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.
Find Clinical Therapist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 30+ Clinical Therapist jobs











Job Summary: The Clinical Therapist 1-Inpatient conducts psychosocial assessments, develops treatment plans, implements therapeutic interventions, and coordinates discharge planning for patients and families. Provides individual, family and group therapy, psycho-education, support groups and other therapeutic activities. Identifies, assesses and intervenes with high-risk circumstances. Complies with all legal and regulatory reporting, intervention, documentation, and referral requirements. Collaborates with treatment team, collateral contacts, and community agencies to coordinate service delivery during and after hospitalization. Advocates for patients and families and provides connections with internal and external resources. Provides learning experiences and supervision for clinical students from affiliated schools and programs as assigned. Performs other duties as needed.
Education and Experience: Completion of a master's degree in social work, marriage family therapy, counseling related field or completion of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from a regionally accepted accredited institution is required. One year of experience in a behavioral health care setting is preferred. One year of experience in an acute psychiatric facility with age specific population is preferred.
Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of psychotherapy theory and techniques. Able to identify need for supervision/consultation, utilize such appropriately, and accept direction. Able to read; write legibly; speak in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer and software programs necessary to the position; troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment. Able to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; defuse aggravated situations with patients and families; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction. Able to communicate effectively in English in person, in writing, and on the telephone; think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail. Able to distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place/patient care; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records, and written documents necessary to position; discern temperature variances through touch.
Licensures and Certifications: Registration as an ACSW, MFT intern, LPCC intern, or in the process of accruing post-doctoral hours working toward licensure as a psychologist is preferred.
See All 30 Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Loma Linda University Health8

- Clinica Sierra Vista5

- HealthRIGHT 3605

- University of California, San Francisco5

- Maxim Healthcare2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services18
- Education14
- Insurance2
- Sports & Recreation1
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 Loma Linda University Health, Clinica Sierra Vista, and HealthRIGHT 360, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Redlands, San Francisco, and Bakersfield 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 7% of clinical therapist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 30 Clinical Therapist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Therapist Jobs