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Behavior Therapy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Therapist

Templeton, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Behavior Therapist Our mission is to improve lives, productivity, and independence using evidence ... Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-50 pounds (ex: therapy materials, assisting ...

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Behavior Therapist

La Puente, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Behavior Therapist Our mission is to improve lives, productivity, and independence using evidence ... Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-50 pounds (ex: therapy materials, assisting ...

ABA Behavior Therapist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Steps Therapy specializes in providing comprehensive programs to enhance a child's independence. By combining highly-trained Behavior Technicians, transparent data collection, and developmentally ...

ABA Behavior Therapist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Steps Therapy specializes in providing comprehensive programs to enhance a child's independence. By combining highly-trained Behavior Technicians, transparent data collection, and developmentally ...

Behavioral Therapist

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Paid and Sick Time Off We've reshaped what we think Behavior Therapy is by continuing to do what makes our company great and enhancing what you need to succeed in the role: * Competitive pay that ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavior Therapy information

See California salary details

$46.9K

$87.9K

$147K

How much do behavior therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavior therapy in California is $87,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is behavior therapy?

Behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors through evidence-based techniques. It is rooted in the principles of behaviorism, which emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors rather than internal states like thoughts and emotions. Behavior therapy often uses techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, modeling, and exposure to help individuals develop healthier behaviors. Common issues addressed with behavior therapy include anxiety, phobias, depression, and behavioral problems in children. This approach is widely used by therapists, counselors, and behavior analysts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavior therapist?

To thrive as a Behavior Therapist, you need a solid understanding of behavioral principles, data collection, and intervention strategies, usually backed by a relevant degree and certification such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Familiarity with applied behavior analysis (ABA) software, data tracking systems, and relevant documentation tools is essential. Strong communication, patience, and empathy are crucial for building trust and ensuring effective therapy with clients and families. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering evidence-based interventions and achieving positive behavioral outcomes in diverse populations.

What are some common challenges behavior therapists face when working with clients, and how can they address them?

Behavior therapists often encounter challenges such as resistance to change, communication barriers, and varying levels of family involvement. To address these, therapists use evidence-based strategies like positive reinforcement, clear and consistent communication, and involving family members in the therapeutic process. Building rapport, setting realistic goals, and maintaining patience are key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring effective outcomes for clients.

Is behavior therapy a good career?

Behavior therapy is a growing field that involves applying principles of learning and behavior modification to help clients. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and offers opportunities in healthcare, education, and mental health settings. The career can be rewarding for those interested in helping others improve their well-being.

What do you do as a behavior therapist?

A behavior therapist assesses clients' behaviors and develops individualized treatment plans to modify problematic behaviors using techniques like applied behavior analysis (ABA). They often work with individuals with developmental or mental health conditions, providing therapy sessions and tracking progress, typically requiring certification such as BCBA or BCaBA. The role involves collaboration with families, schools, or healthcare teams to support behavioral improvements.

Where do behavior therapists make the most money?

Behavior therapists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with expanded healthcare funding. Salaries also increase with experience, advanced certifications, and working in private practice or specialized clinics. Geographic location significantly influences earning potential for behavior therapists.

What are popular job titles related to Behavior Therapy jobs in California?

For Behavior Therapy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Behavior Therapy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Behavior Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavior Therapy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,909 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Behavior Technician - Cain Behavioral Therapy

Hi-5 ABA

Pleasanton, CA โ€ข On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
As a Behavior Therapist at Cain Behavioral Therapy your duties will include receiving training and implementing the programs developed for the applied behavior analysis services provided by your Case Supervisor and BCBA assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities - Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Behavior Therapist should be eager to learn new skills (we will train on all responsibilities)
  • Behavior Therapist should enjoy working with kids with disabilities
  • Behavior Therapist is responsible for maintaining a professional relationship with clients and their families
  • Behavior Therapist is responsibility for attending sessions as scheduled on time
  • Implement targets specifically as trained by supervisors and written on data collection system.
  • Complete all required documentation which includes, but is not limited to, tracking of the data and related paperwork such as session notes.
  • Maintain contact with supervisor on a regular basics and reach out with any questions if programs aren't clear or any additional concerns.
  • Implement feedback provided by supervisors.
  • Adhere to all agency policies and procedures and complete other tasks deemed necessary for the successful operation of services.
  • Attend staff meetings/supervision and trainings per supervisor's requirements.

Qualifications & Physical requirements
  • Be 18 year or older
  • Have a High School Diploma
  • Already an RBT or Willing to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with 90 days of employment.
  • Must be able to lift 30 to 60 pounds.
  • Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, standing) for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to sit on the floor or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Be able to speak in a manner easily understood, be capable of driving a motor vehicle regularly
  • Must be able to receive detailed information through oral and written communication.
  • Exhibit manual dexterity to regularly enter data into a computer/tablet/phone; regularly use a computer/tablet/phone to view electronic screens.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Specific auditory abilities required by this job include perceiving the nature of sounds at normal to below normal speaking levels with or without correction, ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make discrimination in sound, spatial awareness of sounds and speech at a variety of volume levels, often in background noise.
  • Must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to travel to clients.
  • Must have a valid California Driver's License & insurance in good standing.
  • Must pass a criminal background check (Clean DOJ/FBI record).
  • Must have or be able to acquire First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • Must pass TB test, and have up-to-date immunization record (per company requirements).

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time
The mission of the Behavior Technician is to diligently execute treatment plan programs, as directed by a BCBA, to clients with autism or related special needs in order for the clients to achieve mastery of behavior treatment goals. This requires compassion, a firm grasp of ABA, and professionalism.
If you desire to help children with autism or special needs, want to build a career where you can serve others, and be well-compensated, Hi-5 ABA may be a great fit for you! Hi-5 ABA franchisees provide supervision and training for Technicians interested in becoming BCBA-certified. This position often has flexible hours (part-time or full-time) and involves high levels of interaction with the client, the client's family, other Technicians, and your BCBA Supervisor.
A Behavior Technician is required to have, at minimum, a high school diploma (or equivalent) and at least 40-hours' direct training which qualifies for RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) certification with the BACB. Adult and Pediatric CPR/BLS is required to be with clients one-on-one. Hi-5 ABA also requires multiple background checks and a TB screening to ensure the safety of clients. Additional educational requirements may apply for Medicaid/Humana service providers.

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About Hi-5 ABA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Warrenton, VA, US

Year founded

2018