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Masters Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Masters Counseling information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$58.9K

$78.5K

How much do masters counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters counseling in California is $58,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master's in counseling?

A master's in counseling is a graduate-level degree that prepares individuals to become professional counselors. The program typically covers topics like human development, counseling techniques, mental health assessment, and ethical practices. Graduates are trained to help clients address personal, social, and psychological challenges. Completing a master's in counseling is often required for licensure and practice as a counselor in many states. This degree can lead to careers in schools, mental health clinics, private practice, and other settings.

What are jobs that require a master's in counseling?

Master's counseling jobs include a wide variety of positions, such as school counselor, mental health counselor, and career counselor. You may assist students pursuing a counseling degree, monitor the behavior of each patient you see, or utilize and recommend job search resources for clients. You may also participate in rehabilitation exercises and otherwise work to promote the mental health of others. Most counseling jobs at this level of education are highly specialized, so you may need additional training, licensing, or certification. Counseling is typically one-on-one, but you may provide group therapy sessions for employees in workplaces, families, or other small gatherings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a master's-level counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master's-level Counselor, you need a graduate degree in counseling or a related field, state licensure, and a strong understanding of psychological theories and therapeutic techniques. Familiarity with counseling software, electronic health records, and evidence-based assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, cultural competence, and communication skills set standout counselors apart. These qualifications and abilities are crucial for building trust, accurately assessing client needs, and facilitating effective client outcomes in a therapeutic setting.

What are some common challenges faced by counselors with a master's degree when working with diverse client populations?

Counselors with a master's degree often encounter challenges in effectively supporting clients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. Navigating differences in values, communication styles, and expectations requires cultural competence and ongoing self-awareness. Additionally, counselors must stay current with best practices in multicultural counseling and may need to regularly participate in relevant training or supervision. Successfully addressing these challenges not only improves client outcomes but also enhances the counselor's professional growth.

What is the difference between Masters Counseling vs Licensed Professional Counselor?

CriteriaMasters CounselingLicensed Professional Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related fieldMaster's degree + state licensure as a Professional Counselor
Work EnvironmentSchools, community agencies, private practicesPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
Industry UsageEntry to mid-level counseling rolesLicensed roles with independent practice authority

Masters Counseling typically refers to holding a master's degree in counseling, often an entry-level qualification. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) have completed additional licensing requirements, allowing them to practice independently. While both roles involve counseling work, licensure provides greater autonomy and legal authority to serve clients independently.

Is a master's degree in counseling worth it?

A master's degree in counseling is typically required to become a licensed professional counselor, therapist, or mental health counselor. It provides specialized training, clinical experience, and eligibility for certification, which can lead to higher earning potential and job opportunities in mental health services. However, the value depends on career goals, the cost of education, and the demand for counselors in the region.

What can someone do with a master's counseling degree?

A master's counseling degree qualifies individuals to work as licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance abuse counselors. These roles involve providing therapy, assessment, and support in settings such as clinics, schools, or private practices, often requiring state licensure and counseling skills. Graduates may also pursue roles in community agencies, healthcare facilities, or educational institutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Masters Counseling jobs in California?

The most popular types of Masters Counseling jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Masters Counseling jobs in California?

For Masters Counseling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Masters Counseling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Masters Counseling jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Masters Counseling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Masters Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Masters Counseling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,906 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Lic. Masters Mental Health Prof.

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site


Kaiser Permanente
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

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This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary:

Provides mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment and crisis intervention services for adult and/or child members who present themselves from psychiatric evaluation with a broad range of mental health needs. Collaborates with treating physician, psychiatric and allied health professional team to plan and direct each individual member treatment program.


Essential Responsibilities:


  • Develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates clinical treatment programs for the diagnosis, treatment, and/or referral of Health Plan members with acute or chronic mental illness. Participates in staff conferences to select, plan, and evaluate treatment programs. Provides outpatient psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups.

  • Instructs and counsels patients and their families regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens and adherence to prescribed medication regimens, within the scope of practice. May administer specialized therapeutic procedures, as appropriate. Provides appropriate support to members family. May develop and conducts psychoeducational classes and groups.

  • Prepares intake summaries, treatment plans, and case summaries and maintains ongoing confidential records. Charts members treatment and progress in accord with state and NCQA regulations and in keeping with accepted community standards. May be required to participate in the department on-call rotation.

  • Collaborates with physicians in screening and evaluating patients for psychotropic medications, within the scope of practice. Utilizes resources of public and private agencies and community organizations to meet the needs of the members treatment. May develop, implements, and evaluates behavioral medicine and health psychology programs in a variety of settings, including primary care. Provides consultation to other care providers and health educators on matters relating to mental health, health psychology and behavioral medicine.

  • May supervise Post Masters Fellows, Associate Clinical Social Workers, Associate Marriage Family Therapists or Associate Professional Clinical Counselors as needed if supervision course is completed.

  • May provide appropriate support to members family, including explanation of treatment, instructions in how to support treatment and interventions to increase acceptance of and adherence to treatment, at members request.

  • Utilizes resources of public and private agencies and community organizations to meet the needs of the members treatment to include referral of the member and/or members family to external resources, as appropriate. Participates in departmental program development, implementation and evaluation.

  • Reports safety concerns to mandated reporting agencies.


Basic Qualifications:
Experience


  • N/A

Education

  • Masters degree in Social Work, Social Welfare from a clinical track, Clinical or Counseling Psychology or related field required from an accredited college or university.
License, Certification, Registration
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California)
      OR
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
      OR
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (California) AND Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Couples and Families Endorsement (California) within 24 months of hire
  • National Provider Identifier required at hire
Additional Requirements:

  • Must be familiar with DSM-V as a means of diagnosis.
  • Has experience in assessing, diagnosing and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of social service agencies, state regulations, and professional board standards as is related to member treatment, patient rights, and member/patient confidentiality.
  • May be required to participate in the department on-call rotation.
  • Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice and psychotherapy research methods.
  • Knowledge of the bio-psycho-social functions that contribute to mental health.
  • Accuracy in diagnosing patients and developing effective treatment plans.
  • Competence in individual, family and group psychotherapy.
  • Professional maturity and ethical integrity necessary for assuming professional responsibilities.
  • Commitment to quality of service, teamwork, and participation in a highly interactive multidisciplinary clinic.
  • Ability to complete multiple tasks/objectives in a timely manner.
  • Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.
Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous post license, experience as a member of a psychiatric treatment team in an outpatient or inpatient setting/program under licensed supervision.
  • Previous clinical responsibility to include crisis intervention, individual and group psychotherapy.
  • Demonstrated professional maturity and ethical integrity necessary for assuming professional responsibilities, preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to quality of service, teamwork, and participation in a highly interactive multidisciplinary clinic, preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to complete multiple tasks/objectives in a timely manner, preferred.
  • Accuracy in diagnosing patients and developing effective treatment plans, preferred.
  • Competence in individual, family and group psychotherapy, preferred.


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