Mental Health Counselor Jobs in California
Mental Health Counselor jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across community mental health centers, integrated health systems, school-based programs, and telehealth providers at every level from associate counselor through clinical director. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego drive the most hiring, with established employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Telecare Corporation maintaining consistent openings across the state. Trauma-informed care, substance use counseling, and child and adolescent mental health are the most sought-after specializations in California right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 39+ Mental Health Counselor jobs
Residential Counselor – Mental Health 604
“They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I’d be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live...” - Client from Telecare
What You Will Do to Change Lives
The Residential Counselor provides direct and indirect services to both individuals and groups of members served.
Shifts Available:
Saturday-Sunday 3:00pm-11:30pm
Expected starting wage range is $23.00
Telecare applies geographic differentials to its pay ranges. The pay range assigned to this role will be based on the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.
What You Bring to the Table (Must Have)
- High School graduation or a G.E.D. equivalent
- At least one (1) year of direct service experience in a mental health setting
- Willingness to use the company vehicle to drive clients to appointments and groups, etc.
- Willingness to use your personal vehicle to attend meetings, etc. (weekly mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate)
What’s In It For You*
- Paid Time Off: Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) earn PTO each pay period for vacation and personal needs, with pro-rated accrual for part-time schedules and annual carryover up to set caps.
- Nine Paid Holidays & Shift differentials for hourly staff (6% for PM Shift, 10% for NOC Shift). Weekend Shift differentials for hourly staff (5% for Weekend AM Shift, 11% for Weekend PM Shift, 15% for Weekend NOC Shift)
- Free CEUs, free Supervision for BBS Associate License, coaching, and mentorship
- Online University Tuition Discount and Company Scholarships
- Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- For more information visit: https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits (https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits)
Join Our Compassionate Team
Telecare's mission is to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare continues to advance cultural diversity, humility, equity, and inclusion at all levels of our organization by hiring mental health peers, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and all belief systems.
The Crisis Residential Treatment programs will provide short-term, 24/7 crisis residential services for adults ages 18+ via 16 beds at Telecare Citrus House- 7225 Leeds Street, RTP-D, Downey, CA 90242. Services will help clients in acute psychiatric distress avoid inpatient hospitalization, emergency services, and incarceration; regain their stability in a safe, homelike environment; begin working toward longer-term recovery goals; and establish linkages with stable housing and ongoing treatment.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
- May vary by location and position type
Full Job Description will be provided if selected for an interview.
If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants employed with Telecare in the previous 12 months would not be eligible.
Education
Required- High School or better
- GED or better
- Associates or better
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Residential Counselor – Mental Health 604
“They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I’d be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live...” - Client from Telecare
What You Will Do to Change Lives
The Residential Counselor provides direct and indirect services to both individuals and groups of members served.
Shifts Available:
Saturday-Sunday 3:00pm-11:30pm
Expected starting wage range is $23.00
Telecare applies geographic differentials to its pay ranges. The pay range assigned to this role will be based on the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.
What You Bring to the Table (Must Have)
- High School graduation or a G.E.D. equivalent
- At least one (1) year of direct service experience in a mental health setting
- Willingness to use the company vehicle to drive clients to appointments and groups, etc.
- Willingness to use your personal vehicle to attend meetings, etc. (weekly mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate)
What’s In It For You*
- Paid Time Off: Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) earn PTO each pay period for vacation and personal needs, with pro-rated accrual for part-time schedules and annual carryover up to set caps.
- Nine Paid Holidays & Shift differentials for hourly staff (6% for PM Shift, 10% for NOC Shift). Weekend Shift differentials for hourly staff (5% for Weekend AM Shift, 11% for Weekend PM Shift, 15% for Weekend NOC Shift)
- Free CEUs, free Supervision for BBS Associate License, coaching, and mentorship
- Online University Tuition Discount and Company Scholarships
- Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- For more information visit: https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits (https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits)
Join Our Compassionate Team
Telecare's mission is to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare continues to advance cultural diversity, humility, equity, and inclusion at all levels of our organization by hiring mental health peers, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and all belief systems.
The Crisis Residential Treatment programs will provide short-term, 24/7 crisis residential services for adults ages 18+ via 16 beds at Telecare Citrus House- 7225 Leeds Street, RTP-D, Downey, CA 90242. Services will help clients in acute psychiatric distress avoid inpatient hospitalization, emergency services, and incarceration; regain their stability in a safe, homelike environment; begin working toward longer-term recovery goals; and establish linkages with stable housing and ongoing treatment.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
- May vary by location and position type
Full Job Description will be provided if selected for an interview.
If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants employed with Telecare in the previous 12 months would not be eligible.
Education
Required- High School or better
- GED or better
- Associates or better
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 39 Mental Health Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Counselor JobsMental Health Counselor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Counselor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Telecare Corporation21
- Zevo Health3
- Caminar1
- Paragon ABA1P
- CRT programs1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health counselor jobs across California.
- Active California licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or LEP or registered intern status
- Master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a related field
- Experience delivering individual, group, or family therapy in a clinical setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records such as Epic, Cerner, or similar platforms
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused approaches
- Ability to maintain documentation and caseloads in compliance with California state regulations
Mental Health Counselor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health counselor in California?
To practice as a licensed mental health counselor in California, you must earn a qualifying master's degree and then obtain licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, which oversees the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credential. After graduation you register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, complete the required supervised hours under an approved supervisor, and pass the California Clinical Examination for Professional Counselors before applying for full licensure.
Which companies hire mental health counselors in California?
Employers hiring mental health counselors in California right now include Telecare Corporation, Zevo Health, and Caminar, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and nonprofit community mental health agencies together account for the majority of consistent full-time openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most mental health counselor jobs?
San Diego, Downey, and Los Angeles have the most mental health counselor openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco generate the highest volume because of their large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and dense telehealth employer bases, while San Diego's concentration of veterans' services providers and community health organizations sustains strong year-round demand.
Are there remote mental health counselor jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, because telehealth has become a well-established delivery model for outpatient counseling in California. About 13% of mental health counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the broad adoption of video-based therapy platforms across the state. Individual and group talk therapy sessions are the most common services delivered remotely, while assessments requiring in-person observation and crisis stabilization roles remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a mental health counselor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and applying to supervised internship or traineeship roles at county behavioral health agencies, federally qualified health centers, or large nonprofit providers such as Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services or Telecare Corporation. These organizations regularly bring in early-career clinicians to fulfill supervised hours. Starting as a case manager, mental health rehabilitation specialist, or crisis counselor is a common lateral move that builds clinical exposure while you accumulate hours toward full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to mental health counselor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mental health counselor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across health systems, community mental health centers, telehealth providers, and school-based programs. Find the roles that fit your license level, specialty, and preferred region, then apply directly.
See All 39 Mental Health Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Counselor Jobs