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Crisis intervention counselor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected crisis intervention counselor job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for crisis intervention counselors are projected over the next decade.
Crisis intervention counselor salaries have increased 10% for crisis intervention counselors in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,392 crisis intervention counselors currently employed in the United States.
There are 30,988 active crisis intervention counselor job openings in the US.
The average crisis intervention counselor salary is $52,041.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,392 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,320 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,313 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,950 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,497 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $52,041 | $25.02 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $50,464 | $24.26 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $49,259 | $23.68 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $48,053 | $23.10 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $47,133 | $22.66 | +2.3% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,073 | 16% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 93 | 13% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 82 | 8% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 226 | 6% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 60 | 6% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 600 | 5% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 34 | 5% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 28 | 5% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 479 | 4% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 341 | 4% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 314 | 4% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 302 | 4% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 266 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 241 | 4% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 146 | 4% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 125 | 4% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 57 | 4% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 50 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 25 | 4% |
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Baruch College of the City University of New York
Western Illinois University
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Colorado State University - Pueblo
Northeastern Illinois University
College of Saint Scholastica
Florida Institute of Technology
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Indianapolis
Campbellsville University
Virginia Wesleyan University
SUNY College at Oswego
Jackson State University
Lindsey Nichols: Your career path is a journey not typically a single destination. You will be exposed to professions, organizations, people etc. all the time and that networking and those relationships are so important. Unfortunately, social media, movies, etc. give a false impression to viewers about what counselors (of many specialty areas like school counseling, mental health, addictions, etc.) actually do. If you know licensed/certified counselors follow-up with them, ask them questions about their day-to-day activities, and volunteer or work so you can get more exposure to the helping professions, I think about the Boys-and-Girls Club, substituting in your local school district, organizations that provide helping services to people at all ages.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: Most people find social work to be incredibly rewarding, knowing that you are a facilitator of positive change, whether be within an individual, organization, or at a larger community or societal level. For many, being able to help people reach their full capacity is fulfilling. The amount of documentation we must complete in clinical settings is often what is liked the least.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: The need for social workers is high, particularly after the pandemic. A shortage of social workers means that there's an increasing demand in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics social work jobs are expected to increase 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: For clinical positions, which is what most social workers do, daily tasks typically include conducting assessments and providing individual, family, and/or group therapy to children and/or adults, while collaborating with other providers working with the client. There is also daily clinical documentation that needs to be completed.
Ohio State University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: The best way to maximize your salary potential is to do your homework. Start with self-awareness. What can and will you be able to contribute to the organization that will help the organization achieve their goals. Be able to “sell” your strengths, fit with the position, and areas for future growth. It is important to have realistic salary expectations while also sharpen your negotiation skills. Research to find out what are people in similar positions making in your community.
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: My advice to HDFS graduates beginning their careers is to seek out opportunities that align with your passions and will allow you to utilize your academic knowledge and skills to help children and families in meaningful ways.
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, technology, diversity and inclusion, and problem-solving skills will become more important in the field of HDFS. The helping professions will play an important role as technology continues to reshape human daily life and social interactions.
L. Justin Wheeler: Technology including telehealth, electronic medical records systems, AI, practice evaluation data collection, and other areas will continue to grow and require ethical and proficient users. There will always be a need for social workers to help shape policies and legislation based on human needs and human rights, so leadership, advocacy, and facilitation skills are important. And as loneliness and behavioral health needs expand, the core relationship-building and problem-solving skills social workers learn will be in high demand.
L. Justin Wheeler: One of the best ways to improve skills, continue to learn, and access support is to work as part of a team – take advantage of opportunities for group supervision, peer consultation, and interprofessional collaboration.
Dr. Vanessa Alleyne: It will be important to network and utilize professional organizations of which you are a member, such as the ACA (American Counseling Association), or the ASGW (Association for Specialists in Group Work), for example. Meet people, attend training for advanced skills in key areas, and present there when possible. Whether locally or nationally, these are valuable connections to make when starting out, and will also enhance your knowledge base as you begin and grow. Another valuable connection to be made can be found through your alma mater. Find professional affinity groups from your undergraduate program, and certainly maintain or build ties with your graduate program alumni. Finally, many people turn to social media such as Linkedin, which is fine, but can also be a bit overwhelming. Be deliberate in your choices about who to connect with, and don't get fomo! It's ok not to connect with everyone that pops up in your feed. Stay with one social media site at a time until you feel it's working the way you'd like, and then go on to another.
Timothy Aubry: I can’t really predict which skills will be important in the next 3-5 years, but that’s exactly why a liberal arts degree is a good bet. The reason I say that is that the liberal arts teach you to be flexible and open-minded, to rethink your assumptions continuously, to read new situations, and to adjust your ideas in response to new evidence. In other words, studying the liberal arts will prepare you to navigate an ever-changing job landscape and adapt to whatever demands and requirements come to prevail in the future. Rather than tie yourself down to one particular field or skillset, why not develop your mind so you can be prepared for all variety of challenges and possibilities?
Timothy Aubry: Try to think about what kind of job would be fulfilling and would allow you to do meaningful work that helps other people and not just think about what job will make the most money. Once you’ve decided on a field, be tireless and relentless in your search. Keep sending out cover letters, keep following up, keep trying. Don’t take rejections personally. It’s a hard market, and you have to search exhaustively in order to find a job that will truly make you happy.
Western Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: Starting a career in counseling is a fulfilling journey but comes with its own set of challenges. My advice to graduates stepping into this field would be to prioritize self-care. It's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life, especially when dealing with emotionally taxing situations. Seek supervision and mentorship regularly; having guidance from experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights and support as you navigate your counseling career. Additionally, stay open to continuous learning. The field of counseling is dynamic, with new research and techniques emerging constantly. Pursue opportunities for further education, attend workshops, and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Cultivate empathy and cultural competence to better understand and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and empathy is at the core of effective counseling practice. Lastly, remember to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of access to quality mental health services. Being a counselor goes beyond individual sessions; it involves being an advocate for your clients' well-being within the larger societal context.
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: Education and Credentials: Obtain relevant certifications and advanced degrees in counseling or related fields. Specializations or additional training in areas such as trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or marriage and family therapy can increase your market value. Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions. Building a strong track record of successful counseling outcomes and client satisfaction can lead to higher-paying roles. Specialize: Consider specializing in a niche area within counseling, such as working with specific populations (e.g., children, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals) or focusing on particular issues (e.g., trauma, addiction, grief counseling). Specialization often commands higher salaries due to the specialized expertise required. Stay Current: Stay updated with industry trends, research, and best practices in counseling. Attend conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs to enhance your knowledge and skills, making you more valuable to employers. Negotiate Skillfully: When negotiating salary with potential employers, research industry standards and average salaries for your role and location. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and unique skills during negotiations. Be confident, but also realistic and flexible in your salary expectations. Explore Different Settings: Consider working in different settings such as private practice, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, or corporate counseling programs. Each setting may offer different salary structures and opportunities for advancement. Build a Reputation: Develop a strong professional reputation by delivering quality counseling services, building positive relationships with clients and colleagues, and receiving positive feedback and referrals. A good reputation can lead to increased demand for your services and potentially higher fees. Network and Market Yourself: Network with other professionals in the counseling field, join professional organizations, and promote your services effectively. Building a strong professional network and marketing yourself can lead to new opportunities, higher-paying clients, and consulting or speaking engagements. Consider Additional Income Streams: Explore opportunities for additional income streams such as offering workshops, writing articles or books, providing supervision or consulting services, or teaching courses related to counseling.
Dr. Timmesha Butler-Davis PhD, LCSW: Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of social work is its capacity for significant impact. Whether it's guiding someone through coping mechanisms in therapy or fostering empathy within marginalized communities, social workers play a pivotal role in effecting positive change. However, it's worth noting that the extensive documentation and writing required in this field are often perceived as less favorable aspects.
Pamela Richmond Ph.D.: Challenges social workers can face are high caseloads, not enough resources to assist clients and exposure to horrific aspects of humanity. Social workers enjoy being a part of the change process by recognizing the strengths and resiliency of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Workers advocate for individuals that are marginalized and oppressed, ensuring they have a voice. They enjoy looking at solutions to problems and empowering others to make changes beneficial for their lives.
Pamela Richmond Ph.D.: Social workers employed in a variety of diverse settings to include prisons, hospitals, child welfare, homeless shelters, nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, community organizations and politics (and there are many, many more settings). The setting and the population of clients the social workers assist (children, youth, adults, etc.) will determine the specific day-to-day workload. However, general daily tasks completed regardless of the setting include interacting with clients/community constituents, responding to phone calls/e-mails, problem-solving, teamwork within the organization employed and/or with community constituents and documentation. Social workers entering the profession have fulfilled placement work during their educational training. Meaning, prior to graduation they have been placed in an agency working under the supervision of a social worker applying what they have learned in their coursework. As a result, when they begin their work as a social worker, they are ready to apply the knowledge, values and the skills they have learned to fulfill the tasks mentioned above.
Dr. Pamela Fullerton: Find a site with great supervision and a diverse range of clients. New clinicians really need to lean into competent and compassionate supervisory experiences that will help them not only increase their counseling competencies but also support in their growth around professional counseling identity, personal development, and multicultural and social justice advocacy. Additionally, working with a diverse range of clients at the beginning of a career will also support in increasing competencies in all the various areas of our field from skills and interventions to diagnosing and treatment planning.
Dr. Pamela Fullerton: I think having diverse experiences in the field will be helpful when trying to make yourself stand out from the crowd of other clinicians. I also think adding specialty training and certifications to your resume may help in maximizing salary potential.
Nancy Kelley PhD: Probably the first piece of advice I would give to graduates beginning their social work career is to keep an open mind-- one never knows what life might bring, so opportunities may arise that you weren't expecting. Every professional encounter provides an opportunity for experience and professional development that will inevitably advance one's career. Secondly, every professional experience, whether positive or negative, has take-aways and lessons learned so be prepared to find the silver lining in all you do. Third, don't give up; persistence and patience usually pays off in the long run when you are committed to a cause. Sometimes social workers undertake a lot of trial-and-error before successfully accomplishing our goals. Fourth, be sure to practice self-care; we cannot help other people if we do not care for ourselves first. We need to be able to 'practice what we preach,' so to speak, and give ourselves permission to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Lastly, remember that cultural competency is a life-long, career-long process. In order to expand our cultural competency, we need to continuously practice cultural humility when interfacing with diversity in all of its forms by embracing lifelong learning and self-reflection, mitigating power imbalances, and aspiring for institutional accountability.
Dr. Michele Sneed DSW, LGSW: Social work is known for its versatility. The day-to-day activities can greatly vary depending on the work setting. Certain core responsibilities can be identified among social workers across various contexts. These include things such as; conducting assessments, advocating for clients' rights and needs, offering support and counseling, engaging in community outreach efforts, and documentation, among other duties. Although tasks may differ, the fundamental aspects of social work underscore the profession's commitment to promoting well-being, social justice, and empowerment for individuals and communities.
Mariana Juras Ph.D.: Be attuned to your values, passion, skills, and abilities, and also to what market values.
Mariana Juras Ph.D.: I believe multiple language and cultural knowledges and experiences are great assets to have, and also to integrate human specific and technology integration with the mental health field, by also considering ethics, culture, and humane relevancy. Neuropsychology is also a developing field and integration with mental health treatment is increasing.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Social Work
Matthew Cuellar: Understanding how to use AI, balancing ethics in a changing and increasingly diverse world, and incorporating fresh and new perspectives in to old and unchanged processes within rigid climates. Respect and understanding of all voices is and will continue to be key to effective social work practice, education, and scholarship.
Matthew Cuellar: Pave a road that involves work you love to do. Maximizing salary potential is not just about making more money. It is about striking the optimal life/work balance for compensation that a given individual finds acceptable to meet their unique needs.
Matthew Cuellar: Be familiar with licensure and/or other professional requirements and keep your long-term goal in focus. Network as much as possible, and be open to different perspectives and ideas that you might not be familiar with. Choose a path that involves working within your passion, and be proud to be a change agent for the people you represent.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Learn to negotiate effectively for salaries and consulting fees. Understanding your value and being able to articulate it convincingly can significantly impact your income.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Being empathetic will enhance your ability to connect with clients, while resilience will help you manage emotional stress effectively. Fostering a lens of cultural humility will serve as a conduit to success and effectiveness.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Social workers will need to collaborate across different fields such as healthcare, education, and legal services. Skills in teamwork, communication, and coordination will be essential. Social workers should envision themselves as an asset in every business sector.
Campbellsville University
Social Work
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Work is a very large field; therefore, the practice of Social Work varies greatly depending on which field you enter. Overall, nearly all areas of Social Work include working with individuals who are facing some form of crisis or life challenge. Social Workers work to assist in providing education, assistance and most importantly empowerment. Social Workers are trained professionals who work from a set of ethics that govern their professional standards to respect, empathize and value all individuals. Most all Social Workers enter the professional because they feel called to assist and make a difference in the life of others.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: The best thing about being a Social Worker is the ability to serve, assist and empower other individuals who are facing challenges within their life. Although this can be very overwhelming, at times the rewards this can provide, and self-fulfillment is hard to put into words. One of the greatest challenges of Social Work is maintaining adequate self-care and knowing that you can impact or help all individuals. This can be extremely challenging and overwhelming, particularly for new workers. One must ensure that they have adequate supervision, education, and resources to protect their wellbeing or burnout is highly likely.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Workers are needed everywhere as there are always people in crisis. Currently, child protection workers are desperately needed. In this field of practice Social Workers work directly with children and families that are impacted by child maltreatment issues to keep families together. There is a misconception that child protective workers strive to remove children, and this is untrue. Their mission is to work tirelessly to keep children in their homes safely and remove risk factors while highlighting their protective factors. Additionally, in this field of Social Work foster parents are trained, certified, and mentored to ensure that foster children receive adequate care when biological or relative care is not possible.
Virginia Wesleyan University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Before you graduate, complete at least one internship in the field. These internships can often lead to full-time positions, especially in the non-profit sector. The more experience you have, the more you can negotiate in terms of salary.
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Be open-minded, flexible, and patient. Our recent GWSS graduates secure jobs in a number of related fields that might not spring to mind when new graduates think of GWSS careers (e.g., political campaigns/staff, higher education, non-profits, law, publishing, business, and even sexual assault prevention and victim advocacy for the Navy). These are in addition to more traditionally associated GWSS careers, such as domestic abuse and trafficking shelters for women and children, LGBTQ+ outreach services, and counseling centers. As with most first jobs in the field, you need to think of them as learning experiences that can enhance the knowledge and skills you learned in college, while also providing you the necessary professional experience to move forward in the field.
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies already offers students diverse perspectives that prepare them for the multi-faceted, complex viewpoints they will encounter in graduate study and in the workplace. In particular, soft skills will become even more important. These skills include communication, critical thinking and problem solving, empathy, collaboration, community-building, leadership, and adaptability. The field is dynamic, so being able to continue to learn and grow after graduation is a necessity.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: It will become increasingly important to use non-violent communication skills and empathy that you practiced and developed in your academic programs. As the world becomes more diverse, tapping into the cultural competency skills will also become increasingly useful.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: Trust yourself and follow your passions. It is possible to find a meaningful career that aligns with your core interests and values.
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: The bulk of the work a mental health counselor does is clinical, meaning you meet with clients and provide counseling. There is also record keeping, preparation, and administrative responsibilities. New and seasoned counselors alike spend some time in supervision and consultation with other counselors. Supervision is a time to discuss cases with a more experienced professional where there are opportunities for growth professionally and personally. Consultation involves either meeting with others connected to your clients, like parents of children clients, or with professionals in mental health and other fields that can help the counselor sort out a challenge. In that case it may be an attorney or a trauma specialist.
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: There are so many opportunities for mental health counselors entering the field. The need for our services is at an all time high. Recently, there has been a great deal of focus on self-care for professional counselors to ward off compassion fatigue. There is much more being offered for counselor self-care than when I entered the field three decades ago.
Jackson State University
Student Counseling And Personnel Services
Jie Ke: - Familiarize yourself with school systems and policies: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the specific educational system, policies, and regulations of the school or district you'll be working in. Understanding the administrative processes and procedures will help you navigate the system more effectively. Collaborate with teachers and parents: Establish strong relationships with teachers and parents to foster a collaborative approach in supporting students. Regular communication and collaboration with these stakeholders can enhance your ability to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs. Practice self-reflection: Take time for self-reflection to enhance your self-awareness and improve your counseling skills. Regularly review your interactions, techniques, and personal biases to ensure that you are providing the best possible support to students.
Jie Ke: - Technology skills: With the increasing integration of technology in educational settings, school counselors will need to be proficient in using technology tools and platforms for counseling, data analysis, and communication. - Data analysis skills: School counselors will need to have strong skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform their counseling interventions and measure their effectiveness.- Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork skills: School counselors will increasingly collaborate with other professionals, including teachers, administrators, psychologists, and community organizations. - Crisis intervention skills: The ability to provide immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral distress or problems.
Jie Ke: - Collaborate with professionals in the field and build up a network in the specific areas that you are interested in. Seek professional development opportunities: Engage in professional development activities such as attending conferences, workshops, or webinars specific to school counseling. These opportunities will help you stay current with the latest research, enhance your skills, and connect with other professionals in the field. Stay informed about educational trends: Stay up to date with current trends and research in education and counseling. This includes being aware of new intervention strategies, evidence-based practices, and developments in the field of school counseling. Continuous learning will help you provide the most effective support to students.