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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Victor

Mental Health Clinician

Hemet, CA · On-site

$74 - $108/hr

Provides individual, family, and group counseling based on the needs of the clients served. * Meets ... Mental Health Day * 5 Bereavement Days * 3% Annual Salary Increases * Costco Membership (Gold Star)

Victor

Mental Health Clinician

Hemet, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Provides individual, family, and group counseling based on the needs of the clients served. * Meets ... Mental Health Day * 5 Bereavement Days * 3% Annual Salary Increases * Costco Membership (Gold Star)

Amae Health

Mental Health Therapist

Orange, CA · On-site

... hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our upcoming clinic in Orange, CA as part of an ... Active Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC license in the state of CA; onsite supervision ...

Amae Health

Mental Health Therapist

Orange, CA · On-site

... hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our upcoming clinic in Orange, CA as part of an ... Active Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC license in the state of CA; onsite supervision ...

Amae Health

Mental Health Therapist

Orange, CA

... hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our upcoming clinic in Orange, CA as part of an ... Active Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC license in the state of CA; onsite supervision ...

Nexus HR

Licensed Mental Health Clinician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... (LPCC) to join our client's primary care team in Westminster, CA. About the Job This role ... mental health, emotional, and family-related concerns. The clinical provider will work closely with ...

Nexus HR

Licensed Mental Health Clinician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$72 - $85/hr

... (LPCC) to join our client's primary care team in Westminster, CA. About the Job This role ... mental health, emotional, and family-related concerns. The clinical provider will work closely with ...

Victor

Mental Health Specialist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$22.59 - $31.05/hr

Many of our executive leadership team have been promoted from entry-level positions ... Under the direct supervision of the assigned Supervisor, the Mental Health Specialist has ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I/II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$24 - $29.05/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' mental health and/or ... Required Experience: - No prior experience required (Entry-level position). Required Skills and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor JobsEntry Level Mental Health Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 Sep 4, 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.

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 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 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.

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 fastest way to become an entry level mental health counselor?

To become an entry-level mental health counselor, you typically need to earn a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by obtaining supervised experience or internships. Many states require passing a licensing exam and completing a master's degree in mental health counseling or a similar discipline for full licensure, but some entry-level roles may be available with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
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Entry Level Mental Health Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mental Health Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,108 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Mental Health Worker

Clear Behavioral Health

Anaheim Hills, CA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Clear Behavioral Health is dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges through compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care. We provide a full continuum of services, including detox, dual diagnosis treatment, residential and outpatient programs, and specialized mental health services, all delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced clinicians and support professionals. Our person-centered approach focuses on treating the whole individual, while empowering clients with the tools, structure, and support needed to achieve long-term recovery and lasting stability 

Summary of Position

The Counselor interfaces on an individual and group basis with clients. The Counselor is responsible for the coordination of care, supporting clients and showing them how to navigate the program, individual case management, and discharge planning.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Oversee counselor documentation in clinical section of each client chart and assess for deficiencies.
  • Attends and participates in clinical team meetings.
  • Facilitates multi-disciplinary treatment planning and updates for assigned clients (ensures inclusion of all treatment modalities/ disciplines).
  • Conducts individual sessions for all assigned clients.
  • Facilitates group sessions, education, and meetings per program schedule.
  • Coordinates family/conjoint therapy as specified in individual client's treatment plans.
  • Contacts all family members weekly and referral sources.
  • Provides daily clinical progress notes in the client's chart.
  • Participates in in-service training, individual/group supervision meetings, and counselor/residential staff interface meeting.
  • Ensures client records for assigned case load are comprehensive, complete, neat and meet licensing standards.
  • Provides urine analysis to clients of the same gender after successfully completing the UA competency exam.
  • Routinely attend meetings and/or events where clients are present to observe staff conduct.
  • Represent program positively in all scenarios perceived as marketing opportunities.
  • Manage and deliver up to 25 client-facing service hours per week, with up to 15 hours allocated for administrative and non-billable duties.
  • Other duties as assigned by the clinical director or program director.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree(preferred) in a mental health related field or up to 3 years working in the behavioral health field.
  • Experience working in a residential or outpatient setting.
  • Valid driver's license.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Compassionate communication skills and ability to establish a therapeutic alliance with clients.
  • Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Proven advanced skills in facilitating individual/group counseling.
  • Ability to relate with detachment and empathy to clients and families.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of addiction and human behavior.
  • Experience with sustainability practices in facility management.

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday(12pm-830pm) fully on-site.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Life and disability coverage 
  • Retirement plan  
  • Paid sick, time off, and holidays 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Professional development opportunities 
  • Other company - sponsored wellness or support programs