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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$32.9K

$67.1K

$121.5K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mental health counselor in Riverside, CA is $67,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to start a career in entry level mental health counseling?

To start a career as an entry-level mental health counselor, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as psychology or social work, and consider earning a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field. Gaining supervised clinical experience and obtaining licensure or certification, such as the National Counselor Certification (NCC), are also essential steps to qualify for entry-level positions in the field.

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

AspectEntry Level Mental Health CounselorMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; some roles may need state licensure or certificationUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certification may be preferred but not always required
Work EnvironmentClinics, mental health facilities, hospitals, private practicesHospitals, residential treatment centers, community health settings
Job ResponsibilitiesProviding counseling, developing treatment plans, supporting clients' mental health needsAssisting with client activities, monitoring behavior, supporting treatment plans under supervision

In summary, Entry Level Mental Health Counselors typically hold a bachelor's degree and provide direct counseling services, while Mental Health Technicians often have less formal education and focus on supporting client care and monitoring in mental health settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mental health counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mental Health Counselor, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), counseling software, and sometimes relevant state licensure or certification is important. Outstanding listening skills, empathy, and strong verbal communication help counselors build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively supporting clients' mental health and ensuring ethical, high-quality care.

What kinds of support and supervision can entry level mental health counselors expect in their first year on the job?

Entry-level mental health counselors typically receive regular supervision from licensed clinicians, which helps them develop their counseling skills and navigate challenging cases. Many organizations offer weekly or bi-weekly individual and group supervision sessions, along with opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. New counselors often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with social workers, psychologists, and case managers to coordinate comprehensive care for clients. This structured support system ensures that new counselors build confidence and competency while working towards licensure.

What does an entry level mental health counselor do?

As an entry-level mental health counselor, your job is to provide therapy, assessment, and emotional support for a client as part of a treatment plan. Entry-level mental health counselors often specialize in specific areas, such as behavioral therapy, and you can also focus on specific demographics like children, inmates, or immigrant populations who only speak a foreign language. Many entry-level mental health counselors work under the supervision of more-experienced counselors. Doing this can help you progress towards additional industry licensing or certification. This job can be remote, but most entry-level mental health counselors work out of offices or, less often, travel to visit patients.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,108 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Mental Health Counselor

Bright Road Recovery

Claremont, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary:

This is an IN-PERSON position.
FT hours, weekend hours required.

This Mental Health Counselor (MHC) position is for night shifts (11p-730a) working alongside our therapists, dietary team and 24/7 nursing staff to provide support through their entire treatment experience. Mental health counselors support patients from admission through discharge.

Our ideal candidate is:

  • has a calming and grounded energy to help our patients who may have a difficult time managing feelings throughout the day
  • skilled in identifying and de-escalating emotional distress crises
  • a self-starting and independent worker
  • detail oriented
  • experienced working in a residential setting and wants to work with a great staff to provide a secure and supportive recovery environment

Your regular work with our patients will include:

  • Contributing insightful, practical, and meaningful information to support the clients behavior, mood, and healing process
  • Role-modeling appropriate and supportive behavior based on your training and experience
  • Supporting our clients in their journey to a healthier and more productive life

The MHC team is available to our clients on a twenty-four-hour basis. The MHC is an important part of our patients support system, and as such, can make a powerful difference in each patient's life. Our MHC staff help to manage crisis situations such as food refusal, emotional breakdowns, and more. MHCs are empowered to be creative in their approach as personal strengths, skills, and passions (e.g. yoga, art, hobbies) may be integrated into our program.

Responsibilities include:

  • Perform Q15 rounds, documenting patient activity and functioning in our EHR
  • Practical milieu support
  • Ascertaining whether patients have any special needs, communicating those needs to the nursing team and treatment team, and assisting in making sure the needs are met
  • Contributing to the well-being of all clients by serving as a positive role model, demonstrating appropriate dress, grooming, communication, and positive behavior in a professional, warm and caring manner
  • Facilitating the treatment plan set forth by the treatment team by providing day-to-day support
  • Helping clients who may need additional support between sessions to utilize coping skills, grounding, and help to manage distressing emotions
  • Sharing vital information on the clients progress with the treatment team
  • Understanding and maintaining the confidential nature of all client and program-related activities
  • Eating with patients during meal times to model positive dietary behaviors, if needed
  • Maintaining an inviting environment by ensuring the house is tidy and clean at all times
  • Completing all training, education, and staff enrichment activities; being familiar with the Philosophy, Mission, and Objectives of Bright Road Recovery.

Education

  • Bachelors degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university and one year of experience working within the mental health, counseling, or eating disorders field or
  • Two or more years experience working within the mental health, counseling, or eating disorders field
  • Must complete all training, education, and staff enrichment activities
  • Must possess a current Drivers License in good standing


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must pass a criminal background check approved by the CA Dept. of Social Services. Must have a valid California drivers license and a driving record acceptable to the agencys insurance carrier. Must have current CPR and First Aid certifications.


Language Skills

Ability to read, speak, write, and comprehend in English. Ability to effectively present information in English in one-on-one and small group situations to residents, and other employees of the organization.


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:


  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance


Education:


  • Bachelor's (Preferred)


Shift availability:


  • Night Shift (Preferred)


Work Location: In person