Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California
Mental Health Specialist jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where high demand for behavioral health services across community health centers, hospital systems, and integrated care settings drives consistent hiring at every experience level. Major employers with a long-standing presence in California include Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and the County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health. The most in-demand specialties are crisis intervention, substance use disorder counseling, and trauma-informed care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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planning activities for children and families in accordance with their specific needs.
DUTIES
SUMMARY
Responsible for providing various case management, advocacy, outreach, home visitation, and event planning activities for children and families in accordance with their specific needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Plans and prepares age-appropriate, structured, therapeutic, individual and group activities for children within the therapeutic milieu.
Schedules and implements the daily program, including small and large group activities, meals/snack time, behavior management strategies, and transportation (if applicable).
Implements children’s individualized treatment plans in collaboration with mental health staff.
Manages the behavior of children through the use of approved behavioral management interventions; ensures compliance children’s needs and service plans; documents incidents, intervention and outcome.
Establishes a climate of acceptance that supports and respects gender, each child’s individual personality, physical characteristics and traits, culture, language and ethnic characteristics, family structure and developmental needs and behaviors.
Closely supervises children at all times to ensure their safety and prevent accidents.
Ensures facilities and equipment are maintained in a clean and safe condition and comply with funding and licensing regulations; ensures supplies are adequate and stored properly, and requisitions more as needed.
Maintains all required records and files; utilizes EHRS software to document client contact and interactions; submits all reports, including incidents, as scheduled.
Communicates regularly with parents; participates in parent conferences; models developmental and therapeutic interactions and communications to help parents manage their child.
Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary group to develop and implement the individualized treatment plan including active participation in clinical and staff meetings, conferences, consultations; shares client information and observations; coordinate needs of clients; and make a positive contribution to the group.
Ensures professional growth by participating in self-assessment and annual performance review, continuing education, attending trainings, workshops and events within and outside of the agency, asking for feedback on work performance, reading professional literature, and professional memberships.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
2 years of Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related field required.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Possesses a valid driver's license and state-required auto insurance.
This position may require some travel.
Spanish/ English bilingual preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Maintains patient privacy, including protecting the confidentiality, safeguarding the integrity and availability, and limiting the use and disclosure of patient Protected Health Information (PHI) to authorized individuals and entities.
Participates in, conducts, and sustains performance quality improvement activities according to designated role and responsibilities
Sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Punctual and dependable attendance.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None required
COMPUTER SKILLS
Must have intermediate knowledge of computer programs in a Windows environment
Database software
Proficient in Electronic Health Records System
VISION REQUIREMENTS
No special vision requirements.
NOISE LEVEL
Moderate noise
REQUIRED TRAINING
New Hire Orientation
Mandated Reporter
AB1825: Harassment Prevention training
Timekeeping & Attendance
COMPENSATION:
$26.75 USD - $32.10 USDIn accordance with California law, the expected pay range for this position is included in this posting. The actual compensation will be determined based on factors permitted by law. New hires will be offered a salary at the starting point of the range to maintain internal inequity and allow opportunity for future salary growth. CII salaries are determined based on comprehensive internal and external market analysis, as well as the skills, education, and experience relevant to each position.
BENEFITS:
Generous paid PTO, plus 10 paid holidays and CII is closed between Christmas and New Year
Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and qualified dependents
403b Retirement Plan with employer contribution for eligible employees
Up to $4,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
Employer paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Voluntary Supplemental Insurance
Opportunity for growth & advancement
Professional development & continued training
Team building & bonding through company sponsored events & activities
CONTINGENCIES:
Influenza immunization or declination
COVID-19, MMR and Tdap immunizations
Education verification
Reference check
Background fingerprint clearance (FBI, DOJ, CACI) conducted by the California Department of Social Services
Drug and alcohol screening
Tuberculosis screening
See All 61 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Specialist JobsMental Health Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Telecare Corporation23

- Wellness Together5

- Remi Vista3
- Aurora Charter Oak Hospital2

- Redwood Community Services2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health specialist jobs across California.
- Active California licensure such as LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or registered associate status
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Experience providing direct mental health services in a community or clinical setting
- Proficiency in evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Ability to conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain clinical documentation
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish or another language spoken widely in the service population
Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health specialist in California?
Most mental health specialist roles in California require at minimum a master's degree in social work, counseling, or psychology, followed by supervised hours and licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The BBS issues licenses including the LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC, each requiring completion of supervised experience hours and a written exam. Entry-level candidates can work as registered associates under a licensed supervisor while accumulating the hours needed for full licensure.
Which companies hire mental health specialists in California?
California mental health specialist roles are posted by Telecare Corporation, Wellness Together, and Remi Vista and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and nonprofit community mental health centers represent the broadest and most consistent source of openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most mental health specialist jobs?
Eureka, Riverside, and San Diego have the most mental health specialist openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale and the reach of county-funded behavioral health programs, while San Francisco and San Diego draw demand from large integrated health systems, Veterans Affairs facilities, and a high concentration of community mental health organizations serving diverse urban populations.
Are there remote mental health specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, since telehealth expanded access to mental health services significantly. About 50% of mental health specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting ongoing demand for virtual counseling and care coordination. Fully remote roles tend to cluster in outpatient therapy, care management, and utilization review, while crisis response and in-person assessment positions remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a mental health specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most direct entry path is registering as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, which allows you to work under licensed supervision and accumulate hours toward full licensure. County departments such as the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health and San Diego County Behavioral Health Services regularly hire mental health workers and case aides for entry-level roles. Candidates with a completed master's degree, a BBS-issued associate registration, and experience in adjacent roles such as crisis hotline counseling, psychiatric technician work, or case management have the strongest chance of landing a first clinical position.
Where can I find and apply to mental health specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mental health specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 61 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Specialist Jobs