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Unlicensed Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supervise unlicensed interns and unlicensed counselors. Meet weekly with the unlicensed counseling staff to ensure compliance with protocols and on-going professional development. Reviews notes of ...

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Unlicensed Counselor information

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$28.5K

$57.3K

$75K

How much do unlicensed counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for unlicensed counselor in the United States is $57,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unlicensed counselor?

Unlicensed counselors are individuals who provide counseling services but do not hold a state-issued license to practice as a professional counselor or therapist. They may have relevant education or training and often work under supervision or in non-clinical settings such as community programs, schools, or support groups. While they can offer support and guidance, unlicensed counselors are typically limited in the types of services they can provide and are not authorized to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. It's important to verify the qualifications and legal scope of practice for anyone offering counseling services.

What does an unlicensed counselor do?

The job duties of an unlicensed counselor include providing counseling services or mental health treatment for a client. As an unlicensed counselor, you must have some training to provide mental health therapy, but you do not have a license. In this career, you may offer counseling services in a specific area, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family and relationship therapy. Some unlicensed counselors use religious themes and practices in their counseling. Depending on your area of specialization, you may work with other mental health professionals in an office or clinic to provide treatment for an individual.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unlicensed counselor?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Counselor, you typically need a background in psychology or a related field, strong active listening skills, and foundational knowledge of counseling principles. Familiarity with case management software, basic assessment tools, and documentation systems is often expected. Exceptional empathy, nonjudgmental communication, and the ability to build trust are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to providing effective support, maintaining client confidentiality, and fostering positive outcomes for clients within the boundaries of the role.

How do unlicensed counselors typically collaborate with licensed professionals within a mental health setting?

Unlicensed counselors often work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists or clinical social workers. They may assist with intake interviews, facilitate group sessions, and offer support to clients while ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines set by their supervising clinician. Regular team meetings and supervision sessions are common, allowing unlicensed counselors to discuss cases, receive feedback, and further develop their skills. This collaborative environment not only ensures quality care for clients but also provides valuable learning opportunities for unlicensed counselors as they progress toward licensure.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Counselor vs Licensed Counselor?

AspectUnlicensed CounselorLicensed Counselor
CredentialsTypically no state-issued license; may have a degree in counseling or related fieldMust hold a valid state license (e.g., LPC, LMHC) with required education and supervised experience
Work EnvironmentOften works under supervision, in community agencies, schools, or clinicsWorks independently or with supervision, in similar settings but with legal authority to provide counseling
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in non-clinical roles, internships, or transitional positionsStandard in clinical practice, private practice, and healthcare settings

In summary, Unlicensed Counselors typically have relevant education but lack licensure, limiting their scope of practice. Licensed Counselors have met state requirements, allowing them to provide independent clinical services. The key difference lies in licensure status, affecting their responsibilities and legal authority.

What cities are hiring for Unlicensed Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Unlicensed Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Unlicensed Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of Unlicensed Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Unlicensed Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Unlicensed Counselor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Unlicensed Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Unlicensed Counselor jobs are:

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 36% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,280 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Local Contract Substance Use Counselor

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.-Allied

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

$42/hr

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.-Allied is seeking a local contract Substance Use Counselor for a local contract job in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Substance Use Counselor
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: 08/31/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 37.5 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Local Contract

Here are the details:

📍 Location: Spartanburg, SC
📄 Contract Length: 13 weeks
🚀 Start Date: August 31, 2026
⏱️ Hours: 37.5 hours/week

🕒 Schedule:
• Monday–Friday
• 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

💰 Pay:

Unlicensed Counselor rate: $30/hr
• Local Rate: $42/hr
• Weekly Pay: $1,575/week

📋 Role Overview:
• Conduct intake assessments and evaluations for new clients
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions
• Develop and update treatment plans
• Manage client caseloads and coordinate care with medical staff
• Respond to crisis situations and provide immediate support when needed
• Participate in community outreach and client resource coordination
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and compliance standards

✅ Requirements:
• Active Addiction Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, LPC, LMSW, LCSW, or related license
• Prior substance abuse/addiction counseling experience required
• Experience facilitating individual and group counseling sessions
• Strong documentation, case management, and treatment planning skills

Amergis Job ID 1193709

📌 Highlights: • Addiction recovery and behavioral health setting • Individual, group, and family counseling • Monday–Friday schedule • No on-call requirement listed • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in recovery services

About Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.-Allied

Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has connected the nation’s top talent to a variety of healthcare and educational partners since 1988. We achieved a pioneering certification with the Joint Commission in 2008 and have since evolved into one of the foremost staffing companies in the United States. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of professionals, across health systems, government facilities, or schools. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions. Our commitment to a higher standard of service has fueled our growth, solidifying our nationwide and local presence in healthcare and education.