ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Mental Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMental Health JobsEntry Level Mental Health Jobs

Entry Level Mental Health information

See salary details

$22.5K

$50.5K

$78K

How much do entry level mental health jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health in the United States is $50,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level mental health job?

Entry level mental health jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the mental health field, often requiring minimal professional experience and sometimes only a high school diploma or bachelor's degree. These roles may include mental health technician, case manager, peer support specialist, or behavioral health assistant. Entry level positions typically involve supporting licensed professionals, providing direct care to clients, assisting with daily activities, and helping to implement treatment plans. They offer a valuable introduction to the mental health profession and can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles.

What types of support and supervision can entry level mental health professionals expect when starting their careers?

Entry-level mental health professionals typically receive regular supervision from licensed clinicians or experienced supervisors, which helps guide their development and ensures ethical practice. Many organizations provide structured onboarding, ongoing training, and opportunities for case consultation to help new employees navigate common challenges, such as handling difficult client situations or managing documentation. Team meetings and peer support are also common, fostering collaboration and professional growth. This supportive environment is designed to help new professionals build confidence and competence as they gain experience in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mental Health vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level Mental HealthMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, community health centers, hospitalsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across mental health services, entry-level rolesCommonly employed in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mental Health roles typically involve providing basic support and assisting licensed professionals, often requiring minimal certifications. Mental Health Technicians work directly with patients in clinical settings, performing more hands-on care and monitoring. Both roles serve as entry points into the mental health industry, but Mental Health Technicians usually have more direct patient interaction and specific job responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level mental health professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mental Health professional, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of mental health principles. Familiarity with electronic health records, basic counseling techniques, and crisis intervention protocols is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and emotional resilience help you connect with clients and work effectively within a clinical team. These competencies are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring client safety, and contributing positively to mental health care environments.
More about Entry Level Mental Health jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Mental Health jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Mental Health job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health jobs? The most popular types of Mental Health jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Mental Health jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Mental Health jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mental Health jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mental Health jobs are:
Entry Level Mental Health jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mental Health job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,515 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Recovery Coach | Entry-Level Mental Health Aide

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Crestwood Behavioral Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Title: Recovery Coach (Entry-Level Mental Health Aide)

Job Duties: The Recovery Coach (Entry-Level Mental Health Aide) is responsible for monitoring and communicating with clients, providing rehabilitation groups under supervision, support client ADL's if needed, and assisting in crisis intervention. This is a critical part of the team to ensure proper care for our clients which includes appropriate documentation per policies and procedures. 

Schedule:

  • On-Call

Qualifications: 

  • Minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
  • Minimum of two years of clinical experience as applicable in a psychiatric setting.
  • In the absence of two years of experience, training may be substituted. This training will be based on, but not limited to, the in-service plan for 52 hours.
  • Driving duties may be assigned, including the transportation of clients. Candidates must have a valid CA Driver's License and successfully pass a DMV driving history check.

Crestwood Offers Comprehensive Benefits Packages to Full-Time Employees Including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Buy Back
  • 401(k) Retirement
  • Scholarship Program
  • Qualifying Supervision for BBS Associates
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Jury Duty Pay

About the Campus: Freise Hope House, a Crisis Residential Treatment (CRT) Program, provides a voluntary, short-term, safe place to land for guests experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Our guests are greeted into a warm, homelike environment, and we provide them with a variety of recovery-based tools such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), and Trauma-Informed Approaches to help them manage their symptoms and develop skills to live effectively in the community. 

What Crestwood Behavioral Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Crestwood Behavioral Health logo

About Crestwood Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., based in Sacramento, CA, US, is a recognized leader in the field of Behavioral Health. The company’s main offering includes a broad spectrum of services for adults with mental health needs, including campus-based services, day treatment programs, and community integration services. Established more than 50 years ago, Crestwood has a rich history grounded in a relentless pursuit of optimism, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to creating recovery-focused programs that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals living with mental health issues. Their mission is to provide a continuum of services that empower individuals living with mental health issues to realize recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1968

Social media

Facebook

View All Crestwood Behavioral Health Jobs

Apply