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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myPlace Health is built around a simple but powerful belief: older adults deserve the support they need to live safely, independently, and with dignity in their own communities. As a PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) organization backed by SCAN Group, myPlace Health brings together customized medical care, social activities, and daily support for participants and their families – all under one roof.
Our centers are more than healthcare facilities. They are vibrant community hubs where participants are known by name, valued, and supported as whole people. Behind that experience is a dedicated, interdisciplinary team working together to coordinate care, remove barriers, and improve quality of life for some of the most medically and socially complex populations.
For employees, myPlace Health offers the opportunity to do deeply meaningful work in a highly collaborative setting. Team members are encouraged to contribute innovative ideas, and grow alongside a mission that prioritizes compassion, respect, and impact. The result is a culture where people feel connected—to their colleagues, their participants, and the communities they serve.
At myPlace Health, work is more than a job. It’s a shared commitment to honoring what matters most.
This is a full-time onsite position at our center in Los Angeles, CA 90057
As our Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), you will be a vital part of a team that truly makes a difference in the lives of older adults. This role is more than just providing behavioral health care—it’s about building meaningful relationships, offering compassionate support, and ensuring that seniors receive the person-centered care they deserve.
In this role, you’ll work closely with an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to integrate behavioral health services into holistic care plans, ensuring that participants feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you’re providing therapy, guiding care planning, collaborating with specialists, or educating staff, your expertise will shape the way we approach mental health in older adults.
This is the perfect opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, embraces problem-solving with empathy and patience, and is committed to making a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a role where your skills and compassion come together to improve the well-being of seniors, we’d love to welcome you to our team!
Responsibilities:
- Behavioral Health Assessment & Treatment – Provide behavioral health diagnosis, care planning, and therapy to address a range of mental health concerns, ensuring that each participant receives the care they need.
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration – Work closely with the IDT to educate team members on behavioral health assessments, goal setting, and interventions, helping them better understand mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and behavioral manifestations of dementia.
- Care Plan Integration – Partner with clinicians and care teams to ensure behavioral health needs are seamlessly incorporated into participant care plans.
- Community Partnership & Referral Coordination – Build and maintain strong relationships with community behavioral health specialists, ensuring smooth referrals and coordinated care when needed.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Coordination – Work with consulting geriatric psychiatrists to facilitate communication and optimize behavioral health resources for participants.
- Crisis & Inpatient Support – Follow participants admitted to inpatient psychiatric facilities, ensuring that their needs are addressed and that post-discharge behavioral health interventions support their recovery.
- Behavioral Health Evaluation & Diagnosis – Assess participants with unclear behavioral health conditions to establish accurate diagnoses and care plans.
- Education & Training – Provide training to staff on behavioral health topics, helping to build a culture of understanding and support for participants facing mental health challenges. Occasionally, provide education directly to participants and caregivers.
- Adaptability & Support – Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the behavioral health needs of participants and the overall success of the organization.
- We seek Rebels who are curious about AI and its power to transform how we operate and serve our members.
- Actively support the achievement of SCAN's vision and goals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and experience:
- Mission-Driven & Compassionate – Passionate about serving high-risk seniors and frail older adults with dignity, respect, and empathy.
- Experienced in Behavioral Health – At least 3 years of experience working in behavioral health, specifically with elderly or medically complex populations.
- Licensed & Credentialed – Current and active License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) or Licensed Family & Marriage Therapist in the state of California or equivalent licensure (LPCC, RN with BH certification, LICSW with behavioral health specialty, psychologist, LMHC, or other Mental Health specialist with appropriate experience).
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration – Previous experience working as part of an Interdisciplinary Team, contributing to holistic care planning.
- Strong Communication Skills – Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with participants, caregivers, and team members.
- Empathetic & Patient – A compassionate approach to care, with the patience to support participants through behavioral health challenges.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Strong ability to assess situations, make informed decisions, and develop effective solutions.
- Knowledgeable in Social Work & Substance Use Theories – Understanding of various social work frameworks and substance use treatment models.
- PACE Experience Preferred – Prior experience working in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a plus.
- Certified in CPR & First Aid – Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of employment.
- Enjoy a Consistent Schedule – This role follows a Monday–Friday 8am-5pm schedule, giving you the stability and work-life balance you deserve.
Tuberculosis Screening Policy
To ensure the health and safety of our members, if you are selected for this position, your job offer with SCAN will be contingent on providing proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire or providing proof of a negative screening within the last year. If you have a disability/medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you to provide information required in this policy, SCAN will initiate and engage in the interactive process to evaluate what, if any, reasonable accommodations may be available.
What's in it for you?
- Base salary range: $80,300 to $116,197 per year
- An annual employee bonus program
- Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
- Generous paid-time-off (PTO)
- 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
- Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match.
- Robust employee recognition program
- Robust Wellness Program
- Tuition reimbursement
- An opportunity to become part of a team that makes a difference to our members and our community every day!
See All 53 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
- HealthRIGHT 36015

- ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES12

- California State University3

- JWCH Institute3

- Sonoma State University3

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services34
- Non-Profit & Social Services13
- Education11
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Government & Public Sector1
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 HealthRIGHT 360, ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES, and California State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Pomona 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 June 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 53 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