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
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Licensed Mental Health Therapist to join our dynamic behavioral health team. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive mental health services to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. Your expertise will help clients navigate emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and achieve their personal goals. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact through evidence-based therapies and compassionate care in a supportive environment committed to professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough patient assessments to identify mental health needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Deliver individual, group, and family counseling sessions utilizing modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, art therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA).
- Implement crisis intervention strategies to support clients experiencing acute emotional distress or behavioral emergencies.
- Manage clinical documentation standards by accurately recording patient progress, treatment plans, and medical records in electronic health records (EHR) systems while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Collaborate with families, caregivers, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care and support positive behavioral health outcomes.
- Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to foster client engagement and motivation for change.
- Conduct diagnostic evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities, ensuring thorough case management and follow-up.
- Apply conflict management skills to de-escalate challenging situations and promote a safe therapeutic environment.
Requirements
- Valid licensure as a Mental Health Therapist (e.g.,LICSW, ) in the state of practice.
- Proven experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, or disabilities in home-based or community settings.
- Strong knowledge of behavioral health interventions including applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), PTSD care, and crisis management.
- Experience working with children and families in clinical or educational environments is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with medical terminology, medical documentation standards, and electronic health records (EHR) management systems.
- Excellent patient care skills with a focus on trauma-informed practices and patient assessment techniques.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism while adhering to confidentiality standards under HIPAA regulations.
- Strong communication skills for effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and families.
Join us in delivering impactful mental health services that empower individuals to thrive! We are committed to fostering a positive work environment that values your expertise while supporting your ongoing professional development. This paid position offers the opportunity to grow your career while making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Work Location: In person
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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
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
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, Unity Health Care, and Mary's Center, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 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 70% of mental health openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 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 37 Mental Health Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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