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If you’ve Googled “mental health counselor job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again.
A list of bullet points.
A few vague responsibilities.
A cold, corporate paragraph that could have been written by anyone, anywhere.
The problem?
Those generic posts don’t actually help you attract an excellent counselor. They might get you applications — but not from the kind of professionals who are committed, empathetic, and aligned with your mission.
Because hiring a mental health counselor isn’t like hiring for a typical office role. You’re looking for someone who will be trusted with your clients’ most vulnerable moments. Someone who blends clinical skill with compassion. Someone who can be steady in crisis, listen deeply, and still handle the day-to-day realities of case notes, compliance, and coordination.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to write a mental health counselor job post that’s more than a list of tasks — it’s a message that connects with the right people.
If you haven’t yet, I recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most generic posts fail and how to turn yours into a tool that actually attracts top talent.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Mental Health Counselor Actually Does
A mental health counselor is more than a therapist in a room.
They’re a trusted partner in someone’s journey toward healing — helping clients work through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
On a practical level, they conduct assessments, create treatment plans, provide individual or group therapy, track progress, and make referrals when needed. But the role goes beyond the technical duties.
A great counselor builds trust, listens without judgment, and offers guidance that’s both evidence-based and deeply human. They balance empathy with professionalism, compassion with boundaries. They know when to ask hard questions and when to simply hold space.
And in many settings — from community clinics to private practices — mental health counselors also collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, coordinate care, and handle the administrative side of therapy like documentation and compliance with ethical and legal standards.
In short:
It’s a role where clinical skill matters, but emotional intelligence, resilience, and a genuine commitment to client well-being are just as essential.
Two Great Mental Health Counselor Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description for Experienced Mental Health Counselor
📌 Job Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor — Harbor Light Counseling Center (Austin, TX)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid (In-Office & Telehealth) | $65,000–$78,000/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
🎥 A quick hello from our Clinical Director
[Loom/YouTube link — 60–90 seconds introducing our care philosophy, team, and the impact of the role.]
Who We Are — Harbor Light Counseling Center
Harbor Light is a community-focused outpatient practice in Austin, Texas, serving adults, teens, and couples since 2011. Our team of 22 clinicians provides evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges. We partner with local nonprofits and run a sliding-scale program to keep care accessible. We believe great outcomes come from warm care, solid supervision, and accountable documentation—and we invest in all three.
Our Culture
We’re thoughtful, collaborative, and unpretentious. We share cases, celebrate clinical wins, and protect boundaries so you can do your best work without burning out. We value cultural humility, clean notes, and kind candor.
What You’ll Do
- Provide individual, group, and/or family therapy using evidence-based approaches.
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and build measurable treatment plans.
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, PCPs, schools, and case managers.
- Keep timely, compliant documentation (we use a modern EHR).
- Participate in case consultation, CE events, and quality improvement.
What We’re Looking For
- Master’s in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
- Texas licensure (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) or equivalent—independent preferred.
- 2+ years post-licensure experience in outpatient/community settings.
- Crisis response competence and strong clinical judgment.
- Comfort with brief models and stepped-care when appropriate.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + FSA
- 15 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + 2 wellness days/quarter
- $1,500 CEU stipend + paid CE days
- 401(k) with match after 6 months
- Paid malpractice, W2 employment, modern EHR & telehealth tools
- Dedicated intake & billing teams (so you can focus on clients)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll work with a steady, diverse caseload that matches your interests.
- Real autonomy with support: weekly consults, fast access to supervisors, and zero tolerance for ghosting clients or clinicians.
- We invest in you: leadership tracks for supervision, program building, and specialty cohorts (e.g., trauma, perinatal, couples).
Our Hiring Process
We reply to every applicant within 2 weeks. Two interviews (virtual > onsite), a short paid documentation exercise, and clear next steps. No black hole.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link]
You’ll complete a short, skills-based evaluation so we understand your strengths beyond a résumé.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Mental Health Counselor
📌 Job Title: Associate Mental Health Counselor (Supervision Provided) — BrightPath Community Wellness (Phoenix, AZ)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid (Clinic & Telehealth) | $50,000–$58,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM (some flexibility)
🎥 Meet your future supervisor
[Loom/YouTube link — supervisor explains the training pathway, licensure support, and what success looks like in the first 90 days.]
Who We Are — BrightPath Community Wellness
BrightPath is a nonprofit clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, providing low-barrier mental health services across the Valley since 1978. We partner with schools and an FQHC network to reach underserved clients. Our training program helps emerging clinicians earn supervised hours, build core competencies, and find a sustainable clinical voice without sacrificing care quality.
Our Culture
Curious, mission-driven, and collaborative. New clinicians get weekly individual and group supervision, structured feedback, and protected documentation time. We root for your growth and expect ethical, client-first decisions—always.
What You’ll Do
- Deliver individual and group counseling under supervision; co-facilitate at first.
- Assist with assessments, treatment planning, and progress tracking.
- Maintain thorough, ethical notes in our EHR.
- Join trainings, shadow sessions (as appropriate), and community outreach.
- Learn crisis triage with backup from on-call supervisors.
What We’re Looking For
- Master’s in progress or completed (Counseling, Social Work, MFT, Psych).
- AZ associate license eligibility (intern/provisional).
- Strong communication, teachability, and follow-through.
- Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus (differential available).
Perks & Benefits
- Paid supervision hours toward independent licensure
- Medical, dental, vision + EAP
- $1,000 annual training stipend + paid CE days
- Student loan assistance program eligibility
- 403(b) with employer contribution after 6 months
- Flexible schedule options after ramp-up
- Paid malpractice + modern EHR/telehealth stack
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Purpose-driven caseload with real mentorship, not sink-or-swim.
- A clear growth ladder from associate to independently licensed clinician.
- Support to develop specialties (school-based, trauma, SUD, perinatal, etc.).
- You’ll see your work change access for clients who need it most.
Our Hiring Process
Every applicant hears back within 1–2 weeks. Virtual interview, then a short paid trial (shadow + documentation exercise) so we both assess fit.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link]
Complete a brief, skills-based evaluation so your potential doesn’t get lost in a pile of résumés.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Mental Health Counselor Job Posts Work
1. Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of vague titles like “Mental Health Counselor” or “Therapist,” both examples make the role, employer, and location explicit:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor — Harbor Light Counseling Center (Austin, TX)
- Associate Mental Health Counselor (Supervision Provided) — BrightPath Community Wellness (Phoenix, AZ)
This immediately signals who the role is for, where it’s based, and what makes it unique — helping you stand out in search results and attract relevant applicants.
2. Video Element for Human Connection
Both posts include a short Loom/YouTube video from a hiring manager or clinical director before the “Who We Are” section. This builds trust, shows authenticity, and makes the post feel personal rather than corporate. Candidates can see who they might work with, which boosts engagement.
3. Warm, Mission-Driven Introductions
The “Who We Are” sections aren’t corporate jargon. They tell a story about the organization’s mission, history, and values, using concrete facts (years in operation, size of team, specific programs). This makes the post relatable and paints a picture of the work environment.
4. Transparent Salary & Benefits
Both roles list clear salary ranges and separate Perks & Benefits sections. This:
- Builds trust.
- Sets expectations upfront.
- Attracts serious applicants who know the compensation works for them.
It also prevents wasting time on candidates who wouldn’t accept the offer range.
5. Separate “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section
Instead of burying cultural and growth points inside a benefits list, the “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” section speaks directly to the right candidate. It shows how the role aligns with their career goals, passions, and work style — making them envision themselves in the job.
6. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
The hiring process in both examples:
- Gives a clear response timeline.
- Describes each step (interview, trial, etc.).
- Avoids the “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” cold line.
This signals respect for the applicant’s time and creates a positive employer brand, even for those not hired.
7. Human, Conversational Tone
The language is professional but approachable — using plain English instead of HR-speak. Phrases like “no ghosting, ever” and “real mentorship, not sink-or-swim” make the post feel genuine and emotionally resonant.
8. Use of WorkScreen for Skill-Based Evaluation
Instead of asking for just a résumé, both posts direct applicants to WorkScreen’s skills-based evaluation. This:
- Ensures candidates are assessed on actual ability, not just credentials.
- Reduces low-effort or AI-generated applications.
- Makes the process feel modern and fair.
Bad Mental Health Counselor Job Post Example — And Why It Fails
📌 Job Title: Mental Health Counselor
Company: Sunrise Health Services
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Sunrise Health Services is seeking a mental health counselor to provide therapy to clients. The counselor will meet with clients, keep records, and follow program guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide counseling to clients.
- Keep documentation up to date.
- Follow company policies.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Counseling or related field.
- State licensure.
- Good communication skills.
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@sunrisehs.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
- Just “Mental Health Counselor” with no location, specialty, or unique selling point.
- Doesn’t help the post stand out in job boards or signal who it’s for.
- Just “Mental Health Counselor” with no location, specialty, or unique selling point.
- Cold, Minimal Introduction
- The “Job Summary” is bland and doesn’t give any sense of the company’s mission, culture, or client base.
- No emotional hook to make the reader care.
- The “Job Summary” is bland and doesn’t give any sense of the company’s mission, culture, or client base.
- Vague Responsibilities
- Lists duties so broadly they could apply to almost any counseling job.
- No mention of client types, caseload structure, or collaborative work.
- Lists duties so broadly they could apply to almost any counseling job.
- Missing Salary & Benefits
- No pay range or perks mentioned, which feels outdated and may discourage serious applicants.
- Applicants are left guessing whether the role meets their needs.
- No pay range or perks mentioned, which feels outdated and may discourage serious applicants.
- No Insight into Culture or Values
- Zero information about the work environment, team dynamics, or professional development.
- The reader has no way to assess fit beyond bare requirements.
- Zero information about the work environment, team dynamics, or professional development.
- Dismissive Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message that applicants are disposable.
- No clarity on timelines or interview stages.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message that applicants are disposable.
- Zero Personality in the CTA
- “Send your résumé” is transactional and uninspiring.
- No encouragement or human touch to motivate applicants.
- “Send your résumé” is transactional and uninspiring.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Most hiring managers stop after listing the responsibilities, requirements, and salary. But the best job posts add trust-builders, human touches, and small details that make candidates feel seen and valued before they even apply.
Here are four simple but high-impact add-ons for a Mental Health Counselor job description:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
A small statement can reassure applicants that your process is safe and professional.
Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.”
This builds trust and shows professionalism — especially important in mental health, where confidentiality matters deeply.
2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Mental health professionals value time to recharge. Mentioning this directly can set you apart.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 15 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and 2 wellness days per quarter — because caring for yourself is just as important as caring for clients.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
In counseling, professional development is not optional — it’s essential. Make it a selling point.
Example:
“We provide annual CEU stipends, paid CE days, and full coverage for licensure renewal. Our team also offers mentorship for developing specialties like trauma, couples counseling, or child therapy.”
4. Include a Short Video for Trust and Connection
A 60–90 second Loom or YouTube video from the Clinical Director or hiring manager makes the post memorable and human. Show the workspace, introduce the team, and explain why the role matters. This helps candidates picture themselves there and boosts application quality.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
These touches might seem small, but they signal to top candidates that your organization values transparency, mental health, and professional growth — the same values they hold dear.
Should You Use AI to Write a Mental Health Counselor Job Description?
It’s tempting.
You open ChatGPT or a one-click ATS feature, type “Write me a job description for a mental health counselor”, and in seconds you’ve got a neat-looking post.
The problem?
It’s the same generic, lifeless content hundreds of other clinics are posting — and it won’t help you attract the kind of counselor you actually want.
Why Blind AI Use Hurts Your Hiring
- Generic & Forgettable
Without your input, AI produces cookie-cutter wording that blends in with every other listing on job boards. - Wrong Candidate Magnet
Generic posts appeal to people applying to any counseling job, not those aligned with your mission, culture, or client needs. - Brand Damage
Your job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your organization. If it reads like a robot wrote it, it says you don’t invest in communication — a red flag for a role built on empathy.
The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI can still be a great tool — if you treat it like an assistant, not a replacement.
Step 1: Gather Your Raw Inputs
Before prompting AI, write down:
- What your organization does and who you serve.
- The specific type of counseling you offer (individual, group, trauma-informed, etc.).
- Your culture and values in plain language.
- Key skills and qualities you’re looking for.
- Your perks, salary range, and hiring process.
Step 2: Give AI Context & Tone
Instead of saying:
“Write me a job description for a mental health counselor.”
Say:
“Write a warm, mission-driven job description for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Harbor Light Counseling Center in Austin, TX. We serve adults, teens, and couples, focusing on trauma recovery and anxiety treatment. Our culture is collaborative, culturally humble, and committed to ongoing learning. We offer $65k–$78k, 15 days PTO, CEU stipend, and paid supervision. We want to attract counselors who are client-centered, resilient, and eager to grow. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes] ”
Step 3: Edit & Humanize
Once AI drafts the post:
- Add your voice and real examples.
- Insert details like your supervision style, specialties, or notable programs.
- Make sure it reads like it’s coming from a human who cares — not just a job board bot.
Bottom line:
AI can help polish, format, and save time — but it should never replace your insight, your culture, and the specific details that make your job worth applying for.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description (Culture-First)
📌 Job Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor — [Company Name] ([Location])
💼 [Job Type] | [Work Arrangement: Onsite/Hybrid/Remote] | [Salary Range]/year
🕒 Schedule: [Schedule, e.g., Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM]
🎥 Meet the Team (60–90s)
[Insert Loom/YouTube URL — quick hello from the Clinical Director explaining the mission and why the role matters]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we’ve served the [community/region] since [Year]. Our [#] clinicians support clients with [key focus areas: e.g., trauma, anxiety, depression, family systems] using a client-centered, culturally humble approach.
Our Culture
Collaborative, supportive, and transparent. Expect weekly case consults, accessible supervision, and space to do focused clinical work (no chaos, no ghosting).
What You’ll Do
- Provide individual, group, and/or family therapy using evidence-based modalities.
- Conduct assessments and create measurable treatment plans.
- Coordinate care with [e.g., psychiatrists, schools, PCPs].
- Keep accurate, timely notes in our EHR.
- Join trainings and consultation regularly.
What We’re Looking For
- Master’s in [Counseling/Social Work/Psychology or related].
- [State] license ([LPC/LMHC/LMFT/LCSW or equivalent]), [experience level].
- Strength in [crisis intervention/case management/modality].
- Commitment to ethical, client-first care and cultural humility.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision + [FSA/HSA/EAP]
- [X] days PTO + [X] paid holidays + [wellness days]
- CEU stipend: [amount] + paid CE days
- Retirement plan: [401(k)/403(b)] with [match/contribution]
- Paid malpractice + modern EHR/telehealth tools
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Steady, values-aligned caseload with room to specialize in [areas].
- Autonomy with support: fast supervisor access, real case consults.
- Clear pathways for leadership/supervision/specialty programs.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link]
You’ll complete a brief, skills-based evaluation so we see your strengths beyond a résumé.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements”
📌 Job Title: Associate Mental Health Counselor (Supervision Provided) — [Company Name] ([Location])
💼 [Job Type] | [Work Arrangement] | [Salary Range]/year
🕒 Schedule: [Schedule]
Job Brief
[Company Name] has served [community/region] since [Year]. We’re seeking an associate counselor to grow clinically while earning supervised hours toward independent licensure.
Responsibilities
- Deliver counseling under supervision; begin with co-facilitation as needed.
- Assist with assessments, treatment plans, and progress tracking.
- Maintain thorough, ethical documentation in our EHR.
- Participate in trainings, group supervision, and community outreach.
- Learn crisis triage with backup from on-call supervisors.
Requirements
- Master’s in progress or completed in [Counseling/Social Work/MFT/Psych].
- Eligible for [State] associate license ([intern/provisional title]).
- Strong communication, teachability, and follow-through.
- [Bilingual language] a plus (differential available).
Perks & Benefits
- Paid supervision hours toward licensure
- Health, dental, vision + [EAP]
- Training stipend: [amount] + paid CE days
- [401(k)/403(b)] with [match/contribution]
- Flexible schedule options after onboarding
- Paid malpractice + modern EHR/telehealth stack
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link]
Complete a short, skills-based evaluation so your potential doesn’t get lost in a pile of résumés.
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part
You’ve now got a job post that speaks directly to the kind of counselor you want to hire. But writing the post is only half the battle.
Once applications start coming in, you’ll face the next big challenge:
Who’s actually qualified — and who just looks good on paper?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily run one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Filter out low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Bottom line:
WorkScreen helps you hire right, fast, and smart — so you can focus on building a team that truly supports your clients.
Create your job post in WorkScreen, share the link, and let our platform handle the rest.
FAQ
A “counselor” is a broad term that can apply to professionals in many settings — from career guidance to school support to addiction treatment. A mental health counselor, however, is specifically trained to help clients address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. They typically hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, are licensed by the state, and use evidence-based therapy approaches to support mental well-being.
Look for both clinical skills and interpersonal traits:
- Strong listening and communication skills.
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans.
- Crisis intervention competence.
- Clear, accurate documentation.
- Collaboration with other healthcare providers.
- Professional boundaries and ethical judgment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 data), the median annual salary for mental health counselors is around $53,000–$60,000. Salaries can vary widely depending on location, setting (private practice, nonprofit, hospital), level of experience, and specializations. In high-demand urban areas or niche specialties, experienced counselors can earn $75,000+ annually.
Most states require at least a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related field. This is followed by supervised clinical hours (often 2,000–3,000 hours) and passing a state-recognized licensing exam.
They overlap, but not all therapists are licensed mental health counselors. “Therapist” is a broader term that may include psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals.
