Mental Health Counseling Jobs in California
Mental Health Counseling jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with consistent demand across community mental health centers, school districts, hospital systems, and private group practices at every level from entry-level associate counselor through senior clinician and clinical director. Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego account for the largest concentrations of openings, where employers like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Tarzana Treatment Centers maintain established counseling workforces. The most sought-after specialties in California include substance use disorder treatment, trauma-focused therapy, and school-based mental health services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 290+ Mental Health Counseling jobs
APPOINTMENT: Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Tenure-Track)
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Department of Counseling and Human Services (DCHS) School of Education, University of Redlands
Months: 9 months (Full-Time)
SALARY RANGE: $77,175-$81,678
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW: BROCHURE
AVAILABLE: August 2026
POSTING DATE: April 9, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.
The Department of Counseling and Human Services at the University of Redlands invites applications for a tenure-track open rank faculty position in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is an exciting time of growth and innovation within the program, as we expand our impact across the Inland Empire through workforce development, integrated behavioral health training, and community-engaged initiatives.
About the Program
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is a high-demand graduate program grounded in:
- Culturally responsive and antiracist pedagogy
- Experiential and supervision-centered training models
- Integrated behavioral health and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Community-engaged learning and workforce development
- Faculty contribute to innovative initiatives including federally funded training programs (e.g., BHWET) and the Inland Empire Mental Health Training and Integration Center (MHTIC), as well as The Practice—an experiential wellness and clinical training facility supporting applied learning and community impact.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as CMHC Program Coordinator, supporting admissions, clinical training coordination, program assessment, and curriculum development
- Teach graduate courses in counseling (e.g., theories, human development, sociocultural counseling, group counseling, and specialized areas such as MFT, school mental health or integrated care)
- Contribute to practicum and supervision-centered training
- Maintain an active scholarly agenda aligned with counselor education, health equity, and/or integrated behavioral health
- Advise and mentor graduate students
- Participate in departmental, school, and university service
- Engage in community partnerships and grant-supported initiatives
Required qualifications:
- Doctorate in Counselor Education or closely related field
- Eligibility for or current licensure (e.g., LPCC, LMFT) in California
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive counseling practice and education
- Evidence of excellence in graduate teaching
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in counselor education and/or clinical supervision
- Engagement with integrated behavioral health or interdisciplinary training models
- Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish preferred)
- Experience with community partnerships and/or grant-funded initiatives
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement
- Research/scholarly agenda
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging statement
- Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
About the University
The University of Redlands is committed to “welcoming, educating, and empowering a diverse community of learners for lives of meaning, impact, and joy.” This position contributes to that mission by preparing counselors to address critical behavioral health needs across diverse communities.
TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
APPOINTMENT: Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Tenure-Track)
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Department of Counseling and Human Services (DCHS) School of Education, University of Redlands
Months: 9 months (Full-Time)
SALARY RANGE: $77,175-$81,678
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW: BROCHURE
AVAILABLE: August 2026
POSTING DATE: April 9, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.
The Department of Counseling and Human Services at the University of Redlands invites applications for a tenure-track open rank faculty position in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is an exciting time of growth and innovation within the program, as we expand our impact across the Inland Empire through workforce development, integrated behavioral health training, and community-engaged initiatives.
About the Program
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is a high-demand graduate program grounded in:
- Culturally responsive and antiracist pedagogy
- Experiential and supervision-centered training models
- Integrated behavioral health and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Community-engaged learning and workforce development
- Faculty contribute to innovative initiatives including federally funded training programs (e.g., BHWET) and the Inland Empire Mental Health Training and Integration Center (MHTIC), as well as The Practice—an experiential wellness and clinical training facility supporting applied learning and community impact.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as CMHC Program Coordinator, supporting admissions, clinical training coordination, program assessment, and curriculum development
- Teach graduate courses in counseling (e.g., theories, human development, sociocultural counseling, group counseling, and specialized areas such as MFT, school mental health or integrated care)
- Contribute to practicum and supervision-centered training
- Maintain an active scholarly agenda aligned with counselor education, health equity, and/or integrated behavioral health
- Advise and mentor graduate students
- Participate in departmental, school, and university service
- Engage in community partnerships and grant-supported initiatives
Required qualifications:
- Doctorate in Counselor Education or closely related field
- Eligibility for or current licensure (e.g., LPCC, LMFT) in California
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive counseling practice and education
- Evidence of excellence in graduate teaching
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in counselor education and/or clinical supervision
- Engagement with integrated behavioral health or interdisciplinary training models
- Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish preferred)
- Experience with community partnerships and/or grant-funded initiatives
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement
- Research/scholarly agenda
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging statement
- Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
About the University
The University of Redlands is committed to “welcoming, educating, and empowering a diverse community of learners for lives of meaning, impact, and joy.” This position contributes to that mission by preparing counselors to address critical behavioral health needs across diverse communities.
TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
See All 290+ Mental Health Counseling Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Counseling JobsMental Health Counseling Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Counseling Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HealthRIGHT 36048
- The People Concern37
- JWCH Institute15
- LifeStance Health15
- ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES14
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services174
- Non-Profit & Social Services63
- Education41
- Insurance11
- Government & Public Sector6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health counseling jobs across California.
- Active California LMFT, LPCC, or LCSW license or registered associate status with BBS
- Master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work
- Experience providing individual, group, or family therapy in a clinical or community setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards
- Knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-informed care
- Ability to complete required continuing education for California BBS license renewal cycles
Mental Health Counseling Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health counseling in California?
To work as a mental health counselor in California, you must earn a qualifying master's degree and register as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, which oversees licensure for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. After completing supervised hours under the BBS guidelines, you sit for the California Law and Ethics Exam and your profession-specific clinical exam before receiving full licensure. Most employers will hire registered associates who are actively accumulating supervised hours toward licensure.
Which companies hire mental health counselings in California?
Employers hiring mental health counselings in California right now include HealthRIGHT 360, The People Concern, and JWCH Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and federally qualified health centers consistently post openings year-round across the state.
Which California cities have the most mental health counseling jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Redlands have the most mental health counseling openings in California. Los Angeles leads by volume given the size of its county behavioral health system and density of hospital networks, while the Bay Area and San Diego draw steady demand from large health systems, veterans services, and university-affiliated clinics that anchor hiring in those markets.
Are there remote mental health counseling jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, because telehealth expanded the share of therapy work that can be conducted virtually. About 13% of mental health counseling openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how broadly California-licensed providers can serve clients statewide through secure telehealth platforms. Individual therapy, intake assessment, and case management roles tend to be the most commonly offered in remote or hybrid formats.
How can I get hired as a mental health counseling in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as a BBS associate immediately after completing your master's degree and applying to county behavioral health departments, community mental health centers, and federally qualified health centers, which regularly hire new associates and provide the supervision hours required for licensure. Large California county systems such as the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health and the San Francisco Department of Public Health run structured associate programs. Adjacent roles like case manager, mental health rehabilitation specialist, or crisis counselor are common lateral entry points that build clinical hours while you work toward full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to mental health counseling jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mental health counseling jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your license status, specialization, and preferred location, and apply directly to each employer from the listing page.
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Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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