Mental Health Therapy Jobs in California
Mental Health Therapy jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in community mental health centers, integrated healthcare systems, private group practices, and K-12 school districts, with openings at every level from associate therapist through clinical director. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, home to established employers like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health that maintain ongoing behavioral health pipelines. The most in-demand specialties are trauma-focused therapy, adolescent and youth counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 104+ Mental Health Therapy jobs
Description
The clinical nurse is a professional Registered Nurse who assumes responsibility and accountability for a group of patients for a designated time frame and provides care to these patients using the nursing process in accordance with the standards of professional nursing practice.
The clinical nurse performs in the professional role as described by the American Nurses Association (ANA); engaging in activities related to ethics, education, evidence-based practice and research, quality improvement, leadership, collaboration, professional practice evaluation, resources utilization, environmental health, and patient advocacy as appropriate to clinical nursing practice.
Floating to other psychiatric units may be required dependent upon staffing need.
Salary range: $65.76-$97.76 Hourly
Qualifications
We’re seeking a highly-skilled, self-motivated nursing professional with:
- Current valid California RN license - required
- BSN or MSN - required
- Experience working in an acute psychiatric setting in area of specialization - required
- One year clinical experience in an acute psychiatric setting in area of specialization - required
- BLS & ACLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association - required
- Skill in implementing appropriate nursing interventions on a consistent basis
- Ability to perform historical, physical and behavioral patient assessments
- Ability to develop and implement and evaluate patient care plan actively involving patients, family, and staff
Description
The clinical nurse is a professional Registered Nurse who assumes responsibility and accountability for a group of patients for a designated time frame and provides care to these patients using the nursing process in accordance with the standards of professional nursing practice.
The clinical nurse performs in the professional role as described by the American Nurses Association (ANA); engaging in activities related to ethics, education, evidence-based practice and research, quality improvement, leadership, collaboration, professional practice evaluation, resources utilization, environmental health, and patient advocacy as appropriate to clinical nursing practice.
Floating to other psychiatric units may be required dependent upon staffing need.
Salary range: $65.76-$97.76 Hourly
Qualifications
We’re seeking a highly-skilled, self-motivated nursing professional with:
- Current valid California RN license - required
- BSN or MSN - required
- Experience working in an acute psychiatric setting in area of specialization - required
- One year clinical experience in an acute psychiatric setting in area of specialization - required
- BLS & ACLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association - required
- Skill in implementing appropriate nursing interventions on a consistent basis
- Ability to perform historical, physical and behavioral patient assessments
- Ability to develop and implement and evaluate patient care plan actively involving patients, family, and staff
See All 104+ Mental Health Therapy Jobs in California
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Find Mental Health Therapy JobsMental Health Therapy Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Therapy Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- LifeStance Health29
- Maxim Healthcare11
- Loma Linda University Health8
- HealthRIGHT 3607
- Sutter Health7
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services75
- Education15
- Insurance12
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Technology & Software2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health therapy jobs across California.
- Active California LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC license issued by the BBS
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Experience providing individual and group therapy in a clinical setting
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Therapy Notes
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused approaches
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with California mandated reporting requirements
Mental Health Therapy Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health therapist in California?
You need a master's degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy, followed by supervised postgraduate hours registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. After completing the required hours, you pass the California law and ethics exam plus a clinical exam to earn your LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC license. Most California employers require full licensure before independent practice, though many hire associate-level candidates still accruing hours.
Which companies hire mental health therapists in California?
Employers hiring mental health therapists in California right now include LifeStance Health, Maxim Healthcare, and Loma Linda University Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large integrated health systems and county-contracted behavioral health agencies tend to post the highest volume of ongoing openings statewide.
Which California cities have the most mental health therapy jobs?
Los Angeles, Redlands, and Bakersfield have the most mental health therapy openings in California. Los Angeles drives the largest share through its dense network of county-funded clinics, hospital systems, and private group practices, while San Francisco and San Diego add volume through major health system headquarters and federally qualified health centers serving large urban populations.
Are there remote mental health therapy jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, because licensed therapy translates well to telehealth delivery. About 27% of mental health therapy openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the state's well-established telehealth infrastructure. Individual talk therapy, case management, and intake assessment roles are most commonly offered remotely, while crisis stabilization and group therapy positions typically remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a mental health therapist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and applying to county behavioral health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, or nonprofit community mental health agencies, which routinely hire associates to accrue supervised hours. Kaiser Permanente and large county systems like Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health run new-graduate cohort programs. Lateral moves from case management, psychiatric technician, or crisis line counselor roles are common entry points, and completing training in CBT or DBT gives early-career candidates a clear edge in competitive screening.
Where can I find and apply to mental health therapy jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mental health therapy jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your license level, specialty, and preferred location, and apply directly to each one.
See All 104+ Mental Health Therapy Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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