In the mental health field, your entry-level counselor resume acts as a first impression for potential employers.

Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to start your career or someone transitioning from another sphere, a well-crafted document is essential to stand out in a competitive job market.

This article provides a comprehensive resume writing guide, complete with several great resume examples highlighting the key elements that will catch the attention of hiring managers.

Entry-level counselor resume examples

Entry-level clinical counselor resume

Entry-level clinical counselor resume template

Clinical Counselor Resume
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Entry-level clinical counselor resume sample | Plain text

Jane Drott

Houston, TX
Email: jane.drott@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

Resume Summary

Compassionate and dedicated Clinical Counselor with recent graduation in Psychology. Adept at conducting therapeutic assessments, building strong client relationships, and implementing effective treatment plans for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Experience

Clinical Counselor Intern

Houston Counseling Services, TX | June 2024 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions under the supervision of licensed therapists.
  • Assist with mental health assessments, intake interviews, and case management for clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
  • Support treatment plan development, monitor client progress, and provide feedback to senior counselors.
  • Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss treatment strategies and improve service delivery.

Counseling Assistant

University of Houston Counseling Center, TX | August 2022 – May 2024

  • Assisted licensed counselors with administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments and maintaining client records.
  • Provided initial assessments for students seeking counseling services, offering empathetic support and referring cases to senior staff when necessary.
  • Led workshops on stress management and academic wellness for students.

Education

Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology

University of Houston, TX | Graduated: May 2024

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

University of Texas, Austin, TX | Graduated: May 2022

Certifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Intern | Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors | Certification Date: June 2023
  • CPR and First Aid | American Red Cross | Certification Date: March 2023

Skills

  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Therapeutic Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Treatment Plan Development
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Active Listening
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Empathy and Compassion
  • Case Management

Why this counseling resume example is effective?

  • Clear career progression from an intern to an assistant role, showcasing growth in clinical experience.
  • Relevant resume skills listed directly related to the field, including crisis intervention and treatment planning.
  • Highlights certifications on resume and licenses, which are essential for the healthcare specialist.
How to format a counselor resume with no experience?
  • Opt for plain fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • The body text should be 10-12 pt, with your name and headings slightly larger (14-16 points).
  • Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. This is the industry standard.
  • Include extra space (at least 6-8 points) between resume sections to visually separate them.
  • Keep your file to one page resume, especially for an entry-level position.
  • Apply bullet points to list your descriptions.
  • Utilize strong action verbs on resume to convey a sense of initiative.
  • Customize your document with keywords from the job posting.
  • When submitting your paper electronically, save it as a PDF.

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Entry-level substance abuse counselor resume

Entry-level substance abuse counselor resume example

John Smith

Los Angeles, CA
Email: john.smith@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Resume Summary

Empathetic Substance Abuse Counselor with a proven track record of supporting individuals through addiction recovery. Experienced in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and guiding clients through the complexities of sobriety. Skilled in crisis intervention, relapse prevention, and maintaining a non-judgmental, supportive environment for healing and growth.

Experience

Substance Abuse Counselor Intern

Recovery Pathways Center, Los Angeles, CA | January 2024 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions focusing on addiction recovery for clients dealing with alcohol and drug dependencies.
  • Perform comprehensive client assessments, evaluate psychological and emotional conditions, and determine readiness for treatment.
  • Create and monitor personalized treatment plans using evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.
  • Offer consistent relapse prevention strategies, coping mechanisms, and aftercare resources to support long-term recovery.

Peer Counselor

University of California, Los Angeles, CA | September 2021 – December 2023

  • Provided one-on-one support for students facing substance use and mental health challenges.
  • Led educational group sessions, focusing on substance use prevention and the impact of addiction on mental health.
  • Collaborated with campus mental health professionals to create and distribute substance abuse prevention materials.
  • Coordinated wellness programs and support groups for students in need of emotional and psychological assistance.

Education

Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology

University of California, Los Angeles, CA | Graduated: December 2023

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

California State University, Los Angeles, CA | Graduated: May 2021

Certifications

  • Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) | California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors | Certification Date: March 2023
  • CPR and First Aid Certified | American Heart Association | Certification Date: February 2023

Skills

  • Addiction Recovery Support
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Group and Individual Counseling
  • Assessment and Treatment Planning
  • Empathy and Active Listening
  • Case Documentation and Reporting
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Behavioral Health Support

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Support Worker

Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Program, CA | June 2021 – September 2022

  • Assisted individuals in need of housing, addiction recovery, and mental health resources.
  • Provided emotional support and resource referrals, ensuring clients had access to critical services.
  • Helped organize community outreach events and educational workshops on addiction prevention.

Professional Development

  • Advanced Motivational Interviewing | Training Workshop | October 2024
  • Addiction and Recovery Counseling Conference | Speaker and Attendee | March 2023

Languages

  • English (Native)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)

Why this counseling intern resume example stands out?

  • The resume opening statement captures attention by providing a snapshot of the candidate’s strengths and qualifications.
  • Including Spanish adds an additional layer of appeal, especially in areas where bilingual skills are highly valued.
  • Volunteering not only reflects a strong passion for mental health and recovery but also demonstrates leadership and community engagement.
What is the difference between an entry-level counselor resume summary and objective?
AspectSummaryObjective
PurposeProvides an overview of skills, experience, and achievements in resume.States goals and aspirations for the position.
Content FocusHighlights qualifications, competencies, and strengths.Focuses on what the applicant hopes to achieve.
Length2-3 sentences.1-2 sentences.
ToneMore results-oriented.More forward-looking.
ExampleCompassionate and skilled counselor with a background in addiction recovery and mental health support. Adept at conducting individual therapy and group counseling, with a focus on client empowerment and relapse prevention.Motivated recent graduate seeking to apply academic training to support clients facing mental health challenges. Eager to grow as a professional counselor.
How to list education on a counselor resume?
  • Place your highest level of diploma first.
  • Use the full title of your degree.
  • Include the name of the school and the city/state it is located in.
  • If you’ve already graduated, provide the month and year.
  • You can write the expected date if you're still studying.
  • If your GPA is above 3.5, it may be worth mentioning, especially for freshers.
  • Indicate coursework that is related to the role or any honors.

Entry-level school counselor resume

Entry-level school counselor resume template

School Counselor Resume
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Entry-level school counselor resume sample | Plain text

Alice Johnson

Chicago, IL
Email: alice.johnson@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 765-4321

Resume Summary

Motivated and compassionate School Counselor with hands-on experience in student support services, academic advising, and social-emotional development. Adept at fostering a positive, inclusive school environment and promoting students' personal, academic, and social well-being. Passionate about helping students navigate challenges and achieve their potential.

Experience

School Counselor Intern

Chicago High School, IL | September 2025 – Present

  • Provide individual and group counseling to students, addressing academic, career, and personal challenges.
  • Assist in the development of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Facilitate workshops on stress management, time management, and conflict resolution.
  • Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administration to develop and implement effective support strategies.

Academic Advisor Intern

University of Chicago, IL | September 2023 – May 2024

  • Offered academic advising to undergraduate students, assisting with course selection and career planning.
  • Monitored academic progress and provided guidance on study skills and goal-setting.
  • Coordinated student outreach programs and academic support services.

Education

Master’s Degree in School Counseling

University of Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2025

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL | Graduated: May 2023

GPA: 3.85/4.0

Certifications

  • National Certified School Counselor | National Board for Certified Counselors | Certification Date: June 2023
  • CPR and First Aid | American Red Cross | Certification Date: April 2023

Skills

  • Academic and Career Counseling
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Group Counseling
  • Parent and Teacher Collaboration
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Empathy and Active Listening
  • Emotional Regulation Techniques

Extracurricular Activities

President, Psychology Club

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL | September 2020 – May 2021

  • Led a student organization that hosted events focusing on mental health, psychology, and career opportunities.
  • Coordinated guest speaker sessions with professional counselors and psychologists.
  • Organized workshops on mental wellness and study techniques.

Hobbies

  • Mindfulness and meditation practices
  • Creative writing and journaling
  • Outdoor activities (hiking, nature walks)

Why this sample resume for counselor works?

  • Certifications are directly relevant and demonstrate Alice’s commitment to professional development.
  • Leadership as President of the Psychology Club shows initiative, organizational skills, and an interest in mental health advocacy.
  • The inclusion of hobbies in resume adds a personal touch to the document, portraying her as a well-rounded individual.
How to organize experience on an entry-level counselor resume?
  • Always list your work history in reverse chronological order.
  • Outline the job title and the full name of the organization.
  • Provide the city and state of the company.
  • Include the start and end dates for each role.
  • Use bullet points for easy readability.
  • Focus on quantifiable accomplishments where possible.
What skills to put on resume for counselor?
  • Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are usually gained through education, training, or experience. These are often measurable.
  • Soft skills are the personal attributes, behaviors, and social traits that influence how well you work and interact with others. These are harder to quantify but are equally important.

Hard skills:

  • Psychological Assessment
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Treatment Planning
  • Individual Counseling
  • Group Therapy Facilitation
  • Behavioral Therapy Techniques
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders
  • Empathy and Active Listening
  • Client Intake and Evaluation
  • Confidentiality and Ethics
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Program Development
  • Multicultural Competency
  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Knowledge of DSM-5
  • Use of Counseling Software (e.g., TheraNest, SimplePractice)

Soft skills:

  • Communication Skills
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Problem-Solving
  • Team Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Patience
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Management
  • Compassion
  • Stress Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Decision-Making
  • Relationship Building
  • Multitasking
  • Organization
  • Motivational Skills
  • Active Listening
  • Rapport Building
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Confidentiality

Conclusion

In conclusion, an entry-level counselor resume needs to highlight your educational background, relevant internship or volunteer experience, and key certifications.

By demonstrating your passion for helping others and your specific qualifications, you can set yourself apart.

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