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Mental Health Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akua Behavioral Health Inc

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Behavioral Health Program Manager

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $116K/yr

Program Manager Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Up to $116k per year * Base Salary ... Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)

Prosperous Health

Mental Health Technician

Lebec, CA · On-site

Prosperous Health San Juan Capistrano Outpatient behavioral health program * Prosperous Health ... Psychiatric evaluation and medication management * Outpatient mental health services * Integrated ...

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Mental Health Program Manager information

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$42.5K

$93.6K

$157K

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health program manager in the United States is $93,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Mental Health Program Manager jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health Program jobs? The most popular types of Mental Health Program jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mental Health Program Manager jobs? The top employers for Mental Health Program Manager jobs are:
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Mental Health Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mental Health Program Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,589 per year, or $45 per hour.
Behavioral Health Program Manager

Behavioral Health Program Manager

Akua Behavioral Health Inc

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$90K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

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Job description

Job description:


Position: Program Manager

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $116k per year

  • Base Salary: $90k per year
  • Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)


Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
  • Equity Shares


Key Responsibilities:

  • Training & Accountability: The Program Manager ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
  • Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
  • Compliance: The Program Manager ensures strict adherence to Akua’s policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, , ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
  • Employee Management: The Program Manager actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
  • Emergency Management: The Program Manager is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
  • Performance and Cost Management: The Program Manager monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.


Requirements

The Program Manager of a certified Residential Treatment Program shall have the following Qualifications prior to employment:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C) Sociology, (D) Behavioral sciences (E) Psychiatric Nursing; and:
  • Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, or
  • As an alternative to the Bachelor Degree and experience, a total of four (4) years of experience in a community program providing direct services to persons with mental disabilities, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school of possession of a GED may be substituted.


Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials: LADC OR +, SUDCC-CS II OR +, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent / appropriate license or certification (preferred).
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
  • Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
  • Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)


Key Qualities:

  • Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
  • Emotional stability under pressure
  • Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities


Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.


Application Question(s):

  • How many years of mental health experience do you have?
  • How many years of Management experience do you have?
  • Are you willing to take a Live Scan?
  • Do you have following License/Credentials: CADC-II+, SUDCC-II+, (A/L)MFT, (A/L)PCC, (A/L)CSW?
  • Have you ever managed an inpatient/outpatient treatment facility and how long?
  • How many employees have you managed?



Work Location: In person