Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in California
Behavioral health counselor jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in community mental health centers, county-operated behavioral health departments, Kaiser Permanente facilities, and large nonprofit providers such as Telecare Corporation and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, with openings from entry-level associate counselors through licensed clinical supervisors. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where county behavioral health systems and integrated health networks maintain consistent demand. Substance use counseling, dual-diagnosis treatment, and crisis intervention are the most sought-after specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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See related jobsPlease be aware - Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance from DOJ and FBI. Fingerprint Live Scan required.
FACILITY: Residential care - adults who face significant mental health issues
Hiring Requirement
- This is a primary role – This is typically not a second job or part-time job
- Experience required, not entry level
- Reliable track record with no callouts
- Schedule - 2:00 PM-11:00PM or 10:30PM-6:30AM
OVERVIEW
Ever Well Health is searching for a caring and compassionate facility Behavioral Health Evening Counselor to join our growing team. We at Ever Well Health have made a commitment to provide superior care through thoughtful and empathetic treatment for adults experiencing significant mental or emotional issues. The facility Behavioral Health Evening Counselor will be a major contributor to our core mission. This role will be a direct line of support, creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment for our residents in the evening. Your contribution will truly make a difference. If you meet the requirements below, we’d like to learn more about your experience and skills. Let’s be leaders in the field together!
REPORTS TO
Behavioral Health Program Manager
SUMMARY: With direction and following established procedures, the Behavioral Health Evening Counselor (BHEC) provides 1) milieu support, 2) direct resident care services and 3) performs other activities which contribute to the achievement of work unit goals and objectives. The BHEC duties emphasize prevention and supportive use of language. The employee works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental, physical, and emotional health. With advanced training and experience may help individuals cope with addictive and substance use triggers; improve family involvement; reduce anxiety and stress; develop better self-esteem; and assist senior-level staff with the resident issues associated with aging, developmental disability, and mental health.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
“What You Will Do”
- Assists with bed-checks and regular rounds of facility,
- Assists with the overall security of facility.
- Assures that facility, resident, and program areas are clean, organized and safe.
- Provides support and deescalates resident concerns in a calm and safe manner.
- Assures nightly documentation and other resident paperwork is completed as directed.
- Performs emergency first aid in emergency situations as needed.
- Reports suspected abuse or other incidents according to trained and established procedures.
- Acts as lead for other counselors including the assigning of tasks as needed.
- Performs regularly cleaning duties as assigned.
- Attends and participates in staff, program, facility and training as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION & SKILLS
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; additional education in human services, healthcare preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or other humanities area preferred.
- Two years in a licensed mental health or other care facility setting required.
- Special Requirements: Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by Title XXII, licensing regulations. This includes FBI and DOJ clearance.
REQUIRED - ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES
- Excellent team player and communicator, with all levels of staff.
- Tact and diplomacy when working with vendors and all outside parties.
- Ability to read and understand documents, write simple memos, reports, and letters, speak effectively with residents, customers or other employees.
- Ability to engage and communicate with residents in an empathetic manner.
- Ability to work effectively with persons differing in value systems, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, language capabilities, and disabilities.
- Ability to follow directions and work within a program and systems structure.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in various situations.
- Exercises good judgment and acts calmly in emergency situations.
- High degree of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties.
- High emotional and collective awareness
- Great sense of humor, and values humility.
REQUIRED - CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
- Valid California driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and a good driving record.
- DMV pull program.
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certificate
- Must be Able to Provide Proof of Eligibility to Work Legally in the United States.
- Certification such as CDAC preferred.
REQUIREMENTS - PHYSICAL
- Walking, Sitting, Pinching, Finger Flexion, Visual/Auditory Acuity; required over 2/3 of the workday.
- Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling and Twisting are required occasionally (under 1/3 of the workday).
- Balancing, Climbing and Crawling are generally not required.
- Ability to Pass an Employment Physical
- Current TB Test (No negative results within the last 12 months)
REQUIREMENTS - EQUIPMENT
- Fax Machine
- PC Computer
- Multi-Line Phone
- Washer and dryer
- Dolly
TO APPLY
1 - Apply through Indeed
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- 401k with matching
- Life Insurance
Schedule:
- 8-hour shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Weekends
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Residential Care: 1 year (Preferred)
- Mental Health: 1 year (Preferred)
- Case management: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
Work Location:
- One location
Benefit Conditions:
- Only full-time employees eligible
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Behavioral health: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
Please be aware - Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance from DOJ and FBI. Fingerprint Live Scan required.
FACILITY: Residential care - adults who face significant mental health issues
Hiring Requirement
- This is a primary role – This is typically not a second job or part-time job
- Experience required, not entry level
- Reliable track record with no callouts
- Schedule - 2:00 PM-11:00PM or 10:30PM-6:30AM
OVERVIEW
Ever Well Health is searching for a caring and compassionate facility Behavioral Health Evening Counselor to join our growing team. We at Ever Well Health have made a commitment to provide superior care through thoughtful and empathetic treatment for adults experiencing significant mental or emotional issues. The facility Behavioral Health Evening Counselor will be a major contributor to our core mission. This role will be a direct line of support, creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment for our residents in the evening. Your contribution will truly make a difference. If you meet the requirements below, we’d like to learn more about your experience and skills. Let’s be leaders in the field together!
REPORTS TO
Behavioral Health Program Manager
SUMMARY: With direction and following established procedures, the Behavioral Health Evening Counselor (BHEC) provides 1) milieu support, 2) direct resident care services and 3) performs other activities which contribute to the achievement of work unit goals and objectives. The BHEC duties emphasize prevention and supportive use of language. The employee works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental, physical, and emotional health. With advanced training and experience may help individuals cope with addictive and substance use triggers; improve family involvement; reduce anxiety and stress; develop better self-esteem; and assist senior-level staff with the resident issues associated with aging, developmental disability, and mental health.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
“What You Will Do”
- Assists with bed-checks and regular rounds of facility,
- Assists with the overall security of facility.
- Assures that facility, resident, and program areas are clean, organized and safe.
- Provides support and deescalates resident concerns in a calm and safe manner.
- Assures nightly documentation and other resident paperwork is completed as directed.
- Performs emergency first aid in emergency situations as needed.
- Reports suspected abuse or other incidents according to trained and established procedures.
- Acts as lead for other counselors including the assigning of tasks as needed.
- Performs regularly cleaning duties as assigned.
- Attends and participates in staff, program, facility and training as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION & SKILLS
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; additional education in human services, healthcare preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or other humanities area preferred.
- Two years in a licensed mental health or other care facility setting required.
- Special Requirements: Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by Title XXII, licensing regulations. This includes FBI and DOJ clearance.
REQUIRED - ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES
- Excellent team player and communicator, with all levels of staff.
- Tact and diplomacy when working with vendors and all outside parties.
- Ability to read and understand documents, write simple memos, reports, and letters, speak effectively with residents, customers or other employees.
- Ability to engage and communicate with residents in an empathetic manner.
- Ability to work effectively with persons differing in value systems, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, language capabilities, and disabilities.
- Ability to follow directions and work within a program and systems structure.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in various situations.
- Exercises good judgment and acts calmly in emergency situations.
- High degree of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties.
- High emotional and collective awareness
- Great sense of humor, and values humility.
REQUIRED - CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
- Valid California driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and a good driving record.
- DMV pull program.
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certificate
- Must be Able to Provide Proof of Eligibility to Work Legally in the United States.
- Certification such as CDAC preferred.
REQUIREMENTS - PHYSICAL
- Walking, Sitting, Pinching, Finger Flexion, Visual/Auditory Acuity; required over 2/3 of the workday.
- Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling and Twisting are required occasionally (under 1/3 of the workday).
- Balancing, Climbing and Crawling are generally not required.
- Ability to Pass an Employment Physical
- Current TB Test (No negative results within the last 12 months)
REQUIREMENTS - EQUIPMENT
- Fax Machine
- PC Computer
- Multi-Line Phone
- Washer and dryer
- Dolly
TO APPLY
1 - Apply through Indeed
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- 401k with matching
- Life Insurance
Schedule:
- 8-hour shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Weekends
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Residential Care: 1 year (Preferred)
- Mental Health: 1 year (Preferred)
- Case management: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
Work Location:
- One location
Benefit Conditions:
- Only full-time employees eligible
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Behavioral health: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 5 Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Counselor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Counselor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health counselor jobs across California.
- Registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an AMFT, ACSW, or APCC
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related clinical field
- Experience providing individual and group therapy in community mental health or outpatient settings
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices including CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care
- Ability to complete documentation in electronic health record systems such as Avatar or Exym
- Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for community or home-based caseloads
Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health counselor in California?
You must earn a master's degree in a qualifying field and register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an associate, which allows you to accrue supervised hours toward full licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC. Each license track requires a set number of supervised clinical hours and passing the California Law and Ethics exam along with a clinical exam. Most California employers hire registered associates and provide supervision on the job.
Which companies hire behavioral health counselors in California?
Employers hiring behavioral health counselors in California right now include Ever Well, PathPoint, and CRT programs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's extensive county behavioral health system, anchored by departments in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties, also generates a large share of consistent openings statewide.
Which California cities have the most behavioral health counselor jobs?
Sylmar, Lancaster, and Yuba City have the most behavioral health counselor openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale and the size of the county's Department of Mental Health, while San Diego's military population and large nonprofit sector drive steady demand, and the Bay Area's concentration of integrated health systems and tech-adjacent employee assistance programs supports consistent hiring.
Are there remote behavioral health counselor jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, because telehealth became widely adopted in California following regulatory changes that expanded insurance reimbursement for virtual therapy sessions. About 0% of behavioral health counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how broadly providers have built out virtual care programs. Outpatient individual therapy and case management roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid schedules.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health counselor in California with little or no experience?
Registering as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences right after graduation is the most realistic first step, because nearly all California county behavioral health departments and large nonprofits hire registered associates and provide the required supervision. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Telecare Corporation, and county departments in Los Angeles and San Diego regularly bring on new associates. Starting in a case manager or mental health rehabilitation specialist role is also a common lateral entry point that builds clinical hours while earning income.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your license level, specialization, and preferred region, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 5 Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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