Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia
Mental Health jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in federal agency settings, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and community-based behavioral health centers, with demand at every level from entry-level counselors to licensed clinical directors. Most hiring activity is anchored in the D.C. metro core, where major employers like the Department of Veterans Affairs, MedStar Health, and Pathways to Housing DC maintain sustained workforces in this field. The most in-demand specialties are trauma-informed care, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis intervention. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Mental Health jobs
Mental Health Clinician (DOC)
Location: Washington, DC – Department of Corrections
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care advances health equity while improving access to comprehensive whole-person care.
Unity’s Department of Corrections (DOC) Behavioral Health team provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused care to justice-involved individuals within a collaborative correctional healthcare environment focused on improving behavioral health outcomes and continuity of care.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Manager, the Mental Health Clinician (DOC) provides comprehensive behavioral health and social work services within the DC Department of Corrections Mental Health Unit. This position is responsible for conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized treatment and discharge plans, providing psychotherapy services, and coordinating continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.
The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, correctional staff, and community resources to support high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care within a secure correctional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for inmates admitted to the Mental Health Unit within required timeframes
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Create comprehensive discharge plans that connect patients with community-based services, Core Service Agencies, healthcare providers, and support resources
- Assist inmates with applications for identification cards, health insurance, medication assistance programs, and income assistance resources
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within the Mental Health Unit
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with providers, behavioral health teams, and correctional officers assigned to the unit
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with Unity Health Care and DOC policies and procedures
- Track and maintain required service and patient care data
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, treatment planning, and continuity of care initiatives
- Support trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused behavioral health services
- Perform additional related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required
- Current DC license as an LPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent behavioral health license required
- Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate experience in a psychiatric social work or behavioral health setting required
- Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy techniques
- Working knowledge of psychopharmacology and substance use treatment modalities
- Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively within a secure correctional healthcare environment
- Commitment to serving underserved and justice-involved populations
Why Join Unity?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization serving vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
- Make a meaningful impact providing behavioral health services within the correctional healthcare system
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary and supportive behavioral health environment
- Access opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development
- Participate in innovative, recovery-focused behavioral health initiatives serving justice-involved populations
- Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented work culture
- Contribute to an organization committed to compassion, health equity, and whole-person care
Mental Health Clinician (DOC)
Location: Washington, DC – Department of Corrections
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care advances health equity while improving access to comprehensive whole-person care.
Unity’s Department of Corrections (DOC) Behavioral Health team provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused care to justice-involved individuals within a collaborative correctional healthcare environment focused on improving behavioral health outcomes and continuity of care.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Manager, the Mental Health Clinician (DOC) provides comprehensive behavioral health and social work services within the DC Department of Corrections Mental Health Unit. This position is responsible for conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized treatment and discharge plans, providing psychotherapy services, and coordinating continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.
The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, correctional staff, and community resources to support high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care within a secure correctional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for inmates admitted to the Mental Health Unit within required timeframes
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Create comprehensive discharge plans that connect patients with community-based services, Core Service Agencies, healthcare providers, and support resources
- Assist inmates with applications for identification cards, health insurance, medication assistance programs, and income assistance resources
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within the Mental Health Unit
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with providers, behavioral health teams, and correctional officers assigned to the unit
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with Unity Health Care and DOC policies and procedures
- Track and maintain required service and patient care data
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, treatment planning, and continuity of care initiatives
- Support trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused behavioral health services
- Perform additional related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required
- Current DC license as an LPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent behavioral health license required
- Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate experience in a psychiatric social work or behavioral health setting required
- Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy techniques
- Working knowledge of psychopharmacology and substance use treatment modalities
- Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively within a secure correctional healthcare environment
- Commitment to serving underserved and justice-involved populations
Why Join Unity?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization serving vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
- Make a meaningful impact providing behavioral health services within the correctional healthcare system
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary and supportive behavioral health environment
- Access opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development
- Participate in innovative, recovery-focused behavioral health initiatives serving justice-involved populations
- Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented work culture
- Contribute to an organization committed to compassion, health equity, and whole-person care
See All 14 Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia
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Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active District of Columbia mental health license issued by the DC Board of Professional Counseling
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
- Experience delivering individual and group therapy in a clinical or community setting
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused approaches
- Ability to maintain accurate case notes and documentation in an electronic health record system
- Strong communication skills for coordinating care with multidisciplinary treatment teams
Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health professional in District of Columbia?
To practice as a licensed mental health counselor in D.C., you must complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field and then apply to the DC Board of Professional Counseling for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. The board requires supervised post-graduate clinical hours and passing the National Counselor Examination. Social workers follow a parallel path through the DC Board of Social Work, pursuing either the LGSW or LICSW credential depending on experience level.
Which companies hire mental health professionals in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring mental healths in District of Columbia include Google, KIPP DC, and Zevo Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The District's concentration of federal agencies, federally qualified health centers, and large nonprofit behavioral health networks makes it one of the more active and stable hiring markets in the mid-Atlantic region.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most mental health jobs?
The cities with the most mental health openings in District of Columbia are Washington. The District itself drives the largest share of postings given its density of federal facilities, hospital systems, and community mental health centers, while nearby areas in the broader metro benefit from spillover demand and regional nonprofit networks serving D.C. residents across jurisdictional lines.
Are there remote mental health jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many clinical fields, particularly for roles focused on outpatient therapy, case management, and telehealth counseling. About 71% of mental health openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the significant expansion of telehealth platforms serving D.C.-area clients. Roles requiring in-person crisis intervention, residential treatment, or group programming remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a mental health professional in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a Mental Health Technician or Behavioral Health Specialist role at one of D.C.'s community mental health centers, such as those operated through the Department of Behavioral Health's provider network, where post-graduate supervised hours can be accrued toward licensure. Employers like Unity Health Care and Green Door actively hire unlicensed graduates who are pursuing their LGPC or LGSW. Completing your D.C. provisional license application early and demonstrating familiarity with electronic health records gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to mental health jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to mental health jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers active in the D.C. market. Search the listings above to find roles that fit your credentials and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 14 Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Jobs