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Professional Counselor Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

MYPAC Supervisor

Meridian, MS ยท On-site

$52 - $75/hr

Serve as a clinical and operational leader by modeling best practices, professional standards, and ... Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Counselor information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$34.3K

$70.5K

$111.8K

How much do professional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counselor in Meridian, MS is $70,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $78,500.00 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 Meridian, MS?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Meridian, MS are:

What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Professional Counselor jobs?

Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Professional Counselor job openings:

THERAPIST (LICENSED) NL PRN

Universal Hospital Services Inc.

Meridian, MS โ€ข On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Responsibilities

Located in Meridian, Mississippi, Alliance Health Center is a 154-bed acute care psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital. The facility offers treatment programs for adults and adolescents and has a unique program track specifically for seniors. The Alliance campus is also home to The Crossings, a 60-bed residential treatment facility for adolescents.

For over 40 years, Alliance has been dedicated to serving individuals with acute mental and behavioral health disorders and addiction issues across the state of Mississippi and Alabama. Specific programs are provided for patients according to their diagnosis and age. Our behavioral health programs are offered to all ages from adolescents to seniors. Detoxification, dual diagnosis and New Leaf Recovery are offered to individuals ages 18 and up. We have a full spectrum of addiction services, from detoxification to our 30 day New Leaf Recovery program. We also offer dual diagnosis programming for those with mental illness and substance abuse.

The Licensed Therapist provides individual, family, and group therapy to meet caseload requirements for patients. Responsible for developing and writing admission assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries within established time frames and formats. Is a liaison with families, outside agencies, and referral sources. Responsible for assessment, design, structure, and implementation of therapy services to best meet the needs of patients and families, under the supervision of the Clinical Services Director.

We are offering a sign-on bonus of $10,000 for full-time positions.

About Universal Health Services

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) is one of the nationโ€™s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services. Since our founding in 1979, UHS has grown steadily into a premier Fortune 500 corporation perennially recognized by multiple esteemed national rating entities. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates inpatient acute care facilities, inpatient behavioral health facilities, outpatient and other facilities, nationwide virtual behavioral health services, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services with physical locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Ireland and United Kingdom.

www.uhs.com.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training:

Bachelor's Degree in Human Service field required (e.g. Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.)

Experience:

At least 2 years experience in the mental health field, hospital experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

Professional License required

Qualified candidates must have a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling and licensure in the state of Mississippi.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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