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Program Therapist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Certified Hand Therapist

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

National hand therapy program in 32 states with more than 300 CHTs nationwide, and an additional 300 hand therapists are a part of the national hand therapy program * Nationally supported mentorship ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

North Hills, CA · Hybrid

$68K - $82K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

Occupational Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$53.11 - $64.74/hr

Clinical Career Ladder bonus program Therapy Preceptor bonus program Continuing education ... opportunities What you bring: * A passion for patient care, a team player, motivating and ...

Physical Therapist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$52.95 - $65/hr

These programs focus to enhance the employees' work experience, recognize, and celebrate ... Therapy Preceptor bonus program * Continuing education opportunities What you bring: * A passion ...

Occupational Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$43.75 - $57.75/hr

Clinical Career Ladder bonus program Therapy Preceptor bonus program Continuing education ... opportunities What you bring: * A passion for patient care, a team player, motivating and ...

Physical Therapist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

These programs focus to enhance the employees' work experience, recognize, and celebrate ... Therapy Preceptor bonus program * Continuing education opportunities What you bring: * A passion ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

North Hills, CA · Hybrid

$68K - $82K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

North Hills, CA · Hybrid

$68K - $82K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

Commerce, CA · Hybrid

$68K - $82K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

Lancaster, CA · Hybrid

$69K - $83K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

OUTPATIENT THERAPIST

North Hills, CA · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Therapists will be working with clients referred from DMH, DCFS, other provider agencies and all Penny Lane programs. Therapists work collaboratively with the Case Manager and treatment team to ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Therapist information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$57.4K

$87.3K

How much do program therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program therapist in California is $57,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program therapist?

Program therapists are mental health professionals who work within structured clinical programs, such as inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment facilities. They provide individual, group, and sometimes family therapy to clients dealing with mental health, behavioral, or substance use issues. Program therapists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans, monitor progress, and help clients develop coping strategies. Their goal is to support clients' recovery and improve their overall well-being as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

How does a program therapist typically collaborate with other professionals within a treatment facility?

Program Therapists work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers, to create and implement comprehensive treatment plans for clients. Regular team meetings are common, where therapists share client progress, address challenges, and adjust interventions based on group input. Collaboration ensures holistic care and allows therapists to leverage the expertise of colleagues, ultimately improving client outcomes. This teamwork also provides valuable support and learning opportunities for therapists themselves.

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

To thrive as a Program Therapist, you need a solid background in mental health counseling, therapy techniques, and a relevant degree and licensure (such as LCSW, LMFT, or LPC). Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities, electronic health records (EHRs), and group therapy facilitation tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and emotional intelligence help you build trust and effectively support clients. These skills are essential for delivering impactful therapy, ensuring compliance, and fostering a safe, healing environment for clients.

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

AspectProgram TherapistMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; licensure often requiredMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure typically required
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, schools, outpatient clinics, residential facilitiesPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government-funded programs, educational institutionsHealthcare facilities, private practices, mental health agencies

Program Therapists and Mental Health Counselors share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often serving clients in community or clinical settings. While their roles overlap, Program Therapists may focus more on structured programs and community-based interventions, whereas Mental Health Counselors often provide direct therapy in clinical settings. Both roles require licensure and are vital in mental health services.

What are popular job titles related to Program Therapist jobs in CA?

For Program Therapist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Program Therapist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,391 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Occupational Therapist Student Loan Assistance Program

Ernest Health

Rancho Mirage, CA • On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Ernest Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Occupational Therapist - Full Time - Rancho Mirage, California
Student Loan Contribution Payment Program available!
Join our world-class team of driven, passionate healthcare professionals who are focused on service excellence and providing top quality care!
At Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern California, we strive to attract, retain, develop, and empower our employees, supporting them in their professional growth with career advancement opportunities and a path to success within our organization.
We have a great full time opportunity for an Occupational Therapist in California.
Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern California, located in Rancho Mirage, CA, is a premier inpatient rehab facility serving patients throughout the Coachella Valley and Southern California region. We provide intensive rehabilitative care for individuals recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic surgeries, and other serious conditions.
Our experienced rehabilitation team delivers comprehensive therapies - from advanced physical and occupational therapy to specialized neurological rehabilitation - all in a warm, supportive environment. The hospital features state-of-the-art equipment and individualized care plans to help patients reach their recovery goals.
Accredited by The Joint Commission, the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern California is committed to exceptional patient outcomes and compassionate care.
As a participating hospital of Ernest Health, we offer robust recognition, wellness, and retention programs. These programs focus to enhance the employees' work experience, recognize, and celebrate achievements. We also encourage employees to share their work experience through "My Ernest Journey" and through our Engagement Survey, where our approach is "You Spoke, We Listened". These platforms provide additional avenues for employees to give feedback about their work experience and share what is important to them.
Our hospital offers comprehensive benefits, designed to support your health and financial well-being.
Benefits:

  • PPO and High Deductible Medical Plan options
  • Flexible and Health Saving account options available
  • Dental and Vision coverage
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Life insurance
  • Short-and-long term disability
  • Competitive compensation
Wellness & Work Life balance:
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program with quarterly wellness challenges with participation incentives.
  • Earned Time Off - Start accruing vacation time on start date.
Professional Growth:
  • Clinical Career Ladder bonus program
  • Therapy Preceptor bonus program
  • Continuing education opportunities
What you bring:
  • A passion for patient care, a team player, motivating and collaborating therapist to assist patients to reach the best outcome.
  • Graduate Degree from an accredited program in Occupational Therapy.
  • Current State Occupational Therapist License.
  • Current CPR
Qualifications
Required Skills:
  • Current, valid, and active licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the state of employment required.
  • Current BLS certification from an approved vendor required.
  • One year of experience in the care of patients in rehabilitation hospital setting preferred.
Additional Qualifications/Skills:
  • Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of treatment costs and financial support as they relate to quality and efficiency.
  • Demonstrates competency in the provision of care according to established standards
  • Demonstrates appropriate application of age specific standards, policies and procedures and guidelines in caring for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
  • Demonstrates general computer skills including: data entry, word processing, email, and record management.
  • Leadership skills in delegating, organizing, and educating coworkers and staff.
  • Effective organizational and time management skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality.
  • Ability to work closely and professionally with others.
  • Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Responsibilities
Uses specialized knowledge and training in occupational therapy medical services as well as independent judgment and discretion to develop and provide occupational therapy medical services to patients that help them improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, as well as compensate for permanent loss of function by teaching them to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. These patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. Independently examines patient's medical history, evaluates their physical abilities, determines their potential to respond to therapy, and develops treatment plans and then implements those treatment plans with full responsibility for preparation of related documentation and patient and other medical provider communication. Also uses specialized occupational therapy training and knowledge as well as independent discretion and judgment to assist patients in selecting appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive devices. Integrates the hospital's mission and "Guiding Principles" into daily practice.
Posted Total Compensation
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, education and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It's not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $
Minimum Salary
USD $49.46/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $59.11/Hr.

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