Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
Clinical Therapist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand running from entry-level associate therapist positions through senior clinical roles across community mental health, healthcare systems, and private group practices. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, where established employers like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Telecare Corporation consistently bring on clinical therapists. The most sought-after specialties in California are trauma-informed care, substance use disorders, and child and adolescent therapy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Title: Clinical Therapist I (Per Diem)
Pay: $32.00 - $40.00 hourly
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: (To fill positions in Riverside, Murrieta, Indio, and Beaumont)
Under general direction, performs a full range of therapeutic assignments related to the field of mental and behavioral health services and psychiatric social work, which includes the design and implementation of personalized treatment plans, individual and group psychotherapy, evaluations and investigations, and professional counseling, as applicable by professional licensing laws. Performs other related duties as required.
This classification includes the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), the Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), and the Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW). Through education and supervised clinical experience on the job, clinicians in this classification develop advanced diagnostic and treatment skills while gaining qualifying experience for which state licensure is required.
The Clinical Therapist I is required to obtain a license by the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker within three (3) years from the date of hire.
REPORTS TO: RIVERSIDE MHS PROGRAM MANAGER
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Interview individuals, couples, families, and other involved persons to gather personal and social data relevant to assessing psychological (mental, behavioral, and emotional) disorders.
2. Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments on individuals, couples, and families.
3. Develop patient-centered, strength-based treatment plans.
4. Coordinate care with other staff members and community agencies.
5. Provide psychoeducation to individuals, couples, families and groups.
6. Assist individuals, couples, and families in understanding and choosing options of mental health treatment.
7. Initiate and conduct individual, couple, family, and group therapy sessions.
8. Perform specialized tasks, including involuntary hospitalization procedures (5150) and Tarasoff assessments.
9. Prepare reports and compose correspondence.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Interview individuals, couples, families, and other involved persons to gather personal and social data relevant to assessing psychological (mental, behavioral, and emotional) disorders.
2. Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments on individuals, couples and families.
3. Develop patient-centered, strength-based treatment plans.
4. Coordinate care with other staff members and community agencies.
5. Provide psychoeducation to individuals, couples, families and groups.
6. Assist individuals, couples, and families in understanding and choosing options of mental health treatment.
7. Initiate and conduct individual, couple, family and group therapy sessions.
8. Perform specialized tasks, including involuntary hospitalization procedures (5150) and Tarasoff assessments.
9. Prepare reports and compose correspondence.
10. Participate in mental health conferences and local area committees.
11. Act as a casework consultant to other clinical therapists and other departmental staff.
12. Coordinate clinical decisions in response to operational demands.
13. Conduct clinical discussions regarding complex or difficult cases.
14. Serve as liaison with other programs and agencies.
PER DIEM CLINICIAN COMPENSATION:
Per diem clinicians are compensated solely for direct client service time that is billable, in accordance with organizational and payer guidelines. In addition to billable service time, clinicians are allotted up to fifteen (15) minutes of paid documentation time per client encounter.
No additional compensation will be provided for non-billable activities, including but not limited to: administrative tasks, meetings, or indirect service time, unless otherwise explicitly authorized in advance.
All clinicians are expected to complete documentation accurately and within the designated timeframe to ensure compliance with billing and regulatory standards.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, or an Associate Clinical Social Worker issued by the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a physical exam that may include a drug/alcohol test and a criminal background investigation that involves fingerprints. A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from employment with C.H.A.R.L.E.E. Family Care, Inc.
Pay: $32.00 - $40.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15.0 – 25.0 per week
Work Location: In person
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Find Clinical Therapist JobsClinical Therapist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Therapist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sutter Health16
- Mood Health4
- HealthRIGHT 3604
- 21st Century Home Health Services4
- County of Riverside3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical therapist jobs across California.
- Active California LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or LEP license issued by the BBS
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or psychology
- Experience delivering individual, group, or family therapy in a clinical setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records systems such as Epic or Welligent
- Ability to conduct biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
- Experience working with diverse populations including Medi-Cal or county-contracted clients
Clinical Therapist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical therapist in California?
To become a licensed clinical therapist in California, you need a master's or doctoral degree in a qualifying field such as social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy, followed by supervised post-graduate hours required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. After completing those hours, you pass the licensing exam for your credential, such as the LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC. Many California employers will hire registered associates while you accumulate hours toward full licensure.
Which companies hire clinical therapists in California?
Employers hiring clinical therapists in California right now include Sutter Health, Mood Health, and HealthRIGHT 360, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's size and its large publicly funded Medi-Cal system mean that county behavioral health departments, nonprofit community mental health centers, and integrated health networks are among the most consistent sources of openings statewide.
Which California cities have the most clinical therapist jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Modesto have the most clinical therapist openings in California right now. Los Angeles and San Francisco generate the largest volume of postings given the density of hospital systems, county mental health departments, and large group practices there, while San Diego's sizable military community and VA-affiliated providers drive steady demand for trauma and behavioral health specialists.
Are there remote clinical therapist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields. About 38% of clinical therapist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the rapid adoption of telehealth platforms across the state since the expansion of telemental health regulations. Outpatient individual therapy and medication management support roles are the most consistently offered in a remote or hybrid format, while group therapy and crisis services typically remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a clinical therapist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, which allows you to work under supervision while you accumulate licensure hours. Large California county behavioral health departments, community mental health centers, and nonprofits like Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services and Telecare Corporation regularly hire registered associates and new graduates into structured supervision programs. Coming in from case management, psychiatric technician, or social services aide roles is another door, and bilingual fluency in Spanish is a genuine edge in California's public sector market.
Where can I find and apply to clinical therapist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical therapist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across community mental health, healthcare systems, and private practices. Search the listings, find roles that match your license level and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 69 Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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