1

Associate Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

National Law Firm Direct Counsel is representing a well-established national law firm in Orange County that is seeking a Mid to Senior-Level Litigation Associate to join their team. This firm handles ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$31

$65

How much do associate counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate counselor in Riverside, CA is $31.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.44 and $38.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are associate counselors?

Associate counselors are mental health professionals who have completed the necessary education, such as a master's degree in counseling or a related field, and are working under supervision to gain clinical experience required for full licensure. They provide counseling services to clients dealing with a range of emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. Associate counselors often work in schools, clinics, private practices, or community organizations, and their work is supervised by a licensed counselor. Their primary goal is to help clients develop coping strategies, improve mental well-being, and achieve personal growth while they work toward independent licensure.

What are some common challenges Associate Counselors face when working with clients, and how can they manage them?

Associate Counselors often encounter challenges such as building rapport with clients, managing complex emotional issues, and maintaining professional boundaries. Navigating client resistance or ambivalence can be particularly demanding, especially early in the therapeutic relationship. To manage these challenges, Associate Counselors benefit from regular supervision, ongoing training, and collaborating closely with more experienced colleagues. Additionally, self-care and maintaining a balanced workload are important practices to sustain effectiveness and prevent burnout.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Counselor, you typically need a master's degree in counseling or a related field and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, counseling software, and evidence-based therapeutic modalities is important. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help you connect with and support clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building trust, ensuring ethical practice, and delivering impactful mental health care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Associate Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Associate Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Associate Counselor job openings:
Substance Abuse Counselor - Bilingual

Substance Abuse Counselor - Bilingual

Stars Behavioral Health Group

City Of Industry, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Stars Behavioral Health Group rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Partner with us in making a positive change!
Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title:
Substance Abuse Counselor - Bilingual
Division/Program:
City of Industry - Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center
Starting Compensation:
23.76 - 24.50 USD Per Hour
Working Location:
City of Industry, CA
Working Hours/Shift:
Sat:10:30 AM - 9 PM, Sun- Tues: 8 AM - 6:30 PM
Why Join Our Team?
  • Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package:
    • Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
    • Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities:
    • On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
    • Career development programs designed to help you grow.
    • Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).

Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication
What You Bring to SBHG (Qualifications):
Language & Driving Requirements
  • Required: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written).
  • Required: Valid California Driver's License.

Education & Experience (Must meet one of the following QMHP tracks):
  • Associate Degree: Associate's Degree in general studies plus six (6) years of direct service experience in a mental health field.
  • Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's Degree in a mental health-related discipline plus four (4) years of direct service experience in a mental health field.
  • Master's Degree: Master's Degree in a mental health-related discipline plus two (2) years of direct service experience in a mental health field.

Preferred Experience & Certifications
  • Experience in the chemical dependency field.
  • Chemical dependency counselor certification (e.g., CADC) or a certificate program from a recognized WASC university (12+ credits).

How you will make a difference (Job Overview):
This position is responsible for development of client treatment plans in conjunction with the client and treatment team. Provides group, individual counseling and other supportive services which are appropriate to the participant's recovery process. Facilitates various education and awareness workshops on topics appropriate to recovery. Makes appropriate referrals as necessary to contribute to client's recovery in accordance to Agency policy. Places professional documentation in participant records in a timely manner. Assists clients in recovery and exit planning as well as providing telephone or other follow-up services for clients leaving the program.
Division/Program Overview:
  • 24/7 outpatient program
  • Rapid mental health assessment, crisis intervention, and medication support
  • Walk-in's welcome
  • Clients may stay up to 24 hours
  • BHUCC equipped to serve 12 adults (ages 18 and up) and 6 adolescent (ages 13 to 17)

Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/
For Additional Information:
Stgarcia@starsinc.com

What Stars Behavioral Health Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom