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Unlicensed Counselor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Supervisor

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$83K - $89K/yr

Co-sign unlicensed clinicians' progress notes, clinical forms, and correspondence as a legal ... Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited ...

New

Clinical Supervisor

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$83K - $89K/yr

Co-sign unlicensed clinicians' progress notes, clinical forms, and correspondence as a legal ... Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited ...

New

Clinical Supervisor

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$83K - $89K/yr

Co-sign unlicensed clinicians' progress notes, clinical forms, and correspondence as a legal ... Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited ...

New

Dental Assistant - PRN

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $22.50/hr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life ... We offer ongoing training and development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed healthcare team ...

Registered Nurse (RN) FT Night

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$45.30 - $50.33/hr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life ... We offer ongoing training and development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed healthcare team ...

Registered Nurse (RN) PRN

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$45.30 - $50.33/hr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life ... We offer ongoing training and development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed healthcare team ...

Showing results 21-40

Unlicensed Counselor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$30.2K

$60.7K

$79.5K

How much do unlicensed counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for unlicensed counselor in Portland, OR is $60,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $73,200.00 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.

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Counselor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 36% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,745 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Intensive Mental Health Therapist (QMHP/Licensed) - TM072

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$75.60 - $87.15/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Details. Title: Intensive Mental Health Therapist. Position Type: Full Time. Salary Range: $33.60 - $41.90 Hourly. Job Shift: Day.

Location

Bear Lodge - Portland, OR 97232

3636 NE Broadway St., Portland, OR 97232

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (This is an in-person position; flexibility to meet program needs including evenings and weekends).

Wage Range

Unlicensed (QMHP): $33.60 - $39.90 hourly, Non-Exempt

Licensed: $75,600.00 - $87,150.00 annual salary, Exempt

What You Will Do
  • Provide intakes and assessments for clients admitted to the Bear Lodge treatment program.
  • Provide individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Serve as consultant and liaison with referral sources and treatment providers.
  • Complete written diagnostic assessments and impressions, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and other documentation timely as required.
  • Provide crisis intervention services as needed including referral and follow up.
  • Participate in community mental health awareness and community outreach programs of NARA NW.
  • Provide case management for clients including referrals, follow up, and outreach services as needed.
  • Participate in Bear Lodge multi-disciplinary staff meetings, clinical team meetings and other meetings as required.
  • Participate in quality assurance activities including chart reviews.
Qualifications
  • Masterโ€™s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
  • Must be a certified QMHP with the MHACBO board or hold a license (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or psychologist) or associate license with the corresponding licensing board (CSWA, professional counselor associate, LMFT Associate, or Psychologist resident).
  • Experience working with severe and persistent mental illness, assertive community treatment, supported environments, or psychiatric hospitals required.
  • Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
  • Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Two years paid experience as a Mental Health Specialist, dual diagnosis experience preferred.
  • LCSW, LPC or LMFT, licensed psychologist license strongly preferred.
  • Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification preferred.
  • Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
Paid Holidays
  • New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!
Benefits
  • Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
  • Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
  • 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
  • 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
  • 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
  • $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
  • Short Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Spending Account
  • 401(k) with 4% Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
  • Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC
Sobriety Policy

We are fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober. Consistent with NARA NW's sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a "Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form" and NARA NW "Modeling Sobriety Policy Form" as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart.

Equal Opportunity and Preference

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the positionโ€™s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.

Company Mission: The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

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