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 42+ Mental Health Counselor jobs
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Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title:
Recovery CounselorDivision/Program:
Olive View Crisis Residential Treatment- Central StarStarting Compensation:
20.00- 21.00 USDWorking Location:
Sylmar, CAWorking Hours/Shift:
Saturday and Sunday 7AM - 3:30PM
Why Join Our Team?
- Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
Professional Growth Opportunities:
- On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
- Career development programs designed to help you grow.
- Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication
What You Bring to SBHG (Qualifications):
Education & Experience
Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.).
Required: One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience working in a program serving individuals with mental disabilities OR completion of 20 hours of regulated on-the-job training within the first year of employment (in addition to standard annual training requirements).
Licenses & Certifications
Required: Valid California Driver's License.
Preferred: Valid California Class “B” Driver’s License.
Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Required within 90 days of hire: ServSafe Food Handler Certification.
Required within 90 days of hire: First Aid certification (from an approved agency, such as the American Red Cross).
How you will make a difference (Job Overview):
The Recovery Counselor is a para-professional treatment team member who is responsible for providing direct care to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the clients through direct and indirect physical and verbal interaction. Ensure that all safety regulations are followed, and the facilities are maintained in a safe and clean manner. Assist with client laundry, household cleaning and other tasks as needed. This position performs a variety of tasks to ensure that the facility is in a clean, orderly, sanitary, and attractive condition. This position is also required to be added to the Approved Driver list and drive clients in the company vehicle as requested. This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service through maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for all clients, visitors, staff, and physicians. This care is provided through direct and indirect physical and verbal interactions with clients, modeling appropriate behaviors for clients, and monitoring daily client activities. This position may be asked to screen incoming clients/visitors for contraband and inventory all client property. This position may also be asked to monitor surveillance equipment. This position may also be asked to control access to the center, answer/direct incoming clients, conduct physical security checks of the center grounds, and respond to fires and/or emergencies at the center. This position maintain vigilance over the general milieu within the facility to facilitate quality client care, optimum facility operations and preserve the safety of all therein. Duties are performed under direct supervision of the Program Director, or designee in most cases, but some tasks are accomplished independently.
Division/Program Overview:
16-bed facilities
Designed for adults with mental health challenges or a recent crisis who need intensive treatment.
24/7 programs as an alternative to urgent care or hospitalization.
Individuals can live on-site in a homelike setting for a short term while they receive counseling and learn basic living and interpersonal skills.
Able to receive physical and psychological evaluation, mental health, and case management services, in addition to assistance locating permanent housing.
Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/
For Additional Information:
samlopez@starsinc.comPartner with us in making a positive change!
Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title:
Recovery CounselorDivision/Program:
Olive View Crisis Residential Treatment- Central StarStarting Compensation:
20.00- 21.00 USDWorking Location:
Sylmar, CAWorking Hours/Shift:
Saturday and Sunday 7AM - 3:30PM
Why Join Our Team?
- Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
Professional Growth Opportunities:
- On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
- Career development programs designed to help you grow.
- Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication
What You Bring to SBHG (Qualifications):
Education & Experience
Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.).
Required: One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience working in a program serving individuals with mental disabilities OR completion of 20 hours of regulated on-the-job training within the first year of employment (in addition to standard annual training requirements).
Licenses & Certifications
Required: Valid California Driver's License.
Preferred: Valid California Class “B” Driver’s License.
Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Required within 90 days of hire: ServSafe Food Handler Certification.
Required within 90 days of hire: First Aid certification (from an approved agency, such as the American Red Cross).
How you will make a difference (Job Overview):
The Recovery Counselor is a para-professional treatment team member who is responsible for providing direct care to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the clients through direct and indirect physical and verbal interaction. Ensure that all safety regulations are followed, and the facilities are maintained in a safe and clean manner. Assist with client laundry, household cleaning and other tasks as needed. This position performs a variety of tasks to ensure that the facility is in a clean, orderly, sanitary, and attractive condition. This position is also required to be added to the Approved Driver list and drive clients in the company vehicle as requested. This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service through maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for all clients, visitors, staff, and physicians. This care is provided through direct and indirect physical and verbal interactions with clients, modeling appropriate behaviors for clients, and monitoring daily client activities. This position may be asked to screen incoming clients/visitors for contraband and inventory all client property. This position may also be asked to monitor surveillance equipment. This position may also be asked to control access to the center, answer/direct incoming clients, conduct physical security checks of the center grounds, and respond to fires and/or emergencies at the center. This position maintain vigilance over the general milieu within the facility to facilitate quality client care, optimum facility operations and preserve the safety of all therein. Duties are performed under direct supervision of the Program Director, or designee in most cases, but some tasks are accomplished independently.
Division/Program Overview:
16-bed facilities
Designed for adults with mental health challenges or a recent crisis who need intensive treatment.
24/7 programs as an alternative to urgent care or hospitalization.
Individuals can live on-site in a homelike setting for a short term while they receive counseling and learn basic living and interpersonal skills.
Able to receive physical and psychological evaluation, mental health, and case management services, in addition to assistance locating permanent housing.
Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/
For Additional Information:
samlopez@starsinc.comSee All 42 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 Corporation25
- Caminar2
- STARS Behavioral Health2
- Mary's Path1
- BUCKELEW PROGRAMS1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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, Caminar, and STARS Behavioral Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Jose, Sylmar, 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 0% of mental health counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 42 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