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Professional Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Two years of experience providing professional counseling to clients with mental health disorders by using assessment, evaluation, intervention, rehabilitation and treatment regimens. Note: 1. These ...

MD

$51K - $66K/yr

Two years of experience providing professional counseling to clients with mental health disorders by using assessment, evaluation, intervention, rehabilitation and treatment regimens.\r\n\r\n\r\nNote ...

$76K/yr

Performs professional counseling and addiction medicine treatment in support of patients with an alcohol and substance abuse diagnosis.Qualifications: Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify ...

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Professional Counseling information

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$34.5K

$60.6K

$88.5K

How much do professional counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counseling in the United States is $60,597.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Counseling vs School Counseling?

AspectProfessional CounselingSchool Counseling
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Counseling or related field, licensureMaster's degree in School Counseling, state certification
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, mental health clinics, hospitalsPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health services, community agenciesEducational institutions, school districts

Both Professional Counseling and School Counseling require advanced degrees and licensure, but they differ mainly in work settings. Professional Counselors typically work in healthcare or community settings, focusing on individual mental health, while School Counselors operate within educational environments, supporting students' academic and emotional needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professional counselors when working with clients from diverse backgrounds?

Professional counselors often encounter challenges related to cultural differences, language barriers, and varying perspectives on mental health when working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Navigating these differences requires strong cultural competence, sensitivity, and ongoing education to ensure effective communication and respectful, individualized care. Counselors may also need to adapt their therapeutic approaches to be more inclusive and relevant to each client's unique context. Building trust and rapport can take additional time, but it is essential for positive outcomes.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In professional counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries due to advanced degrees and licensing requirements. These roles often involve diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and they typically require specialized training and certification. Other high-paying counseling fields include neuropsychology and certain specialized therapy practices, but overall, medical and clinical roles generally have the highest earning potential.

Who gets paid more, LPC or lcsw?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are both mental health professionals, but LCSWs tend to have higher average salaries due to their broader clinical responsibilities and social work training. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, but generally, LCSWs earn more than LPCs.

What is professional counseling?

Professional counseling is a confidential process in which trained mental health professionals help individuals, couples, or groups address emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. Counselors use evidence-based techniques to support clients in managing stress, overcoming challenges, improving relationships, and achieving personal growth. The counseling process typically involves talking through concerns, setting goals, and developing coping strategies in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

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

To thrive as a Professional Counselor, you need a solid understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and counseling methodologies, typically supported by a master's degree in counseling and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, diagnostic tools (like DSM-5), and telehealth platforms is commonly required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and rapport with clients. These combined abilities ensure ethical, effective guidance and support for individuals facing mental health or life challenges.

How to make $200,000 as a therapist?

To earn $200,000 as a professional counselor, therapists often increase income by specializing in high-demand areas, building a private practice, or working in settings with higher compensation such as hospitals or corporate wellness programs. Gaining advanced certifications, expanding client base, and offering teletherapy can also boost earnings, but reaching this income level typically requires years of experience and strategic career development.

What is the highest paid counselling job?

The highest paid counseling roles are often clinical directors or specialized therapists such as neuropsychologists or addiction counselors with advanced certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and often involve leadership responsibilities, resulting in higher salaries within the counseling field.
More about Professional Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Professional Counseling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Counseling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,597 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced

Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced

State of Maryland

MD • On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Maryland rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!
The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.
As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.
GRADE
STD 0021
LOCATION OF POSITION
Howard County
2000 Toulson Road
Jessup, MD
POSITION DUTIES
The PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced is the advanced level of professional counseling work, at the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor level, providing counseling services as an expert in a specialty area such as dissociative, adjustment or bipolar disorders, or in a defined treatment or population area to clients with mental health disorders by using assessment, evaluation, intervention, rehabilitation and treatment regimens Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (PSCS). As an expert in a specialty area, these employees may provide instruction, guidance and consultation to lower-level Mental Health Professional Counselors and other staff. Employees in this classification do not supervise.
Employees in this class receive general supervision from a program administrator. Employees in this classification may be required to work evenings and on weekends. The work is performed in State mental health programs located in State institutions, facilities and offices including inpatient and outpatient facilities, jails, detention centers, prisons, halfway house facilities and community-based programs.
Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.
The PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced is differentiated from the PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor II, in that the PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced performs an advanced level of work in a specialty area or in a defined treatment or population area, while the PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor II performs senior worker duties with a high degree of independence. The PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor Advanced is differentiated from the PSCS Mental Health Professional Counselor Supervisor in that the Mental Health Professional Counselor Supervisor supervises lower-level Mental Health Professional Counselors.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.
Education: Determined by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists under the requirements for Certified Professional Counselors.
Experience: Two years of experience providing professional counseling to clients with mental health disorders by using assessment, evaluation, intervention, rehabilitation and treatment regimens.
Note:
1. These requirements are established by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. The Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits does not have the authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Mental or Behavioral Health Counseling classifications or Mental or Behavioral Health Nursing and Specialist specialty codes in the counseling field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. In accordance with Health Occupations Title 17 and Code of Maryland Regulations 10.58.01.05, candidates placed in this classification must be licensed by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
2. Candidates appointed to positions in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English. The ideal candidate must effectively and respectfully communicate with diverse populations, providing services to individuals with different beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal styles in confinement or community settings. Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or any other language is a plus.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
  • Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
  • Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
  • Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
  • Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
  • Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year

Additional benefits are available to employees of this classification.
  • Pension - State employees in this classifications earn credit towards a 20 year retirement pension
  • Reimbursement of costs for eligible classes and release time for job-related CEU training
  • Reimbursement of costs of licensure or certification as required by clinical specialty
  • Tuition reimbursement available through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended.However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to tiara.mills@maryland.gov. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.
If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to tiara.mills@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999.
Tiara Mills
Tiara.Mills@maryland.gov
If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

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