Behavioral Health Counselor Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: Behavioral Health Counselor Department: [Behavioral Health / Mental Health Services / SUD Treatment / Integrated Care] Reports To: Clinical Director / Behavioral Health Program Manager Location: [City, State] | [Community Mental Health Center / Hospital / Outpatient Clinic / Residential / School-Based] Employment Type: Full-Time | Part-Time Schedule: [Monday–Friday / Evenings / Saturdays as needed] Telehealth: [Hybrid in-person and telehealth / Fully in-person / Telehealth available] About [Organization Name] [Organization Name] is a [CARF-accredited / Joint Commission-accredited / FQHC-designated] behavioral health organization providing [mental health / substance use disorder / co-occurring / integrated primary care and behavioral health] services to [client population] in [community/region]. Our licensed clinical team is committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based care. Role Summary The Behavioral Health Counselor provides individual, group, and/or family counseling services to clients with [mental health diagnoses / substance use disorders / co-occurring disorders / trauma histories] using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. The counselor maintains a caseload of [X] active clients, completes required documentation within [X] hours of each session, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure coordinated, whole-person care. Key Responsibilities • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations (DSM-5-TR), and individualized treatment planning for assigned clients • Provide individual therapy ([X] sessions per week), group therapy ([X] groups per week), and family sessions as clinically appropriate • Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions consistent with client treatment goals, including [CBT / DBT / EMDR / Motivational Interviewing / ACT / trauma-informed care / SFBT — select applicable modalities] • Monitor client progress against treatment plan goals; adjust interventions, revise goals, and document clinical reasoning for changes • Conduct risk assessments for clients presenting with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or harm-to-others concerns; follow facility safety protocols and mandated reporting requirements • Facilitate crisis intervention and safety planning for clients in acute distress; coordinate with crisis services, emergency departments, and inpatient facilities as needed • Complete clinical documentation (intake assessments, treatment plans, session notes, progress notes, discharge summaries) in [EHR name: Kipu / Epic / SimplePractice / Valant / Credible / Therapy Brands] within [X] hours of service • Coordinate care with primary care providers, psychiatrists, case managers, peer support specialists, and community agencies • Participate in weekly clinical supervision with [supervisor title] and team consultation meetings • Fulfill mandatory reporting obligations (child abuse, elder abuse, duty to warn) in compliance with state law • Meet billable session targets of [X] sessions per week / [X]% productivity standard • Engage in continuing education activities to maintain licensure and stay current with evidence-based practices Required Qualifications • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or closely related field from an accredited program • Current state licensure: [LPC / LCPC / LCSW / LMFT / CADC / QMHP designation — specify required level] OR pre-licensure status with eligibility for supervised practice under a qualified clinical supervisor • Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment modalities • Mandatory reporter training; working knowledge of duty-to-warn and HIPAA requirements • Ability to pass a background check consistent with state childcare/healthcare regulations Preferred Qualifications • Full independent licensure (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) • CADC or CADC-II for substance use disorder/co-occurring roles • Training in EMDR, DBT (including team consultation participation), or other specialty modality • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) • Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages per community needs) • Experience with [Kipu / Epic / SimplePractice / Credible] EHR Compensation & Benefits • Base Salary: $[X]–$[X] annually, based on licensure level and experience • Productivity bonus for billable hours above target • Supervision hours provided toward full independent licensure (for pre-licensed staff) • Health, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) with employer match • Paid time off and paid holidays • CEU reimbursement: $[X,000]/year • NHSC / HRSA loan repayment eligibility [for FQHC / qualifying employer] • PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer • Self-care stipend / wellness benefits [if offered] [Organization Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges are encouraged to apply.