Psychiatric Counselor Full Time Days
Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Apply at Northwestern Medicine
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a group you have led. How did you handle a patient who kept disrupting it?
What they are checking: Whether they can keep a therapeutic group on track while treating the disruptive patient with respect.
Tell me about a time you noticed a change in a patient's behavior and reported it.
What they are checking: Whether they observe closely and report changes promptly to the charge nurse.
This work can be emotionally heavy. How do you take care of yourself so you can keep doing it well?
What they are checking: Whether they have real habits that prevent burnout in a demanding setting.
What would you do
How do you do a body and belongings search in a way that is safe and still respects the patient's dignity?
What they are checking: Whether they balance safety with respect during a moment that can feel invasive to a patient.
A patient becomes agitated and starts threatening another patient in the dayroom. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they use de-escalation, call for help early and protect everyone on the unit.
You work with adolescents, adults and geriatric patients. How does your approach change across those ages?
What they are checking: Whether they adjust communication and activities to development and age.
A patient tells you they are thinking about hurting themselves but asks you not to tell anyone. How do you respond?
What they are checking: Whether they know they cannot keep safety risks secret and handle the disclosure with care.
About the work
Walk me through how you would complete an intake with the BHS Pre-Admission Assessment and the voluntary forms.
What they are checking: Whether they can complete intake paperwork accurately while explaining patient rights clearly.
What does good milieu management look like to you during a full shift?
What they are checking: Whether they understand how to keep the unit environment calm, safe and therapeutic.
How do you contribute to a patient's Master Treatment Plan?
What they are checking: Whether they understand their part in the treatment team and document useful observations.
Practice this interview out loud.
Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Northwestern Medicine from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.
Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Northwestern Medicine.