MDOC directives and remain flexible as needed to accommodate facility space and scheduling.
  • Ability to work independently and/or with team members as available.
  • Ability to receive and apply clinical supervision feedback as needed.
  • Excellent attendance and punctuality to ensure consistent delivery of services.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials): 

  • Range is between $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
  • Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

Flexibility and Time Off:

  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

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