1

Mental Health Program Manager Jobs in California

CA · On-site

$122K - $149K/yr

Mental Health Program Managers plan, organize and manage mental health services; coordinate services with other agencies providing health and social services to the client population; supervise staff ...

Health Program Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$155K - $171K/yr

And Three years of experience managing, coordinating and/or supervising health or mental health services relevant to the specialty option (Health or Mental Health) needed for program area to which ...

Health Program Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$155K - $171K/yr

... management, administrative and/or supervisory duties for contracted and/or county-operated health ... Theories, principles, goals and objectives of public health and mental health programs * Principles ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mental Health Program Manager information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$92.4K

$154.9K

How much do mental health program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health program manager in California is $92,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mental health program manager do?

A mental health program manager works in a mental health clinic, hospital, or another healthcare facility. As a mental health program manager, you oversee all aspects of the program. Your responsibilities include managing responses to patient behavior and providing support to mental health workers. Other duties involve ensuring program progress through consistent care as developed by you and other senior mental health staff. You work collaboratively with staff and use your superior communication skills to ensure the safety of staff and the patients. Privacy is a chief concern, and you work to develop policies to safeguard patient and family confidentiality.

What does a mental health program manager do?

A Mental Health Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of mental health services and programs within an organization or community. They are responsible for managing staff, budgets, and resources, as well as ensuring that programs meet the needs of clients and comply with relevant regulations. This role often involves coordinating with other healthcare providers, monitoring program outcomes, and making improvements based on data and feedback. Mental Health Program Managers play a crucial part in expanding access to quality mental health care and promoting positive outcomes for individuals and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mental health program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mental Health Program Manager, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with program management experience and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and data reporting tools is important for effective program oversight. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable you to manage teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health services, efficient program operations, and positive outcomes for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by mental health program managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Mental Health Program Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with direct program oversight, addressing limited resources, and ensuring staff wellbeing while meeting client needs. Effective strategies include fostering open communication within the team, prioritizing workload management, and seeking out partnerships or grants to supplement funding. Regular training and support for staff can also help maintain high-quality care and reduce burnout, making the work environment more sustainable and collaborative.

What is the difference between Mental Health Program Manager vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectMental Health Program ManagerMental Health Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; often requires program management experienceMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, clinics, community programsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofitsHospitals, mental health clinics, private practices
Primary FocusOverseeing mental health programs, managing staff, ensuring complianceProviding direct therapy and counseling services to clients

The main difference is that Mental Health Program Managers focus on overseeing and managing mental health programs, while Mental Health Counselors provide direct client therapy. Both roles require relevant advanced degrees and licensure, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Mental Health Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mental Health Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mental Health Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Mental Health Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,363 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Mental Health Program Manager

County of Contra Costa

CA • On-site

$122K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Position *** Open Until Positions Are Filled*** This recruitment may close at any time, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. The Contra Costa Health Services Behavioral Health Division, in partnership with consumers, families, staff and community-based agencies, provides welcoming and integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of the people we serve. Behavioral Health is currently recruiting to fill 3 Mental Health Program Manager positions.

Mental Health Program Managers plan, organize and manage mental health services; coordinate services with other agencies providing health and social services to the client population; supervise staff; and perform other related duties. The first position is within our Housing Services and Continuum Development program which is responsible for administrative operations for the Housing Support Services team and development and maintenance of new and existing behavioral health capital resources. Administrative activities include overall responsibility for contract management for housing resources including locked, unlocked and supportive housing resources, state and federal infrastructure grant seeking and management, as well as division-wide project coordination for facility maintenance and capital project development.

Responsibilities include coordination with internal and external stakeholders regarding the development of new housing and facility resources, oversee contract management staff, lead grant writing and grant management activities made available from the State and Federal government, manage and support housing services administrative activities and revenue management, provide subject matter expertise and oversight with regard to programs under the Behavioral Health Service Act Housing Component and ensure successful execution of stakeholder driven priorities developed through community planning processes. The second position will work in Behavioral Health Administration managing and supporting all aspects of program planning, development, implementation and oversight for the Adult System of Care. Duties will include program evaluation and training, creating policies and procedures, facilitating meetings and projects, clinical contract monitoring, and supporting contractors as needed.

The third position is the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Program Manager. The incumbent is responsible for: oversight of the annual BHSA Community Program Planning Process; data analysis - information collected through surveys, evaluations, discussion groups in order to determine community input; responsible for the annual BHSA 3 Yr Plan/Annual Update Report; attends BHSA-related statewide meetings; is the lead coordinator on BHSA Innovation projects; responsible for seeing that all Department of Health Care Services reporting requirements and requests for information are completed in a timely manner; stays abreast of legislative updates; participates in monthly advisory council meetings; responds to community requests for BHSA presentations (local and state); supervises and evaluates subordinate staff, and other related duties. We are looking for someone who: Handles stress well.

You will need to remain calm under pressure while addressing demands from multiple sources Is a team player. You will be responsible for providing effective and supportive feedback to team members Is flexible. You will need to adjust quickly during periods of prolonged stress Is focused.

You will need to manage larger program goals without being distracted by less important matters Has a leadership mindset. You will lead a team through service and support of their work and efforts What you will typically be responsible for: Auditing the staff's adherence to standard work and workflows Providing feedback to the team regarding performance and understanding of workflows Reporting on the team's compliance with workflows Facilitating improvement meetings, staff meetings and coaching staff on an individual basis Hiring, training, onboarding new staff and maintaining personnel folders Developing surveillance strategies for Key Performance Indicators, program requirements and compliance metrics Reviewing critical clinical practices for patient and staff safety Coordinating program activities with sister agencies across systems A few reasons why you might love this job: You will support the creation and maintenance of a healthcare system that supports patient and staff safety You will work with a highly dedicated and diverse team of professionals who value the service of others You will contribute to a dynamic organization that embraces creativity, learning, and mutual support A few challenges you might face in this job: You will need to provide support and structure for team members who provide direct service to populations experiencing complex needs You will be responsible for analyzing and assessing complex problems that occur across and between professional disciplines You will need to remain focused and organized in a fast-paced work environment Competencies Required: Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal Leveraging Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace Driving Results: Demonstrating concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal standard of excellence Managing & Facilitating Change: Addressing key factors that influence successful organizational change Managing Organizational Complexity: Maneuvering through complex political situations and functions within the organization Read the complete job description by clicking this link. The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications License Required: 1. Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

2. Positions assigned to manage a mental health clinic or program which requires clinical supervision of staff must possess one of the following professional licenses: Either: a. A valid license issued by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences as a: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); or b.

A valid license as a Psychologist issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology. Education: Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major in psychology, social work, counseling, public administration or a closely related field. Experience: Three (3) years of full-time post-licensure experience, or its equivalent, providing mental health services in a behavioral health program or agency, one (1) year of which must have included supervising either a direct care program such as a public mental health clinic or inpatient facility, OR three (3) years of full-time experience or its equivalent, in mental health program administration, one (1) year of which must have included administrative responsibility for mental health programs/services and the supervision of subordinate staff.

** Please be sure to attach your CA Board of Behavioral Sciences license and degree to your application. ** Selection Process Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply on-line at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application

Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: Candidates that clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a behavioral consistency writing exercise. Candidates will be asked to provide written responses to scenario-based questions designed to evaluate candidates core competencies as they relate to the job.

These competencies may include but are not limited to informing, actions & results focused, driving results, managing & facilitating change, handling & resolving conflict, and leadership. Candidates must achieve an average passing score on each of the competencies to pass the overall assessment and be placed on the eligible list. (Weighted 100%) The assessments may be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet.

You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. Remote Exam/Evaluation: The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices. CONVICTION HISTORY After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County.

If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. DISASTER SERVICE WORKER All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.