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Professional Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

UT

$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 3, 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:
What job categories do people searching Professional Counseling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Counseling jobs are:
Professional Counseling jobs near you
Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse)

Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$76K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: 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, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse): Degree: Two full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes: 1) Performing professional counseling and addiction medicine treatment in support of patients with an alcohol and substance abuse diagnosis; 2) Applying rehabilitation principles to conduct comprehensive substance use evaluations; and 3) Providing professional counseling to substance abuse patients.
Licensure/Certification: This position requires applicants to possess a current, active, valid, unrestricted counseling/psychologist license from a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction is required.
Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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