Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California
Mental Health Specialist jobs in California are among the most actively hiring in the country, concentrated in community mental health centers, county behavioral health departments, school districts, and integrated healthcare systems, with openings at every level from entry-level case aides through licensed senior clinicians. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego lead hiring volume, with large employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health maintaining consistent demand. The most sought-after 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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INTRODUCTION
At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative “street medicine” approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems. Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.
Bilingual Spanish Preferred
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Improve the mental health of Healthcare in Action's unhoused patient population in order to improve their ability to obtain housing through the provision of mental health assessment and treatment. Expand the knowledgebase of the patients in the community regarding mental health matters and provide informational, educational and supportive services to enhance mental health and decrease stigma.
This position is a full-time, field-based and will work in West Hollywood & the surrounding areas.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide short-term mental health treatment to selected clients including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, interventions (individual, group, couples and/or family), collateral contacts, and discharge/aftercare planning
- Educate patients regarding mental health issues by delivering informational materials and facilitating educational and supportive groups to this population in community settings.
- Provide preventative services to clients as needed.
- Crisis management services, as needed, to West Hollywood team clients.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships in the community in order to better serve clients and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
- Represent Healthcare in Action in a professional manner by engaging with clients and others, communicating effectively both individually and in a group setting and demonstrating quality customer service.
- Maintain confidential information by following all HIPAA regulations, policy and procedures, compliance and regulatory directives and by completing required documentation in a timely, professional and accurate manner.
- Provide guidance to Associate Clinical Social Workers or Associate Marriage and Family Therapists who are pursuing licensure.
- Actively supports the achievement of Health Care in Action's Vision and Goals.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- MSW required. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required.
- 2-3 years of related experience.
- Knowledge of the field's policies, procedures, and practices.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred. A test will be administered if applicable.
- Work is primarily in the field, must be willing to travel in West Hollywood and the surrounding areas. Bi-monthly office visits to Long Beach.
- Demonstrated knowledge of assessment, health and functional problems of homeless older adults.
- Knowledge of community resources for seniors.
- Basic knowledge of related CMS and DHCS regulations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills: Ability to multitask.
- Ability to appropriately maintain confidentiality.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, required.
- Requires proof of Valid Driver’s License.
- Must maintain minimum State Liability Insurance.
- Must have access to a vehicle.
Tuberculosis Screening Policy
To ensure the health and safety of our members, if you are selected for this position, your job offer with Homebase Medical will be contingent on providing proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire or providing proof of a negative screening within the last year. If you have a disability/medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you to provide information required in this policy, Homebase will initiate and engage in the interactive process to evaluate what, if any, reasonable accommodations may be available.
COMPENSATION
- Base salary range: $80,300 to $116,197 per year
- An annual employee bonus program
- Robust Wellness Program
- Generous paid-time-off (PTO)
- 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
- Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match.
- Robust employee recognition program
- Tuition reimbursement
- An opportunity to become part of a team that makes a difference to our members and our community every day.
At Healthcare in Action, we believe that it is our business to improve the state of our world. Each of us has a responsibility to drive Equality in our communities and workplaces. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects our community through inclusive programs and initiatives such as equal pay, employee resource groups, inclusive benefits, and more.
Healthcare in Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action workplace. Individuals seeking employee will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law. A background check is required.
See All 44 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California
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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
- HealthRIGHT 36010

- JWCH Institute4

- LifeStance Health4

- University of California, San Francisco3

- County of San Mateo2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services30
- Education10
- Insurance4
- Government & Public Sector1
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health specialist jobs across California.
- Active California licensure such as LCSW, MFT, or LPCC issued by the BBS
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Experience conducting individual and group therapy or psychosocial assessments
- Knowledge of California Welfare and Institutions Code and Medi-Cal documentation standards
- Proficiency with electronic health records systems such as Epic or Netsmart myAvatar
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish preferred for roles serving California's diverse communities
Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health specialist in California?
California requires most licensed mental health specialists to hold credentials issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, including the Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor designations. Each path starts with a qualifying master's degree, followed by supervised post-degree hours and a board exam. Applicants submit through the BBS and must maintain continuing education to keep their license active.
Which companies hire mental health specialists in California?
Employers hiring mental health specialists in California right now include HealthRIGHT 360, JWCH Institute, and LifeStance Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's county behavioral health systems, federally qualified health centers, and large integrated health networks like Kaiser Permanente are among the most consistent sources of full-time openings.
Which California cities have the most mental health specialist jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Pomona have the most mental health specialist openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its scale, its dense network of county-funded clinics, and large health systems headquartered there, while San Francisco and San Diego draw significant demand from integrated health networks, Veterans Affairs facilities, and county behavioral health departments serving large urban populations.
Are there remote mental health specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, since telehealth has become a firmly established delivery model for outpatient therapy and case management. About 14% of mental health specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how widely California health plans and county programs have adopted virtual care. Telehealth counseling, care coordination, and utilization review roles are the most consistently remote.
How can I get hired as a mental health specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a mental health rehabilitation specialist or psychiatric technician role, which California employers fill without requiring full licensure. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Telecare Corporation, and Seneca Family of Agencies run associate-level programs and internship pipelines that bring in candidates completing their supervised hours. A registered intern status with the BBS, which you can obtain immediately after graduation, is the credential that signals readiness to county systems and community clinics hiring entry-level clinicians.
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 actively hiring. Search the listings to find roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 44 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