Zen CV

CV Template · Counselor

Counselor CV template.

A counselor CV needs to show both clinical competence and the judgement to work safely with clients in sensitive situations. Employers will look for your licensure status, populations served, therapeutic approaches, and experience with assessments, treatment planning, and progress notes.

Writing a strong Counselor CV

Hiring managers reviewing a counselor CV want to see the setting you have worked in, such as schools, community mental health, private practice, substance use treatment, or crisis services. Be specific about your credentials, including LPC, LMHC, LCSW, NCC, CADC, or supervised clinical hours toward licensure. Your CV should name the modalities you use, such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or family systems work, and show how you manage intake assessments, safety planning, treatment plans, referrals, and EHR documentation. Include client populations, caseload size, group facilitation, and any experience with Medicaid, insurance documentation, or multidisciplinary care teams.

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Three things that matter most

  • State your licensure clearly near the top, including active license number if appropriate, state of practice, supervision status, and expected licensure date if you are pre-licensed.
  • Describe the populations and presenting concerns you have supported, such as adolescents, couples, substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or crisis intervention.
  • Show your documentation and compliance experience by referencing intake assessments, DSM-5 diagnosis, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and EHR platforms such as SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, Epic, or Valant.

Skills hiring managers look for

DSM-5-TR diagnostic assessment CBT and DBT interventions Crisis assessment and safety planning Treatment plan development Motivational interviewing Trauma-informed counseling EHR documentation: SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, Epic LPC, LMHC, LCSW, NCC, or CADC licensure

Frequently asked

How do I write a counselor CV with no post-licensure experience?

Use your practicum, internship, and supervised clinical placements as core experience. Include client populations, approximate caseload, therapy modalities used, assessments completed, and documentation responsibilities. Make your supervision status clear so employers understand your licensure pathway.

Should a counselor CV include therapy modalities?

Yes, therapy modalities are important because they show how you approach treatment. List methods you have actually used in session, such as CBT, DBT skills, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, or trauma-informed care. If you have formal training or certificates in a modality, include the provider and completion date.

What clinical details are appropriate to include on a counselor CV?

Include professional details such as settings, presenting concerns, caseload size, group topics, assessment types, and documentation workflows. Do not include identifying client information or overly specific case details. A strong counselor CV demonstrates confidentiality, ethical judgement, and familiarity with HIPAA-compliant records.

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