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Professional Counselor Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Couples Counselor

Bend, OR · On-site

$70.89 - $133.77/hr

Organizational Overview Vista Counseling is a locally‑owned, professionally run private practice established in 2002. We offer a collaborative and professional environment for highly skilled ...

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Professional Counselor information

See Bend, OR salary details

$36.9K

$75.9K

$120.3K

How much do professional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counselor in Bend, OR is $75,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $84,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional counselor?

Professional counselors are licensed mental health professionals who help individuals, couples, and groups address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. They use various therapeutic techniques to assist clients in managing stress, coping with life changes, improving relationships, and achieving personal growth. Professional counselors work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices, hospitals, and community organizations. Their goal is to provide support and guidance to help clients lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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 expertise in psychological assessment, therapeutic intervention, and a master's degree in counseling or a related field, along with state licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), diagnostic tools like the DSM-5, and ongoing continuing education or certifications are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and credentials are crucial for providing effective, ethical support that fosters client well-being and positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges professional counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, managing emotionally intense sessions, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Another frequent challenge is addressing resistance or reluctance from clients who may be hesitant to open up. To manage these situations, counselors use active listening skills, establish clear expectations, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Ongoing supervision and peer support also help counselors process difficult cases and maintain their own well-being.

What is the difference between Professional Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectProfessional CounselorSchool Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, state licensureMaster's degree in school counseling, state certification/license
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, mental health clinics, community agenciesPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, community servicesEducational institutions, K-12 schools

Both Professional Counselors and School Counselors require similar credentials, including a master's degree and state licensure. However, Professional Counselors typically work in clinical or community settings, while School Counselors focus on student development within educational environments. Their roles overlap in providing mental health support, but their work settings and specific responsibilities differ.

What does it mean to be a professional counselor?

A professional counselor is a trained mental health professional who provides guidance and support to individuals, couples, or groups to help them manage emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. They typically hold relevant degrees and licensure, and use counseling techniques to assist clients in achieving personal goals and improving well-being.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Bend, OR?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Bend, OR are:

What cities near Bend, OR are hiring for Professional Counselor jobs?

Cities near Bend, OR with the most Professional Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Counselor job openings in Bend, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,871 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

$91K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary:

Vista Counseling is seeking an experienced and compassionate therapist to join our team of mental health professionals. The ideal candidate will be a licensed therapist with a proven track record of successfully helping couples overcome their challenges and strengthen their relationships.

Want to work for a locally-owned company? Vista Counseling is a successful and professionally run counseling private practice established in 2002. Vista has a proven track record of helping our clients, while also greatly improving the quality of life of our therapists. We are seeking mental health providers who demonstrate a heart for helping clients, with excellent counseling experience and skills. We offer a collaborative and professional environment for highly skilled therapists. Our goal is to help therapists focus on therapy, while we take care of the business side of a clinical practice.

Now Coming to Bend, Redmond and Central Oregon!

We have a strong track record over 20 years in building an excellent therapist experience in our practices. We are excited to be bringing this foundation to Central Oregon, with members of our leadership team based in Bend. These leaders are building a high-quality team of therapists and providing opportunities for face-to-face connection with your colleagues. While this is a telehealth only position currently, our vision is for a brick-and-mortar office to serve as our cultural "center of gravity" and allow for in-person sessions.

We love what we do and it shows!

Compensation:

  • Pre-Licensed : $70,886.40 - $103,376.00
  • Licensed Masters: $74,880.00 - $109,200.00
  • Licensed Doctoral Level: $91,728.00 - $133,770.00

Pay range varies depending on sessions per week (18-30 sessions, based on therapist preference) and years of licensed experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • Medical benefits (including vision) for full time staff
  • Paid time off and paid sick leave
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Opportunities for group free or discounted CE trainings
  • All employment taxes processed by Vista
  • Workers Comp & State Unemployment insurance provided
  • Monthly automatic bank deposits based on all sessions provided during the previous month-(no need to wait for protracted insurance reimbursement)
  • Freedom to choose desired amount of time-off
  • Full-service insurance professional credentialing provided
  • Full-service insurance billing department provided
  • Full-time scheduling department coordinates all Intake appointments
  • Dedicated clinical support and group consultations
  • Thriving and connected professional team with year-round social events, monthly catered lunches, and professional growth opportunities

Vista Counseling is committed to addressing cultural issues around implicit bias, racism, for communities of color and diverse backgrounds. We approach this with a culture of humility, as well as an understanding that we are responsible for our own learning. We believe that this learning is lifelong. We strive to be allies in any way we can, work to be open to feedback when we make mistakes, and committed to putting meaningful action behind these sentiments.

Vista is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Requirements

Must be a professionally licensed therapist in Oregon and hold a CADC-I or II. Clinical practice experience is also required. We do not accept Associate level therapists for this position.

Benefits

Vista proudly offers a comprehensive pay and benefit package.