Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of rising mental health awareness, the emphasis on counseling and psychological services providers has never been more critical.

As societal stressors evolve, so does the demand for compassionate and skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our mental health landscape.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a counseling and psychological services provider?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of the counseling and psychological services field,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable job description template for a counseling and psychological services provider, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Duties and Responsibilities

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers play a pivotal role in promoting mental health and well-being.

They are responsible for diagnosing, assessing, and treating individuals or groups experiencing a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting initial assessments and diagnostic interviews with clients to understand their emotional, mental, and behavioral issues
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life
• Providing various types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or interpersonal therapy, depending on the client’s needs
• Helping clients to develop coping strategies and tools to deal with stress, trauma, or other life challenges
• Keeping detailed records and documentation of client sessions for future reference and treatment planning
• Referring clients to other mental health services or resources, such as psychiatrists for medication management or support groups for additional help
• Conducting workshops or group therapy sessions on topics like stress management, mindfulness, or relationship skills
• Continuing education and staying updated with the latest research and best practices in psychology and mental health treatment

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Counseling and Psychological Services Provider to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality mental health care to our clients.

This includes conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing psychotherapy services.

The successful candidate must be proficient in a variety of counseling techniques and have a strong understanding of mental health issues.

They should have excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality at all times.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and evaluations
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy services
• Document client progress and update treatment plans as necessary
• Refer clients to other healthcare professionals or resources when necessary
• Stay updated on the latest research and advancements in psychology and counseling
• Adhere to all professional, ethical, and legal regulations as determined by relevant regulatory bodies
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited institution
• Valid state license to practice as a Psychologist
• Proven experience as a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider
• Proficiency in various types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of ethical guidelines and laws related to psychology and counseling
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Counseling and Psychological Services Provider
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. Some travel may be required for conferences or continuing education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Do?

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers, also known as therapists or psychologists, typically work in private practice, hospitals, schools, or mental health clinics.

They provide mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

They diagnose mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and design treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs.

They apply psychological theories and principles, utilizing techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy.

They also conduct psychological assessments and interpret results to identify issues and devise appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers often work with clients who are dealing with stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

They help clients understand and manage their symptoms, improve their communication and coping skills, and enhance their overall quality of life.

In addition, they often collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, or other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for their clients.

In some cases, they may also conduct research, teach at universities, or work in administrative roles in mental health organizations.

They are expected to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in all their interactions with clients.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Qualifications and Skills

Providers of Counseling and Psychological Services must possess a wide range of skills and qualifications to effectively assist clients, including:

• Strong active listening skills to fully understand the concerns and feelings of their clients.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various therapeutic techniques and interventions to cater to the unique needs of every client.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to develop trust and rapport with clients, encouraging them to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings.
• Empathy and compassion to understand the client’s experiences and provide non-judgmental support.
• Strong verbal communication skills for discussing complex psychological concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Problem-solving abilities to help clients identify and work through their issues.
• Patience and resilience to work with clients who are resistant to change or slow to make progress.
• Confidentiality and ethics as fundamental standards of practice in handling sensitive personal information.
• An understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences to offer culturally competent services.
• Education and licensing requirements such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or related field, as well as relevant state licensure.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Experience Requirements

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers generally complete a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

This advanced education provides a considerable amount of theoretical and practical experience through coursework and internships.

Entry-level counseling and psychological services providers often have 1 to 2 years of professional experience.

This is often gained through internships or entry-level roles in counseling centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities.

Individuals with 3 to 5 years of experience in the field may have developed their skills working in various roles such as a counselor, mental health therapist, or social worker.

They may have also gained experience working with different populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, couples, or families.

Those with over 5 years of experience typically have significant experience working in specific types of therapy or counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or substance abuse counseling.

These professionals may also have some leadership experience, for example, as a team leader or supervisor in a mental health clinic or counseling center.

In addition to the above, all states require licensure for counseling and psychological services providers.

The licensure process typically involves supervised professional experience after the completion of a degree, so this would add to the professional experience of the candidate.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Education and Training Requirements

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers typically require a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

In addition to their degree, they need to complete an internship or supervised practice, which provides hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Most states require Counseling and Psychological Services Providers to be licensed, which generally involves having a Master’s degree, a certain amount of clinical experience, and passing an examination.

Furthermore, some positions, especially those involving specialized therapeutic techniques or serving specific populations, may require a doctoral degree in psychology or counseling.

Providers who wish to conduct research or teach at the university level generally need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in a related field.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques.

Many providers also pursue certifications in various specialties, such as trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or child psychology.

These additional qualifications, certifications, or a doctorate can indicate a provider’s commitment to their profession, expertise in a specific area, and dedication to ongoing learning.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Salary Expectations

A Counseling and Psychological Services Provider earns an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ based on several factors such as experience, specialization, location, and the employing organization.

Professionals with higher qualifications and extensive experience in the field can expect significantly higher earnings.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Provider Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required to be a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider?

Typically, a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider should have a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.

They also need to be licensed in their state of practice.

This often includes a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing a licensure exam.

In some cases, a doctorate degree may be required, especially for roles that involve providing psychological assessments.

 

What skills are essential for a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider?

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with clients and effectively convey their insights.

They should have the ability to empathize, listen actively, and maintain confidentiality.

They also need to have a solid understanding of various therapeutic techniques and the ability to adapt these methods to individual clients.

Problem-solving skills and patience are also critical in this role.

 

What are the day-to-day tasks of a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider?

Counseling and Psychological Services Providers spend a significant portion of their day in direct contact with clients, providing counseling and therapeutic services.

They conduct assessments, diagnose mental health disorders, and formulate treatment plans.

They also record and maintain client records, collaborate with other health professionals, and stay updated with the latest research in their field.

 

What personal qualities make a good Counseling and Psychological Services Provider?

A good Counseling and Psychological Services Provider is compassionate and understanding, able to empathize with their clients’ difficulties while maintaining professional boundaries.

They need to be patient and persistent, as progress in therapy can often be slow and challenging.

They should also be resilient and self-aware, able to manage the emotional demands of the role and seek support or supervision when needed.

 

How challenging is it to find qualified Counseling and Psychological Services Providers?

The challenge of finding qualified Counseling and Psychological Services Providers often depends on the location and the specific needs of the organization.

In some areas, there may be a high number of qualified providers, but in others, there could be a shortage.

Furthermore, finding providers with specific specializations or experience with certain populations may be more challenging.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what being a Counseling and Psychological Services Provider truly means.

Surprised?

It’s not just about offering advice.

It’s about weaving a tapestry of mental wellness, one counseling session at a time.

With our handy Counseling and Psychological Services Provider job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why not go further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every counseling session is a step towards a healthier mind.

Let’s foster mental wellness. Together.

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