What does a Crisis Counselor do?

Crisis Counselors help individuals navigate their emotional responses to overwhelming situations, such as trauma, grief or mental health crises. They may work as part of an overall care team in an inpatient environment, providing helpful services for those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Crisis Counselors might also work for state, local or national suicide and mental health hotlines or with organizations that travel into areas experiencing crises to provide mental health services for victims.

Crisis Counselor skills and qualifications

Crisis Counselors must provide compassionate care that aligns with best practices for mental health treatment. Common skills listed in Crisis Intervention Counselor job descriptions might include:

• Conflict-resolution skills, as Crisis Counselors generally face tense and challenging situations

• Strong communication and active listening skills

• Knowledge of and experience in deploying crisis intervention techniques

• Empathy, compassion and a desire to serve a certain population

• Emotional resilience and an understanding of self-care

Crisis Counselor experience requirements

Typically, Crisis Counselors are licensed professionals with some level of experience. At a minimum, candidates may have internship and residency experience, and employers may hire entry-level Licensed Counselors for teams that include more experienced leaders. If you need to hire a Supervisor or a Crisis Counselor to work autonomously, you may list requirements such as several years of experience as a Licensed Counselor in your Crisis Worker job description.

Crisis Counselor education and training requirements

Mental health professionals who are Licensed Counselors of any type may need master’s degrees in social work, counseling, psychology or another relevant field. Some credentials only require a bachelor’s degree, and each state has different rules about licensing requirements. Ensure your Crisis Intervention job description education and licensing requirements comply with your state’s laws.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the duties in the Crisis Counselor job description above don’t quite fit your open position, check out these related job titles:

• Counselor

• Guidance Counselor

• Mental Health Counselor

• Rehabilitation Counselor

Crisis Counselor job description FAQs

Who does a Crisis Counselor report to?

A Crisis Counselor may report to a Clinical Manager or Director, Nurse Manager or Facility Administrator. A Licensed Crisis Counselor with several years of experience and supervisory skills may also lead a team of Counselors.

What characteristics make for a good Crisis Counselor?

In addition to the right experience and licensure, a successful Crisis Counselor is typically passionate about their work and can maintain balance and boundaries.

How do Crisis Intervention Workers differ from Crisis Counselors?

Some Crisis Counselors may provide intervention services to reduce the immediate impact of a crisis and help individuals connect with the resources they need. Crisis counseling as a whole addresses a more long-term need in dealing with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues in the aftermath of trauma.

Is crisis counseling the same for children and adults?

While children and adults can face similar trauma, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises Counselors to acknowledge children’s needs separately from adults and to include family in the intervention process.