Where Do I Start with Searching for a Counseling Job?
If you’re finishing up your counseling degree and wondering, Where do I even start with finding a job?—you are so not alone. The good news? You're already taking the first step just by thinking about it now.
Let’s talk through some practical tips to get you moving in the right direction.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Your Job Search
One of the biggest myths out there is that you should wait until after graduation (or after passing the NCE) to start looking for a job. In reality, the earlier you start making connections, the better.
Here’s why: private practices and smaller counseling agencies often don’t post job openings months in advance. Many don't even know they’ll have an opening until it happens—someone leaves, moves, or a new caseload builds up. Small practices might only hire one new therapist at a time, while larger ones might bring on several new grads around May or June when most students finish up.
Community agencies and college counseling centers are a little different. They usually hire based on specific vacancies or when they get budget approval for a new position. But again, if they know you’re out there and looking, they might reach out before even posting the job publicly.
Bonus tip: In counseling roles that bill insurance, it can take 6-8 weeks just to credential you with insurance companies. Plus, it takes time to market a new therapist and build a caseload. Practices love when a new grad reaches out ahead of time—it helps them plan better, and it helps you start working faster.
Create a Target List of Potential Employers
Here’s a secret: not all counseling jobs are listed on Indeed or LinkedIn. (Wild, right?)
If you’re only looking at the big job boards, you might miss amazing opportunities. Instead, start making a target list of practices and organizations you’d love to work for—even if they aren’t actively hiring right now.
Think about:
Places that align with your counseling values
Specialties you’re passionate about (e.g., trauma, LGBTQ+ populations, teens, couples)
Settings you love (private practice, agency, school-based, etc.)
Benefits you want (supervision provided, health insurance, PTO, CEU reimbursement)
Research practices in your area. Save their websites. Follow them on social media. Bookmark any “Careers” pages. That way, you can reach out intentionally—and maybe be first in line if a spot opens.
Let People Know You’re Job Searching (Seriously)
I know it can feel awkward to tell people you’re looking for a job, but hear me out: your network wants to help you. Supervisors, professors, classmates, internship site coworkers—these are all people who can connect you to opportunities.
Let them know:
That you’re graduating soon (or have graduated)
That you’re starting your job search
What kind of roles or populations you’re looking for
That you’d love any recommendations for places they know or trust
Even if they don’t know of anything at the moment, you’ll be top of mind when they do hear something. And remember—counselors are helpers at heart. Most people will be happy to cheer you on or offer a suggestion, even if it’s small.
Apply and Inquire Even If You’re a New Grad
It’s super common to feel discouraged when you see job postings asking for “fully licensed” or “2+ years of experience.” But here’s the truth: organizations often adjust their expectations depending on who applies.
If you see a practice or agency you’re excited about, don’t count yourself out just because you’re newly graduated or provisionally licensed.
Instead, find a contact (a clinical director, hiring manager, or supervisor) and send a short, friendly email.
Include:
A quick intro about who you are
A few highlights of your experience
Why you’re specifically interested in their organization
A question about whether they are open to hiring provisionally licensed counselors
The worst that happens? They say no or don’t respond. (And honestly, if they ghost you, they weren’t the right fit anyway.) But more often than not, you’ll find practices willing to make room for a strong, enthusiastic new clinician.
Final Thoughts
Job searching as a new counselor can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to wait until you have everything "perfect" to get started. Start now by making connections, doing a little research, and putting yourself out there. The counseling field needs you—and there’s a place out there that's the right fit for you.
You’ve already done the hard work of earning your degree. Let’s get you launched into your next chapter with confidence. 🚀
