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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Overview

Open roles53+
Top employerHealthRIGHT 360
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring18
Work type100% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 53+ Mental Health Counselor jobs

SCAN Health Plan
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Therapist
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SCAN Health Plan
Added 2mo ago
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Therapist
SCAN Health Plan
Los Angeles, California
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$80k - $116k/yr
On-Site
Other
1,001-5,000

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ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
Mental Health Residential Counselor
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ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
Added 1mo ago
Mental Health Residential Counselor
ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
Santa Cruz, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Encompass Community Services
Counselor On-Call- Mental Health Residential
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Encompass Community Services
Added 3mo ago
Counselor On-Call- Mental Health Residential
Encompass Community Services
Santa Cruz, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
On-Site
High School

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ComPsych
Onsite EAP Counselor
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ComPsych
Added 2d ago
Onsite EAP Counselor
ComPsych
Palmdale, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$125k - $140k/yr
On-Site
Master's
1,001-5,000

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HealthRIGHT 360
SUD Counselor
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HealthRIGHT 360
Added 3d ago
SUD Counselor
HealthRIGHT 360
Orange, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$30 - $37/hr
On-Site
High School
201-500

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See All 53 Mental Health Counselor Jobs in California

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Mental Health Counselor Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Los Angeles
11 jobs
Santa Cruz
8 jobs
Pomona
5 jobs
Escondido
4 jobs
Oxnard
4 jobs
Watsonville
4 jobs
Sonoma
3 jobs
Davis
2 jobs
Oakland
2 jobs

Mental Health Counselor Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • HealthRIGHT 360
    HealthRIGHT 36015
  • ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
    ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES12
  • California State University
    California State University3
  • JWCH Institute
    JWCH Institute3
  • Sonoma State University
    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