Travel Mental Health Counselor Jobs
Licensed Professional Counselor travel contracts at VA medical centers, community mental health, corrections, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. Top settings pay $2,700–$2,900/week.
Quick Answer
Travel licensed mental health counselors — called LPC, LPT, or LMHC depending on the state — earn $2,400–$2,900/week in 2026. VA Medical Centers pay the most at $2,700–$2,900/week and are PSLF-eligible. There is no compact license for counselors — each state requires a separate endorsement. Texas and Florida process in 4–6 weeks; New York takes 8–12 weeks.
Limited counselor openings currently listed
LPC / LMHC roles fill quickly and new contracts open weekly. Submit your profile and we'll match you to VA, FQHC, and hospital counselor contracts as they become available.
See all behavioral health openings →| License Title | States That Use It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) | TX, GA, CO, VA, PA, AZ, NM, WI, and 20+ others | Most common title nationally |
| LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) | NY, FL, MA, WA, HI, IN, VT | Equivalent to LPC — recognized by VA and hospitals nationwide |
| LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) | MD, ID, IL, MT | Clinical-level credential equivalent to LPC |
| LPT (Licensed Professional Therapist) | TN, AL | Less common; same scope of practice as LPC |
| LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) | CA, MN, NM (dual-use) | California-specific advanced credential; see LPCC page |
All titles are clinically equivalent and recognized by VA Medical Centers, Joint Commission–accredited hospitals, and FQHC programs nationwide.
| Setting | Weekly Pay | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Medical Center | $2,700–$2,900/wk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highest demand; PSLF-eligible; structured caseload |
| Corrections / Forensic | $2,600–$2,900/wk | ⭐⭐⭐ | Premium pay; security clearance required |
| Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital | $2,600–$2,800/wk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High acuity; crisis and discharge focus |
| FQHC / Community Mental Health | $2,400–$2,700/wk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | NHSC loan repayment + PSLF eligible |
| Residential Treatment / SUD | $2,300–$2,600/wk | ⭐⭐⭐ | SUD/dual-diagnosis focus; growing demand |
| School-Based / Telehealth | $2,200–$2,500/wk | ⭐⭐⭐ | Flexible schedule; emerging contracts |
Updated every 4 hours from CatSol's live inventory.
Travel Mental Health Counselor — Ione, California
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,182/wk
Quick Apply →
Travel Mental Health Counselor — Ione, California
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,182/wk
Quick Apply →
Travel Mental Health Counselor — Ione, California
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,182/wk
Quick Apply →
California
3
open positions
Master's in Counseling or Related Field
CACREP-accredited program preferred. Degrees in counseling, mental health counseling, or community counseling qualify. Clinical psychology MSc may qualify in some states.
2+ Years Post-Graduate Supervised Hours
Most states require 2,000–3,000 supervised clinical hours after graduation to qualify for full LPC/LMHC licensure. Hours verified during endorsement.
National Counselor Exam (NCE) or NCMHCE
NBCC National Counselor Exam or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. Score transfers between states via NBCC.
Active LPC / LMHC License — State of Assignment
No compact — separate endorsement required per state. Texas and Florida: 4–6 weeks. New York: 8–12 weeks. Apply 10+ weeks before assignment start.
CBT / DBT Certification (Optional)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy training adds $1–$3/hr and opens VA and inpatient psych contracts.
CADC / CSAC Substance Use Credential (Optional)
SUD specialization opens opioid treatment programs, residential detox, and corrections forensic counseling — all with premium pay.
CatSol's behavioral health recruiters match licensed counselors to VA, FQHC, hospital, and corrections contracts nationwide. Tell us which states you're licensed in — we'll find the highest-paying open assignment.
