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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Overview
Join our dynamic mental health team as a Mental Health Clinical Social Worker (CSW), where you will play a vital role in delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health and behavioral care to diverse populations. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and case management within a supportive environment that values professional growth. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess, plan, and implement individualized treatment strategies, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this role is perfect for you!
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and diagnostic evaluations utilizing clinical documentation standards and medical terminology.
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions employing evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and other behavioral health interventions.
- Develop personalized treatment plans aligned with client needs, including mental health interventions for conditions such as PTSD, substance use disorders, autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s care, and geriatrics.
- Engage in crisis management and crisis intervention to support clients experiencing acute mental health episodes or emergencies.
- Maintain accurate medical records and documentation adhering to HIPAA regulations and clinical confidentiality policies using EMR/EHR systems.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and families to coordinate care plans tailored to children, adolescents, adults, or geriatric populations from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Collect data for clinical research projects related to mental health assessments, treatment outcomes, or behavioral studies while ensuring compliance with research protocols.
Experience
- Proven experience working with children and adolescents in settings such as schools or community clinics; familiarity with special education is a plus.
- Demonstrated expertise in psychotherapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, addiction counseling, and mental health counseling for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder; knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques is highly desirable.
- Background in crisis intervention within hospital or community-based environments; ability to manage psychiatric emergencies effectively.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for documentation and data collection; understanding of ICD coding (ICD-9/10) for accurate medical record keeping.
- Knowledge of medical social work principles related to patient assessment, psychiatric patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Experience working with diverse populations across cultural backgrounds; sensitivity to various religious or spiritual considerations such as Christian counseling is advantageous.
This position offers an engaging environment where your skills will directly impact the well-being of individuals facing complex mental health challenges. We are committed to supporting your professional development through ongoing training in clinical research methodologies, psychopharmacology updates, CPT coding practices, and emerging best practices in behavioral health care. Join us in making a difference—apply today!
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20002
See All 24 Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Mental Health JobsMental Health Jobs by City in District of Columbia
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 Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health, and CloseKnit, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 91% of mental health openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 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 24 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