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Mental Health Program Manager Jobs in Portland, OR

The Licensed Mental Health Therapist assists the Program Manager and clinical supervisor to conduct clinical chart reviews. In addition, this person supports the agency efforts to ensure compliance ...

Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures asdirected by the Program Manager.* Educates staff regarding the process for mental health servicereferrals and regarding "psycho ...

Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures asdirected by the Program Manager.* Educates staff regarding the process for mental health servicereferrals and regarding "psycho ...

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Mental Health Program Manager information

See Portland, OR salary details

$45.1K

$99.3K

$166.5K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health program manager in Portland, OR is $99,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $117,200.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Mental Health Program jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Mental Health Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Mental Health Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Mental Health Program Manager job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,251 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Mental Health Therapist III

Sea Mar Community Health Centers

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:
Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization
Position Summary:
Sea Mar Behavioral Health's diverse and quickly expanding program is seeking a full-time therapist for its Behavioral Health program, Community Services Northwest, in Vancouver, WA. The Mental Health Therapist (MHT) provides individual and group counseling, case management, crisis stabilization, suicide risk assessment, and treatment planning. In addition, he or she will provide referrals and coordination with medication providers, primary care physicians, and with other community agencies. Our therapists must have the ability to accurately diagnose mental health issues and develop treatment plans based upon diagnoses. Must be willing to work some later hours (after 5pm) and providing services may require occasionally meeting with the client outside of the office and in the community. We are a growing team with wide-ranging experience, educational backgrounds and degrees. We work closely with our medical providers to establish a whole "health home" for our clients. This makes for a rich clinical environment that is supportive and invigorating.
Mental Health Therapist II, III and Licensed available. Salary is dependent on experience. Please inquire for wage information.
Licensed Mental Health Therapist: This individual provides diagnostic assessments, referrals for psychiatric services, and case management in coordination with other teams or parties involved in treatment. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist is responsible for providing care to chronically ill patients, patients who are part of the Intensive outpatient program, or patients who are considered high utilizers. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist is responsible for working with CDMHP's, inpatient facilities, including Western State Hospital, and ensuring proper protocols are followed for hospitalization authorization and during discharge planning. In addition, the Licensed Mental Health Therapist provides individual counseling, crisis stabilization, suicide risk assessment and treatment plans, and leads groups. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist provides therapy to managed care patients that are pre-authorized to receive mental health treatment. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist provides clinical supervision to other clinicians who are perusing the Licensing requirements. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist assists the Program Manager and clinical supervisor to conduct clinical chart reviews. In addition, this person supports the agency efforts to ensure compliance with WACs, RCWs, and clinical contracts.
Education and/or Experience for a Licensed Therapist:
  • Must hold a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or social work which includes course-work in psychological diagnostics.
  • Four or more years of clinical experience in the field.
  • Responsible for his/her individual continuing education hours and licensing fees. The Licensed Mental Health provider must possess an active, approved license from the Washington State Department of Health at all times. Must meet criteria of a Mental Health Professional (MHP).
  • Must hold and maintain an active Washington State Mental Health Counselor License, Marriage and Family Therapist License, or Independent Clinical Social Worker License.

Additional Requirements:
  • This position must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.
  • Must take a TB test annually and at time of hire.

Mental Health Therapist III: The Mental Health Therapist provides diagnostic assessments, referrals for psychiatric services, case management in coordination with other teams or parties involved in treatment. In addition, the Mental Health Therapist provides individual counseling, crisis stabilization, suicide risk assessment and treatment plans, and leads groups. Assistance to the Program Manager in program development, policy and procedure development, compliance with WACs and RCWs, and other administrative tasks performed are as directed.
Education and/or Experience for MHT III:
  • Must hold a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or social work which includes course-work in psychological diagnostics.
  • Four or more years' experience in the field. Must meet criteria of a Mental Health Professional (MHP). Must hold and maintain an active Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor License (may be pending for up to 60 days if applied for within 7 days of being offered employment) or mental health Associate License (includes Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, and Clinical Social Worker).

Additional Requirements:
  • Minority mental health therapist as required by WAC.
  • Must have and maintain a current TB test
  • This position must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.

Mental Health Therapist II: The Mental Health Therapist provides diagnostic assessments, referrals for psychiatric services, case management in coordination with other teams or parties involved in treatment. In addition, the Mental Health Therapist provides individual counseling, crisis stabilization, suicide risk assessment and treatment plans, and leads groups. Assistance to the Director in program development, policy and procedure development, compliance with WACS and RCWS, and other administrative tasks performed are as directed.
Education and/or Experience for MHT II:
  • Must hold a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or social work which includes course-work in psychological diagnostics.
  • Up to three (3) years' experience in the field.
  • Minority mental health therapist as required by WAC.
  • Must meet criteria of a Mental Health Professional (MHP). Must hold and maintain an active Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor License (may be pending for up to 60 days if applied for within 7 days of being offered employment) or mental health Associate License (includes Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, and Clinical Social Worker).

Additional Requirements:
  • Must have and maintain a current TB test.
  • This position must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.

What We Offer:
Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it's a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Prescription coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.

We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, complete the online application and click SUBMIT or APPLY NOW. If you have any questions regarding the position, email Effie Alexander, Program Manager, at effiealexander@seamarchc.org.
Sea Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Hourly - Hourly Plan, 33.23 USD Hourly
What We Offer:
Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it's a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Prescription coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Paid-time-off starting at 27 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.
  • We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. You may also apply thru our Career page at https://www.seamar.org/jobs-general.html