Behavioral Health Tech Jobs in California
Behavioral health tech jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, county-funded behavioral health departments, and hospital psychiatric units, with openings at every level from entry-level technician through senior and lead roles. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento account for the largest share of hiring, with established employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Telecare Corporation, and Dignity Health maintaining ongoing behavioral health tech staffing across the state. The most in-demand specialties include crisis stabilization, substance use disorder support, and ABA-based programming. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
At Discovery, we offer career opportunities nationwide in residential, day treatment, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment. Discovery is currently seeking Program Directors, Primary Therapists, Facility Managers, Counselors/Mental Health Specialists, Dietitians, Diet Techs, and Nurses. Discovery is specifically seeking individuals who consistently strive to provide exemplary care and are passionate about transforming the lives of others.
If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the behavioral health field, the first step is to look for open job positions that match your skills, qualifications, and interest. Each posting includes a description and minimum required qualifications.
When we review candidate information, we are looking for the best matches for the position based on the qualifications listed in the job posting. If your skills and experience appear to match an open position, a recruitment services professional or hiring manager may contact you to further discuss your qualifications.
Position Summary
Behavioral Health Tech II (BHT II) is responsible for assisting and supporting patients through the entire treatment experience from admission through discharge. BHT II will be contributing insightful, practical, and meaningful information to the treatment planning process. BHT II responsibilities primarily include ensuring patient safety, providing patient interventions, leading psychoeducational groups, and supporting patients.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures.
- Conducts self in a manner that represents DBH values.
- Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
- Provides exemplary customer service to all patients.
- Exhibits understanding and respect for cultural and lifestyle diversity.
- Understands and maintains professional boundaries and professional ethics.
- Follows directions as given by all facility leadership.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records; and of facility/company proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential information.
- Facilitates patient daily needs per the program schedule, including but not limited to: waking/bedtime routines and hygiene, meals/snacks, bathroom safety observations, free time.
- Assists Nursing staff with duties as directed, for example: patient supervision, vitals, room searches, patient searches, etc.
- Recognizes, responds to, and assists in crisis situations and provides interventions as appropriate.
- Consistently reports to work on time and prepared to perform the duties of the position.
- Assists in the implementation of individual patient treatment plans per clinical team.
- Supports patient during admission and discharge processes. This may include checking in patient belongings, acclimating patient to the program, preparing patient for returning home.
- Monitors patient activity and documents any significant patient issues. Completes all shift notes, group notes, and other required documentation by the end of shift.
- Maintains an organized and safe environment and performs basic housekeeping duties.
- Conducts regular facility and grounds checks, advising facility leadership of any irregularities or safety concerns.
- Facilitates and leads daily groups as directed by facility leadership if applicable.
- Attends all staff meetings and in-service trainings.
- Completes all online training, policy verification, and ensures that their employee HR file is kept up to date.
- Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, errands, shopping, admits, outings, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle).
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Eating Disorder Division:
- Providing supervision and support to patients during mealtimes requires staff to eat meals and snacks with patients.
- Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
- Familiarizes and adopts the Philosophy, Mission, Goals, and Objectives of the Center for Discovery treatment programs.
- Has basic knowledge of the clinical orientation and interventions used at Center for Discovery.
- Residential Treatment Only:
- In states where permissible, passing medicine will be required. Training and/or required certification will be provided.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- High School Diploma (or equivalent) preferred
- One or more years experience working within the mental health, substance use or eating disorder field preferred
- Valid and unrestricted State Driver’s License
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: On Call
WORK LOCATION: On Site - Thousand Oaks, CA
COMPENSATION: Pay Range: $17 - $25 hourly
Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
See All 36 Behavioral Health Tech Jobs in California
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Find Behavioral Health Tech JobsBehavioral Health Tech Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Tech Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Maxim Healthcare15

- Mbt Communication5

- SONUS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS4

- Rady Children's Hospital3

- Mbt Realty2

Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance15
- Technology & Software5
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Education3
- Government & Public Sector1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health tech jobs across California.
- California BBS-registered or registered with a recognized California credentialing body for behavioral health
- High school diploma or GED required, with associate or bachelor's degree in psychology or related field preferred
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health, developmental, or substance use disorders in a clinical setting
- Current CPR and First Aid certification issued by an accredited California provider
- Ability to complete and pass a California Department of Justice background clearance before hire
- Familiarity with de-escalation techniques, behavioral intervention plans, and electronic health record systems
Behavioral Health Tech Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health tech in California?
Most California employers require at minimum a high school diploma and relevant experience or coursework in psychology, social work, or a related field. While California does not issue a single state license specifically titled behavioral health technician, many positions require registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or certification through programs such as the National Certified Addiction Counselor credential for substance use roles. Completing a community college certificate in psychiatric technician training or mental health services also strengthens candidacy significantly.
How much do behavioral health teches make in California?
Behavioral health teches in California earn a median of about $49,140 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $40,880 for the lowest 10% to over $88,090 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire behavioral health techs in California?
Employers hiring behavioral health techs in California right now include Maxim Healthcare, Mbt Communication, and SONUS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large county behavioral health systems, including those in Los Angeles and San Diego, are also consistent sources of behavioral health tech openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most behavioral health tech jobs?
Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most behavioral health tech openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego lead because of their large county-funded behavioral health departments and dense networks of psychiatric hospitals and community mental health organizations, while Sacramento's concentration of state government-affiliated health programs and regional hospital systems drives steady demand there as well.
Are there remote behavioral health tech jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Behavioral health tech work is predominantly hands-on and requires direct in-person contact with clients in clinical, residential, or crisis settings, so most roles are on-site by nature. About 0% of behavioral health tech openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are most often in care coordination, case management support, or telehealth-adjacent roles rather than direct patient care.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health tech in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a psychiatric technician trainee or mental health worker associate role at a California county behavioral health department, which are designed to bring in candidates without direct clinical experience. Large California employers such as Telecare Corporation and Seneca Family of Agencies run structured onboarding programs for entry-level candidates, and roles such as mental health rehabilitation specialist or residential counselor serve as common lateral entry points. Completing a psychiatric technician certificate through a California community college program gives candidates a clear credential edge when competing against other applicants.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health tech jobs in California?
You can find and apply to behavioral health tech jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 36 Behavioral Health Tech Jobs in California
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