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Exercise Psychologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ability to organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of ... Psychology; Social Work, at an accredited university or college with at least two years of ...

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Exercise Psychologist information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$91.6K

$393.3K

How much do exercise psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise psychologist in California is $91,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exercise Psychologist vs Sports Psychologist?

AspectExercise PsychologistSports Psychologist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Psychology, certification in exercise or health psychologyMaster's or Doctorate in Psychology, specialized sports psychology certification
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinicsSports teams, athletic organizations, private practice
Industry UsageHealth promotion, rehabilitation, improving exercise adherenceEnhancing athletic performance, mental resilience for athletes

Exercise Psychologists focus on using psychological principles to promote physical activity, improve health, and aid recovery. Sports Psychologists specialize in mental skills training to enhance athletic performance and help athletes cope with competition stress. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and client focus differ, with Exercise Psychologists often working in healthcare and fitness settings, and Sports Psychologists working with athletes and sports teams.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an exercise psychologist?

To thrive as an Exercise Psychologist, you need expertise in psychology, exercise science, and behavioral change, generally supported by a degree in psychology or sports/exercise psychology and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, data analysis software, and intervention planning platforms is common in the role. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and cultural sensitivity help build rapport and effectively guide clients through behavior modification. These skills ensure evidence-based interventions, foster client engagement, and promote lasting positive changes in physical and mental health.

What can you do with an exercise psychologist degree?

An exercise psychologist degree prepares individuals to work with clients to improve physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being through behavioral strategies and exercise programs. They often work in clinical, sports, or community settings, utilizing skills in counseling, assessment, and program development, sometimes requiring certification or licensure. This role involves helping clients adopt healthier lifestyles and manage conditions like depression, anxiety, or chronic diseases.

What is an exercise psychologist?

Exercise psychologists are professionals who study how physical activity affects mental health and overall well-being. They use psychological principles to help individuals improve their motivation, performance, and adherence to exercise programs. These specialists often work with people recovering from illness or injury, as well as athletes and the general public, to promote healthy lifestyle changes and address psychological barriers to physical activity.

How does an exercise psychologist collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Exercise psychologists often work closely with physicians, physical therapists, and dietitians to develop comprehensive wellness plans for patients. They contribute psychological expertise to address barriers such as motivation and adherence to exercise regimens, ensuring interventions are tailored to individual needs. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and shared progress reports are common, fostering a collaborative environment focused on holistic patient care. This teamwork not only enhances patient outcomes but also supports professional growth and learning within the role.

What does an exercise psychologist do?

An exercise psychologist specializes in using physical activity to improve mental health, motivation, and behavior. They assess clients' psychological readiness, develop tailored exercise programs, and often work in clinical or sports settings, requiring knowledge of psychology and exercise science. Certification from relevant professional organizations is typically required.
What cities in California are hiring for Exercise Psychologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Exercise Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Psychologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,598 per year, or $44 per hour.

Clinical Psychologist

Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic

Jamestown, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary: $75.00 - $110.00 per hour

Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic is a non-profit Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center owned by the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Band of the Me-Wuk Indians. We are nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills and just 60 minutes from Yosemite National Park. MMHC is a rapidly growing medical team specializing in primary care, dermatology, gastroenterology and hepatology, behavioral health, addiction treatment, acupuncture, and dentistry. Your meaningful work will make a difference!


Position Summary

The Clinical Psychologist is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental, emotional, behavioral, educational, and developmental disorders. Under the supervision of the CEO and Clinic Administrator, the Clinical Psychologist adheres to Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic's mission and values and follows all policies and procedures to ensure excellent patient care.

Essential Duties

  • Makes assessments and interpretations based on biopsychosocial evaluations, semi-structured interviews, therapy sessions, and psychometric tests.
  • Formulates and creates personalized interventions, treatments, and patient management plans.
  • Provides psychotherapy for individuals (children, adolescents, adults), couples, families, and groups.
  • Diagnoses and treats various mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
  • Conducts case management and other administrative tasks as needed.
  • Provides referral services to outside agencies, clinics, and treatment facilities.
  • Administers psychological tests and determines results.
  • Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to promote an integrated and team approach to patient care.
  • Maintains confidentiality of patients treatment and records per the Board of Behavioral Science law and ethical code, California state law and ethics, and HIPAA.
  • Participates in clinical training seminars to maintain adherence to policies and procedures.
  • Maintains appropriate documentation of clinical and therapeutic services, including all necessary billing information, within the electronic health record and completes it promptly.
  • Maintains and updates professional knowledge and proficiency through continuing education, staff meetings, workshops, and serving on committees.

Education and Skills

  • Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or equivalent.
  • Current CA state license
  • 2+ years experience in counseling psychology, primary care, or other agency preferred
  • Current CPR
  • Knowledge of psychological theory and practice
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Interest in how people think and process information
  • Ability to empathize with a wide range of people
  • Listening skills
  • Capacity for handling stressful and possible volatile situations
  • Ability to form connections with a diverse population
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in individual, couples, family, and group psychology
  • Ability to work as an effective team member; function independently; exercise sound judgment and initiative.
  • Ability to effectively communicate treatment information, test results, diagnoses, and other relevant patient information in a manner easily accessible and understood by patients
  • Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic treatment and to make individual modifications as needed
  • Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation
  • Ability to maintain emotional stability and practice self-care to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other work-related stressors


Physical Requirements

  • Bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching above or below the shoulder.
  • Handling/grasping documents, medical and office equipment.
  • Sitting or standing for short or extended periods.
  • Clear speaking and adequate hearing to communicate effectively and respond appropriately in person and on the telephone.
  • Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data, with or without corrective lenses.
  • Repetitive motions for computer equipment use.
  • The ability to deal well with time constraints and emotional stress is necessary.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified disabled applicants under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. Code 791, Title 29, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Working Conditions

Outpatient clinic setting. Monday through Friday, no weekends. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to odors and airborne particles, as well as the potential risk of airborne pathogens. Exposure to body fluids and viruses is also a potential hazard of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.