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Ptsd Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... or counseling psychology, would also be a good fit, especially if they are interested in ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... or counseling psychology, would also be a good fit, especially if they are interested in ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... or counseling psychology, would also be a good fit, especially if they are interested in ...

Coordinate and support augmented psychotherapy trials that combine evidence-based PTSD treatments ... or counseling psychology, would also be a good fit, especially if they are interested in ...

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Counsel and advise individuals or groups with substance abuse/Mental health * Facilitating groups ... PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

Be Seen First

Counsel and advise individuals or groups with substance abuse/Mental health * Facilitating groups ... PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

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Showing results 1-20

Ptsd Counseling information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$56.7K

$81.9K

How much do ptsd counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for ptsd counseling in California is $56,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is PTSD counseling?

PTSD counseling is a type of therapy specifically designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This counseling often involves evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-focused therapies. The goal is to help people process their traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of control and well-being. Counseling can be provided individually or in group settings, and treatment plans are tailored to each person's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PTSD counselor?

To thrive as a PTSD Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, a relevant master’s degree, and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and electronic health record systems is typically required. Strong active listening, empathy, and emotional resilience are critical soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through trauma recovery. These skills and qualifications are vital for providing effective, ethical care and helping clients achieve positive mental health outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by PTSD counselors, and how can professionals prepare for them?

PTSD counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations as they support clients dealing with trauma, which can lead to secondary traumatic stress or burnout. Professionals can prepare by maintaining strong boundaries, seeking regular supervision, and engaging in self-care practices. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as psychiatrists, social workers, and primary care providers—also helps ensure comprehensive care for clients while offering counselors ongoing support and professional growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Ptsd Counseling vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectPtsd CounselingMental Health Counselor
CredentialsLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Clinical Trauma SpecialistLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practice, veterans' centersCommunity agencies, private practice, hospitals, schools
Industry UsageSpecialized in trauma and PTSD treatmentBroader mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma

Ptsd Counseling focuses specifically on treating trauma-related disorders like PTSD, often requiring specialized trauma certifications. Mental Health Counselors address a wide range of mental health issues, including trauma, but with a broader scope. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in similar environments, but Ptsd Counseling is more specialized in trauma care.

How to become a PTSD counselor?

To become a PTSD counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Licensure or certification is required, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam. Additional training in trauma-informed care and counseling techniques can enhance your qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Ptsd Counseling jobs in California?

For Ptsd Counseling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ptsd Counseling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,673 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

First Responder Program Lead

Evergreen Counseling

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Founded by a trauma therapist and First Responder experienced clinician, Evergreen Counseling was created to provide deeply trauma-informed, relational care in a warm and human-centered environment.

We center our clients at Evergreen, providing exceptional, professional, warm, and humanistic care. Each staff member is trauma-informed and possesses advanced training in trauma treatment modalities to serve clients presenting with single-incident traumas or relational traumas.

At Evergreen, we also center our staff by providing a comprehensive benefits package, ongoing training and consultation, advanced education opportunities, and exceptionally responsive leadership and administrative support. Fully licensed clinicians also have the flexibility to build schedules that work for them, assuming a typical caseload of approximately 25 client sessions per week.

We aim to create an environment where clinicians can do meaningful, sustainable work without feeling isolated or overwhelmed. We value authenticity, collaboration, warmth, and clinical integrity, and strive to build a practice culture that feels grounded, supportive, and genuinely human.

As part of our commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care, Evergreen Counseling is proud to support the Oakland Fire Department (OFD). Evergreen has supported OFD members since 2024 and recently expanded our partnership to provide comprehensive mental health services and training to their team of over 500. Our work with Oakland is deeply rewarding and meaningful, and is just the beginning of the broader First Responder Program we hope to build at Evergreen Counseling.

About The Role

We are currently seeking a trauma-informed therapist to serve as First Responder Program Lead, supporting Evergreen Counseling’s partnership with the Oakland Fire Department and anticipated future first responder partnerships.

This role combines direct clinical care with leadership responsibilities, including program development, training, outreach, consultation, and support for first responder mental health initiatives. The position is expected to include approximately 5-15 hours per week dedicated to administrative, training, outreach, and program leadership responsibilities, alongside a clinical caseload of approximately 15–20 client sessions per week.

The ideal clinician has extensive experience working with first responders (firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, military populations, or similarly high-stress professional groups) and understands the unique clinical considerations associated with repeated trauma exposure, critical incidents, PTSD, burnout, grief, moral injury, crisis response, and occupational stress.

  • Provide clinical expertise to support and refine Evergreen Counseling’s first responder programming
  • Serve as a clinical consultant to Evergreen leadership, organizational partners, and program stakeholders
  • Provide consultation and training related to mental health crisis recognition, trauma, referral protocols, and clinical support for first responder populations
  • Provide consultation, crisis response support, and follow-up psychotherapy related to critical incidents when appropriate
  • Support program implementation, evaluation, and ongoing refinement
  • Analyze clinical trends and identify opportunities for program improvement
  • Coordinate or facilitate clinical consultation and team meetings as needed
  • Maintain a direct clinical caseload of at least 15 sessions per week
  • Complete timely documentation and treatment planning
  • Conduct consultation calls and collaborate with external providers when appropriate

In-person presence in Berkeley or Oakland is preferred. For those seeking a remote position, occasional travel to Oakland would be required.

About You
  • You are a fully licensed LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or PsyD) licensed to practice in California. You have at least five years of post‑graduate clinical experience and demonstrated experience working with first responders (firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, military populations, or similarly high-stress professions).
  • Experience providing consultation, training, outreach, program development, leadership, or organizational support is strongly preferred.
  • You are a warm, grounded, and emotionally attuned clinician who values both excellent client care and meaningful connections with colleagues. You are excited by the opportunity to combine clinical work with leadership, program development, and support for first responder mental health initiatives.

Compensation for this role includes a combination of base pay and variable compensation tied to clinical services provided. The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $100,000 – $150,000, depending on experience and clinical caseload.

Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
  • 401(k) plan with a 4% match
  • Long‑term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Continuing education stipend
  • One month of unpaid time off annually
  • A meaningful caseload of engaged, diverse, and motivated clients
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