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Mental Health Counselor
Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor
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Scorecard
Based on Massachusetts data
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What they do
A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$35,012 / year median in Massachusetts
+15% projected growth
Job Description
Make a difference in patients' lives-every shift. As a Mental Health Counselor on our inpatient Behavioral Health team, you will provide hands-on, compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, you'll play a vital role in maintaining a safe, supportive environment and helping patients progress in their recovery. What You'll Do In this role, you will support high-quality patient care by: Providing direct patient care tailored to the age and needs of individuals on the behavioral health unit Supporting the safety, well-being, and therapeutic environment for all patients Observing, monitoring, and documenting patient behavior and interactions Assisting with daily activities, therapeutic programming, and patient engagement Collaborating with nurses and the interdisciplinary team to support individualized care plans Responding appropriately to behavioral health crises using de-escalation techniques Maintaining accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards Upholding patient confidentiality and all safety protocols You will report to the Director of Behavioral Health Nursing and work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. What You Bring Education Bachelor's degree preferred Degree in a mental health-related field preferred Experience Minimum of 1 year of experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting or psychiatric triage preferred Licensure & Certifications BLS (Basic Life Support) - Healthcare Provider required CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification required within 30 days of hire Key Skills & Competencies Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to build rapport with patients in a therapeutic setting Critical thinking and sound judgment in dynamic situations Strong organizational and time management skills Basic computer and documentation proficiency Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality Strong written and verbal communication skills in English Why Join Us? Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven behavioral health team Gain valuable experience in inpatient psychiatric care Work in a supportive, team-oriented environment Make a meaningful impact on patient safety and recovery