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Unlicensed Counselor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Unlicensed Counselor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$32.5K

$65.2K

$85.4K

How much do unlicensed counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for unlicensed counselor in Seattle, WA is $65,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,100.00 and $78,600.00 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 are popular job titles related to Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Counselor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 46% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,222 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Supervising Clinician - Social Worker (LICSW) (PT)

LightHeart Mental Health

Redmond, WA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join us at Lightheart Mental Health, a member of Transformations Care Network (TCN), as we embark on an exciting journey to empower Supervising Clinicians like you to make a difference in the field of behavioral health. We are committed to improving accessibility while raising the standard of care.

Supervising Clinicians are responsible for providing clinical supervision and training for unlicensed, graduate level and/or intern clinicians who provide outpatient mental health counseling. Supervising Clinicians conduct individual and group supervision and oversee clinical development of therapists in conjunction with the Clinic Directors. Supervising Clinicians are organizational culture carriers who are accountable for promoting clinical excellence and quality outcomes. Clinicians with this title are expected to maintain a minimum of 12 supervisory billable units (BUs) per week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Deliver clinical supervision services in person and/or via telehealth depending on supervisee needs.
  • Maintain a minimum of 12 supervisory billable units (BUs) per week.
  • Promote clinical excellence, quality outcomes, and professional development among supervisees.
  • Partner with Clinic Directors to support clinician development, performance, and growth.

Essential Supervision Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide individual and/or group supervision weekly to associate level clinicians. Licensure supervision is to be held according to state regulations, payor contracts and agency supervision policy. Supervision may be provided both live and/or via video conference and may be across multiple sites.
  • May provide supervision/consultation to independently licensed clinicians.
  • Must be able to provide supervision services in person within a clinic site and/or a hybrid model of in person and work from home days as determined by business needs. Note: If business needs permit, clinicians providing supervision services only may be remote.
  • Maintain board registration and other regulatory requirements needed to provide licensure supervision where required.
  • Review clinical documentation of supervisees, which includes evaluation of treatment plans, session notes and related documents. Approve and sign session notes, treatment plans and other documents where required by payor and/or licensure requirements.
  • Complete and maintain record of supervision notes and supervision agreement in dedicated file and record sessions in EHR. Submission of notes to be filed by the end of the day that the supervision was held.
  • Assess clinicians across core competency areas; provide regular measurement and feedback to clinicians.
  • Hold supervisees accountable to clinical best practices such as Measurement Based Care.
  • Identify and monitor areas for performance improvement and report concerns regarding clinical skills, ethics or compliance to Clinic Director.
  • May provide backup support as needed to Clinic Director in the screening, interviewing, and training of new clinicians and interns.
  • Complete required trainings and maintain all licensing requirements to maintain independent licensure.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Masterโ€™s degree or higher from applicable accredited program.
  • Valid independent clinical license in the state(s) where services are being provided.
  • Meet minimum post licensure experience requirements for supervisor as determined by licensing Board.
  • Meet all Licensing Board requirements to provide clinical supervision (e.g. registration, state required coursework, years of experience, etc.).
  • Knowledge of state/federal rules and regulations.
  • Strong computer abilities and proficiency with electronic medical records.
  • Strong commitment to professional Code of Ethics.
  • Understanding of privacy and HIPAA requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with a team especially in stressful situations (Preferred).
  • Training in clinical supervision preferred (required where mandated by licensing boards) (Preferred).
  • Knowledge of current standards, principles, and practices of psychiatric care (Preferred).
  • 3-5 years of post licensure experience (Preferred).
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends in technologies, techniques, methods, issues, and approaches in mental health (Preferred).

Explore the Advantages of Joining Our Team:

  • Enjoy competitive compensation and a wide range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, low-cost virtual care, dependent and domestic partner coverage, 401K, and more, designed to support your well-being and financial security.
  • Immerse yourself in a community united by a deep commitment to enhance mental health and revolutionize patient care.
  • Embrace a journey of continuous learning, guided by seasoned professionals, fostering your career growth in a nurturing environment.
  • Play a pivotal role in reshaping behavioral health, with your efforts directly improving patient lives.
  • Thrive in an environment that celebrates collaborative success, driven by effective communication and unity.
  • Receive comprehensive onboarding and ongoing educational resources, tailored to cultivate your talents and assure your triumph in your role.

Lightheart Mental Health is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base compensation range for this role is $56 โ€“ $67 per billable unit. Supervising Clinicians are eligible for a supervisory differential of +$20 per billable unit that enhances their base rate. Actual compensation may vary based on licensure, experience, market-driven enhancements, and incentive opportunities available for this role. These ranges reflect our current standard compensation practices and may be adjusted over time to remain competitive and aligned with organizational needs.

Transformations Care Network is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.