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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For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Jefferson Wellness Clinic, Riverside, CA
The Jefferson Wellness Clinic is an adult Full Service Partnership (FSP) program that is designed for adults ages 26-59 who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness and would benefit from an intensive service program. This position will work with a multidisciplinary team of Licensed Clinicians, Pre Licensed Clinicians, Nursing Staff, Psychiatrist, Behavioral Health Specialist, Clerical Staff, Peer Support Specialist, Peer Family Advocates, Community Services Assistant. The Senior position will be required to provide clinical supervision and sign off on unlicensed staff’s hours. The position will provide clinical oversight to unlicensed staff, assist staff with developing treatment plans, develop alongside the supervisor policies and procedures related to the program and be liaison to the court. This position will conduct work in the field therefore a driver’s license is required.
The Senior Clinical Therapist will provide supervision to unlicensed staff, handle high-acuity, complex, or specialized cases that require more in-depth experience, provide staff trainings, collaborate with community partners and interdisciplinary teams to offer effective coordination of care, ensure that documentation meets strict legal and professional standards, support staff in handling high-risk situations, including specialized assessments and crisis situations as well as be of support to program and program supervisors. This position has a 9/80 schedule and will work in the field therefore a driver’s license is required.
Under direction, performs the full range of therapeutic assignments related to the field of mental or 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 law, in order to meet the needs of consumers or families with mental or emotional disorders; and performs other related duties as required.
The Senior Clinical Therapist is the lead/advanced journey level of the Clinical Therapist series. The Senior Clinical Therapist class has responsibility for providing clinical supervision, according to licensure and training, over unlicensed clinical staff. This classification is also responsible for performing, within the scope of licensure, the full range of psychotherapy and counseling services for individual consumers, couples, families, and groups exhibiting a variety of mental health and related disorders in a clinic or institutional setting. Assignments range from moderately difficult to the most complex and include serving in a lead capacity over and providing consultative support to other mental health treatment staff.
This classification is distinguished from the class of Mental Health Services Supervisor in that the latter class is the first line supervisor responsible for the planning or implementation of specialized mental health services. The Senior Clinical Therapist is further distinguished from the Clinical Therapist II in that the former is the lead level and may provide extensive clinical supervision, according to licensure and training, over unlicensed clinical staff.
For this recruitment, the position is eligible for a 10% DTR differential that is applied to hours physically worked. At any time, this differential can be removed.The certification list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill other future Senior Clinical Therapist vacancies within Behavioral Health that may occur in the coming weeks.
RUHS – Behavioral Health
Meet the Team!
Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45,000 individuals annually.
We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian’s Office, address the diverse needs of our community.
At RUHS Behavioral Health, you’ll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
If you’re passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you!
For more information, please visit www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-healthEXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide extensive clinical supervision to unlicensed clinicians, within the scope of licensure.
- Monitor fidelity and provide clinical supervision and coaching for evidence based treatment models.
- Develop mental health related training curriculum and conduct training for clinical therapists and other departmental staff.
- Conduct clinical and quality improvement chart audits.
- Coordinate clinical decisions in response to operational demands.
- Conduct clinical discussions regarding complex or difficult cases.
- Act as a casework consultant to other clinical therapists and other departmental staff.
- Provide guidance to volunteers and staff.
- Serve as liaison with other sections, units, services, and agencies.
- Participate in mental health conferences and local area committees.
- Interview consumers, relatives, and other involved persons to gather personal and social data relevant to assessing mental or emotional disorders.
- Develop service plans with consumers; evaluate psychological, economic, vocational, educational, physical, health, socialization, and housing needs.
- Coordinate with other staff members (psychiatrists, psychologists, and other program staff) and community agencies in carrying out and designing treatment or rehabilitation plans.
- Assist consumers and other concerned individuals in understanding the nature of major psychological illnesses and their psychosocial effects.
- Assist consumers and their families in understanding and choosing options of mental health treatment.
- Initiate and conduct individual, collateral, group, and family therapy sessions.
- Perform specialized tasks including involuntary hospitalization procedures (5150) and Tarasoff assessments.
- Establish and maintain effective contact with local area mental health resources, including community members, parents, schools, residential facilities, and other agencies/organizations.
- Prepare reports and write correspondence.
- Respond to emergencies, within licensure, which may occur on the unit.
- Coordinate the flow of information and clinical data to ensure continuity in treatment or shift.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Two years of post-license professional experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting providing direct client services which must have included: client assessment and evaluation, development and implementation of appropriate treatment plans, providing psychotherapy or mental health counseling, and providing indirect services involving information, consultation, and educational services to staff and community.
AND
License: Possession of a valid license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Knowledge of: Psychological aspects of physical and emotional disturbances and mental deficiencies; characteristics of emotional and mental disorders including their effect on the individual in the community; mental health local community resources and community support systems; principles of clinical interviewing and methods of recording consumer information; individual licensing law and the scope of professional practice governed by the same; laws, rules, and regulations of publicly operated health and welfare programs; principles and techniques for making psychosocial assessments.
Ability to: Effectively apply the principles and techniques of clinical therapy, including a variety of treatment modalities; analyze consumer behavior and apply treatment or counseling techniques in a coordinated care social rehabilitation environment; speak and write effectively; provide crisis intervention; prepare clear and concise reports and interpret data; work effectively with a multicultural consumer and family population with diverse backgrounds and needs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, their families, other staff members, and mental health organizations/ agencies; provide work direction and training to staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team; communicate the goals and objectives of the County's mental and behavioral health services to members of the community and other interested individuals; consult with and assist in the professional development and supervision of unlicensed clinical therapists, within the scope of appropriate licensure, and other mental health support staff.
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required for this position.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For questions regarding this recruitment
Please contact Jeremy Holforty at (951) 955-5558 or jholfort@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Schedule, Overtime, Standby/On-Call, and Travel Obligations
The County of Riverside offers a variety of alternative work schedules, dependent upon department operations and needs. Certain assignments may involve overtime, standby/on-call shifts, and/or travel; however, scheduling, shift assignments, overtime work, standby/on-call duty, and travel obligations are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding the schedule, overtime and standby/on-call expectations, and travel obligations.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
See All 83 Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
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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



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Insurance
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, 21st Century Home Health Services, and County of Riverside, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco 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 43% of clinical therapist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 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 83 Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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