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University of Rochester
Rochester, New York

Mental Health Therapist

CounselorNo nightsPart-Time

Listed compensation

$30.33-$40.95/hr

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address)

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening

Worker Subtype

Regular

Time Type

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Department: 500125 Psychiatry SMH Child/Adoles

Work Shift

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range

UR URCC 211 H

Compensation Range

$30.33 - $40.95

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Provides comprehensive mental health and/or dual diagnosis services for individuals who have a diagnosable mental illness.

The clinician functions at the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, which is part of University of Rochester Medicine: Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Outpatient Services.

The clinician functions as both a Short-Term Assessment & Response Team (START) member and a Walk-In Clinician at the Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness (PBH&W):.

In the role of a START clinician, the team member provides short-term solution-focused treatment to patients and their families and is responsible for assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and therapy in the up to 6-session model of care.

In the role of a Walk-In clinician, the team member provides an initial mental health/safety assessment and immediate evidence-informed crisis intervention, as well as follow-up recommendations and linkage to appropriate community resources and treatment (e. g., START).

Essential Functions

Provide direct patient care to youth and their families in the START (Short- Term Assessment & Response Team) track of the PBH&W Brighter Days Urgent Care Center under general direction and with considerable latitude for independent judgement.

More specifically, provides short-term solution- focused treatment to patients and their families and is responsible for assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and therapy in the up to 6- session model of care. Mobilizes patient, family, and natural support networks when clinically indicated. Meets minimum target for clinical productivity.

Provide direct patient care to youth and their families in the Walk-In track of the PBH&W Brighter Days Urgent Care Center. More specifically, provides an initial mental health/safety assessment, and evidence-informed crisis intervention, as well as follow-up recommendations and linkage to appropriate community resources and treatment.

Documents treatment in patients’ electronic medical record in compliance with Program, Department and Hospital regulations. This includes the development of family centered, comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for patients with clearly defined therapeutic goals with patients and families.

Coordinates appropriate referrals and linkage to mental health services as clinically indicated.

Establishes and regularly maintains cooperative working relationships with referral sources and other professionals both internal and external throughout patient care activities (e. g., PCPs, community mental health agencies).

Coordinates with professional and administrative staff of the Medical Center and University as well as support staff regarding patient scheduling, fees, and insurance issues.

  • Participates collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team to provide coordinated care.
  • Maintains professional CEU requirements by reading, attending seminars, workshops and conferences.

Minimum Education & Experience

Master's degree from a Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredited program with major course work in mental health counseling required

  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience providing clinical services to children and families preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, skills and abilities to provide mental health services to children and families strongly preferred

Licenses and Certifications

NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e. g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) upon hire required or

If licensure has not been obtained upon employment, an active limited permit or submitted application to the NYS Department of Education upon hire required and NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e. g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) within 36 months of hire or

If working on the ACT or Mobile Crisis teams NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner within 48 months required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.

In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).

This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program in mental health counseling. Additionally, a valid NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner or an active limited permit is required upon hire.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Mental health assessmentEvidence-informed practiceClinical documentationInterdisciplinary collaborationPatient advocacyReferral coordination

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 32% have no call, 74% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$74k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $69k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

50 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution31 jobs

10
<$60k
11
$60k-75k
3
$75k-90k
6
$90k-105k
1
$114k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks25 jobs

401k / retirement match
92%
Loan repayment
32%
PSLF eligible
32%
CME allowance
28% this job

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 5.1
Better work-life than 40% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 7,961 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No nights
  • On-site

Living in Rochester

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$247k
Typical market rent
$1,476/mo
Residents’ average commute
19 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
97.0
State income tax
Up to 10.9%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Rochester, NY metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.