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Masters In Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At least Masters in Psychology/Counseling/Social Work, or PhD/PsyD in Psychology, REQUIRED * Must be licensed by Board (PhD/PsyD, LCSW, MFT, LPCC) and able to meet State/Board requirements to serve ...

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Masters In Counseling information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$58.9K

$78.5K

How much do masters in counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters 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 field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to earn the highest salaries due to advanced training and specialized skills. Licensed professional counselors and school counselors generally have lower average earnings, but salaries can vary based on location, experience, and work setting. Specializations such as forensic or industrial-organizational counseling often command higher pay as well.

How to make 200,000 dollars as a therapist?

Masters in Counseling professionals can reach a $200,000 income by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-demand areas like clinical or executive counseling, and building a private practice or working in high-paying settings. Increasing credentials, obtaining licensure, and developing strong client bases are essential for higher earnings.

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

AspectMasters In CounselingLicensed Professional Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related fieldMaster's degree plus state licensure
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level roles, supervised settingsIndependent practice, private practice, clinical settings
Industry UsageEducational programs, entry-level jobsLicensed practitioners, clinical roles

Masters In Counseling is an academic qualification, while Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a credential obtained after completing a master's degree and licensure requirements. The master's degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles, whereas licensure allows independent practice. Both are essential steps in a counseling career, with the degree focusing on education and the license on legal practice authority.

What can you do with a Masters in Counseling?

With a Masters in Counseling, you can pursue a variety of careers in mental health, education, and community services. Graduates often become licensed professional counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance abuse counselors. This degree also opens opportunities in academic advising, career counseling, and nonprofit organizations. Many positions require state licensure, which typically involves supervised experience and passing an exam. The degree equips you with the skills to support individuals, couples, and groups in managing emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.

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

To thrive as a counselor with a master's in counseling, you need a solid understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and ethical standards, typically supported by state licensure and supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, counseling software, and ongoing continuing education or certifications is common. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and interpersonal communication skills help build client trust and rapport. These competencies are vital for effectively supporting clients' mental health needs and fostering positive therapeutic outcomes.

Is getting a master's in counseling worth it?

A master's in counseling prepares individuals for licensed counseling roles, which often require this degree and relevant supervised experience. It can lead to higher earning potential and expanded job opportunities in mental health, schools, or healthcare settings. However, the value depends on career goals and the demand for counselors in your area.

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

A person with a master's in counseling can work as a licensed professional counselor, providing mental health therapy and support to individuals, groups, or families. They often work in settings such as clinics, schools, or private practices and may need to obtain state licensure to practice independently.

What types of career paths are available to someone with a Master's in Counseling, and how can I specialize within the field?

With a Master's in Counseling, you can pursue careers in school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or substance abuse counseling, among others. Specializations are often determined by your coursework, practicum experiences, and post-graduate licensing requirements. Many professionals choose to focus on a specific population or issue, such as working with children, veterans, or individuals facing addiction. It's common to work in settings like schools, private practices, hospitals, or community agencies, and ongoing professional development can open doors to supervisory, administrative, or specialized clinical roles over time.
What cities in California are hiring for Masters In Counseling jobs? Cities in California with the most Masters In Counseling job openings:
Infographic showing various Masters In Counseling job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,906 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician I/II (.80 FTE)

Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician I/II (.80 FTE)

La Clinica de La Raza

Oakland, CA

$71K - $97K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Who we are: La Clnica de La Raza is a community-based health center committed to providing culturally appropriate, high-quality, and accessible health care to the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. We have spent over 40 years advocating for and creating a health home for the many that have been denied access to care. As health care activists, we are dedicated to ensuring all individuals have access to quality healthcare regardless of coverage. From our genesis as a community health center in 1971, we understood that we cannot heal our communities without also addressing the economic and social factors that affect health. Many times, this requires that we go outside and provide services in other settings to build the bridge that links individuals to our health center for preventive and primary care. Over 90,000 individuals come to La Clnica because it is a welcoming place that addresses the whole person, coordinating and connecting them to a broad network of services to improve and maintain their health and well-being. While we are still known for our activism and spirit of social justice, we are also proud to have grown into a sophisticated provider of primary health care services with 35 sites across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. We are also a National Health Service Corps approved site. As such, our therapists and providers are eligible for federal and state loan repayment!

About the position: Under the supervision of the Site Manager and Clinical Supervisor, the individual in this position is responsible for providing a full range of culturally sensitive social work, behavioral health treatment and case management services to medical patients and will be part of a multi-disciplinary medical team. Services are provided at La Clinica primary care clinics and include screening, psychosocial/ psychiatric assessments, crisis intervention, BH panel management, short-term counseling/therapy/psycho-education for individuals, families, and groups, individualized service planning, goal setting, progress monitoring, and care coordination.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician I: Requires Masters in Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited program, including two years' experience preferably in a medical/social services setting providing counseling and crisis intervention services. Registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology.
  • Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician II: Requires Masters in Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited program, including two years' experience preferably in a medical/social services setting providing counseling and crisis intervention services. Licensed with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology.
  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social work, psychology, and human behavior, including the impact of physical health, mental health and substance use conditions.
  • Experience providing short-term individual and family counseling/therapy and case management to clients with behavioral health, psychosocial, and medical conditions including issues of domestic violence, poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, trauma as well as medical conditions requiring special care.
  • Knowledge of mandated reporting laws, child development, family systems, stages of change, and co-occurring mental health and substance use/abuse conditions.
  • Ability to apply case management skills effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others (schools, social services, medical, housing, legal, etc.); record & secure accurate and clinically pertinent bio-psycho-social data.
  • Working knowledge of DSM-5 required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a multicultural client population with experience providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services.
  • Ability to work across cultures and demonstrate support of diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated cultural competence and proactive self-reflection on positionality and incorporation of antiracism approaches to clinical care.
  • Ability and willingness to work under pressure and as part of an interdisciplinary team and establish positive working relations with staff and patients. Flexible, willing to take on new tasks as needed.
  • Experience with modalities of brief counseling, including CBT, solution-focused counseling and motivational interviewing strongly preferred.
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) required at some sites only, otherwise preferred.

Experience and Other Certifications

  • Two+ years of experience in a mental health/medical/social service setting providing assessment counseling/therapy and crisis intervention services; new graduates from a mental health training program may substitute two years of field internship experience.
  • Must hold a current BLS (Basic Life Support) Certificate. You will have a 30-day grace period to obtain your certificate from the date of hire.
  • Experience working in diverse/low income and immigrant communities.
  • Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician I
    • Must have Masters in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Psychology, Counseling, or other counseling degree, or Doctorate degree in psychology from an accredited program or university.
    • Must be registered or in registration process upon completion of Masters degree with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an ASW, AMFT, or APCC.
  • Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician II
    • Must have an LCSW, MFT, LPCC or PsyD/PhD, California license.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician I/II will:

  • Perform psycho-social/behavioral health assessment, intervention and treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and their families under the supervision and license of his/her clinical supervisor.
  • Co-manage client care under the direction of a licensed Clinical Supervisor and provide a range of clinical services including screening, bio-psycho-social/psychiatric assessments, mental status examinations, crisis intervention, BH panel management, short term counseling/therapy/psycho-education for individuals/families/groups, collateral services, individualized service planning, goal setting and monitoring.
  • Conduct routine assessments of pregnant patients, identify strengths and risks, and develop a service plan in accordance with CPSP protocols and procedures.
  • Provide behavioral health panel management interventions.
  • Provide outreach, education, advocacy, information, linkage, and follow-up as needed to coordinate care.
  • Formulate a provisional ICD-10 and DSM-5 diagnosis which is reviewed and established under the license of the Clinical Supervisor.
  • Coordinate services with other community agencies, providing collateral services; establish good working relationships with staff members and outside professionals to maintain continuity of care.
  • Provide crisis intervention for La Clnica patients and crisis support to coworkers in the medical department.
  • Participate as an active member of the primary care treatment team. Provide support to colleagues and contribute to the creation of a positive and supportive work environment. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with staff, medical providers, and community partners. Is a positive reflection of La Clinica.
  • Recommend to the Integrated Behavioral Health Manager changes that would improve service delivery. Aid in the development and implementation of new treatment programs under the supervision of the Manager, and as assigned.
  • Meet required encounter productivity goals monthly.
  • Review clinical interventions and case documentation with supervisor regularly.
  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, case conferences, and peer review process.
  • Perform other clinical, administrative, and operational duties as assigned.

Salary: $62,462 - $97,988 per year