Mental Health Counselor Outpatient
Listed compensation
$30-$36/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
- Job Location: 721 Fawcett Ave - Tacoma, WA
- Education Level: Graduate Degree
- Salary Range: $30.00 - $36.00Hourly
- Job Shift: Day
- Job Category: Health Care
The Mental Health Professional will provide clinical treatment services to adults, youth, and their families experiencing the impact of mental health, substance use disorder, and homelessness through a joint venture with City of Tacoma and Catholic Community Services.
These services can include assessment, recovery support, connection to other resources, and assistance with access to primary healthcare, etc. The incumbent is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, and will collaborate with Chemical Dependency Professionals and Certified Peer Counselors in developing individualized treatment plans.
Provides outpatient treatment services to individuals experiencing homelessness as well as mental health and possible substance use disorders, with the goal of improving and/or reduce symptoms and resolving situational disturbances in the areas of relational, occupational, and/or vocational concerns.
Provides a recovery framework for all interactions with clients, allowing their voice to be paramount to their treatment plan, and goals for their life. Provides strength-based assessment utilizing DSM guidelines.
Collaborates with the client to develop a mutually agreed upon individual service plan, driven by client choice and client preference. Coordinates care with all other providers and provides support, as agreed upon with the client.
Reviews client(s) progress, establishes treatment goals, and makes referrals as necessary. Participates in case management and makes decisions, in partnership with clients, on case management issues. Provides follow-up and supportive services to clients, as needed.
Assures confidentiality is maintained and client files are secured. Maintains appropriate client records. Maintains continuing education requirements for license or certification. Maintains regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours.
May occasionally work a flexible schedule which may include evenings. Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications: Masters Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university.
Current mental health credentials from the state Department of Health (DOH) or is eligible for the DOH Agency Affiliated Counselor credential. Mental Health Professional status with Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), or ability to obtain upon hire preferred.
Experience and knowledge of Substance Abuse treatment preferred Experienced knowledge of the Pierce County public mental health system and community resources. Solid competencies and understanding of substance use disorder treatment and co-occurring disorders treatment.
Undergo a TB test or have evidence of a course of approved treatment by a physician. Have a current/valid Washington State Drivers License.
Key Responsibilities
The Mental Health Counselor provides clinical treatment services, including assessments and recovery support, to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and homelessness. They collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans while coordinating care with other providers.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. Professional credentials from the Washington State Department of Health or eligibility for the Agency Affiliated Counselor credential are required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Clinical Psychology — Counselor Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$69k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $64k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 50 active Clinical Psychology listings this role was benchmarked against, 68% are remote, 22% have no call, 80% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $62k–$75k | Clinical Psychology median $103k (middle half $78k–$118k)17 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$64k in purchasing power | Washington index 107.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Clinical Psychology listings in Washington | 9 active | 370 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 68% remote · 22% no call · 80% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Washington Counselor listings: 17% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 14% offer loan repayment305 active listings, Oct 2026 |
| Clinical Psychology pay trend | +14.4% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$69k midpoint, that is roughly $3k–$5k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
Top Counselor Jobs
42 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
42 jobs · 23 employersAnnual compensation range
Benefits & Perks
35 jobs · 23 employersShare of similar jobs offering each benefit
Dental Therapist
InterDent Service · Salem, Oregon
Clinical Manager LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMFT
Eating Recovery Center · Bellevue, Washington
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT
$74k-$126kLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)
$92k-$125k