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Masters Degree In Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Masters Degree In Counseling information

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$35.5K

$58.9K

$78.5K

How much do masters degree in counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters degree in 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 can you do with a master's degree in counseling?

With a master's degree in counseling, you can pursue a variety of careers helping individuals, families, or groups address emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. Common roles include licensed professional counselor, school counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, or career counselor. Many positions require licensure, which typically involves supervised clinical experience and passing a state exam. Graduates work in settings such as schools, private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and community organizations.

What types of career paths and advancement opportunities are available to professionals with a master’s degree in counseling?

With a Master’s Degree in Counseling, graduates can pursue a variety of roles, such as school counselor, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or substance abuse counselor. Advancement opportunities often include moving into supervisory or administrative positions, such as clinical director or program manager, after gaining experience and additional licensure. Professionals may also choose to specialize in a particular population or setting, open a private practice, or pursue doctoral studies for careers in academia or advanced clinical roles. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is common, providing opportunities for leadership and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a master’s degree in counseling, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Master's Degree in Counseling, you need a solid grounding in mental health theory, counseling techniques, and ethical practice, typically supported by state licensure and supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and evidence-based intervention methods is also common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and rapport with diverse clients. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting clients' mental health needs and ensuring ethical, client-centered care.

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

CriteriaMasters Degree In CounselingLicensed Professional Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related fieldMaster's degree + state licensure
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, community agenciesPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageEducational and entry-level rolesIndependent practice, advanced clinical roles

While a Masters Degree In Counseling provides the foundational education, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor requires additional licensure, allowing for independent practice and advanced clinical work. The degree is essential for entry into the field, but licensure is necessary for independent counseling services.

Is a master's degree in counseling worth it?

A master's degree in counseling is typically required to become a licensed professional counselor and can lead to careers in mental health, school counseling, or substance abuse counseling. It provides specialized training, clinical experience, and credentials that can improve job prospects and earning potential in the field.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Masters Degree In Counseling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Masters Degree In Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Masters Degree In Counseling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,906 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Lic Masters Mental Hlth Prof

Kaiser Permanente

Antioch, CA • On-site

Full-time

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


Kaiser Permanente rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 928 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 898 rated healthcare providers


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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