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Unlicensed Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Telecare

Clinician - Mental Health 350

Anaheim, CA · On-site

... Unlicensed provides mental health support services to members served and their families at the ... Counselor, Clinical If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants ...

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All JobsUnlicensed Counselor JobsUnlicensed Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Unlicensed Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$59.8K

$78.2K

How much do unlicensed counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for unlicensed counselor in Riverside, CA is $59,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do unlicensed counselors typically collaborate with licensed professionals within a mental health setting?

Unlicensed counselors often work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists or clinical social workers. They may assist with intake interviews, facilitate group sessions, and offer support to clients while ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines set by their supervising clinician. Regular team meetings and supervision sessions are common, allowing unlicensed counselors to discuss cases, receive feedback, and further develop their skills. This collaborative environment not only ensures quality care for clients but also provides valuable learning opportunities for unlicensed counselors as they progress toward licensure.

What Does an Unlicensed Counselor Do?

The job duties of an unlicensed counselor include providing counseling services or mental health treatment for a client. As an unlicensed counselor, you must have some training to provide mental health therapy, but you do not have a license. In this career, you may offer counseling services in a specific area, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family and relationship therapy. Some unlicensed counselors use religious themes and practices in their counseling. Depending on your area of specialization, you may work with other mental health professionals in an office or clinic to provide treatment for an individual.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Counselor vs Licensed Counselor?

AspectUnlicensed CounselorLicensed Counselor
CredentialsTypically no state-issued license; may have a degree in counseling or related fieldMust hold a valid state license (e.g., LPC, LMHC) with required education and supervised experience
Work EnvironmentOften works under supervision, in community agencies, schools, or clinicsWorks independently or with supervision, in similar settings but with legal authority to provide counseling
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in non-clinical roles, internships, or transitional positionsStandard in clinical practice, private practice, and healthcare settings

In summary, Unlicensed Counselors typically have relevant education but lack licensure, limiting their scope of practice. Licensed Counselors have met state requirements, allowing them to provide independent clinical services. The key difference lies in licensure status, affecting their responsibilities and legal authority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unlicensed Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Counselor, you typically need a background in psychology or a related field, strong active listening skills, and foundational knowledge of counseling principles. Familiarity with case management software, basic assessment tools, and documentation systems is often expected. Exceptional empathy, nonjudgmental communication, and the ability to build trust are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to providing effective support, maintaining client confidentiality, and fostering positive outcomes for clients within the boundaries of the role.

What are unlicensed counselors?

Unlicensed counselors are individuals who provide counseling services but do not hold a state-issued license to practice as a professional counselor or therapist. They may have relevant education or training and often work under supervision or in non-clinical settings such as community programs, schools, or support groups. While they can offer support and guidance, unlicensed counselors are typically limited in the types of services they can provide and are not authorized to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. It's important to verify the qualifications and legal scope of practice for anyone offering counseling services.
More about Unlicensed Counselor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Unlicensed Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Unlicensed Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Unlicensed Counselor job openings:
Unlicensed Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unlicensed Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,758 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Social Worker I (MSW) - Healthy Steps (Bilingual)

Social Worker I (MSW) - Healthy Steps (Bilingual)

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

Murrieta, CA

$35.84 - $49.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 1,004 rated hospitals

Job description

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

JOB SUMMARY:

The Social Worker I (MSW) applies principles of Social Work and other mental health practices to provide patients and families with assessment interventions, support advocacy and case management as a primary provider and/or as ancillary support to the primary medical provider. The SW I (MSW) practices as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the provision of clinical intervention, supporting patients and families. The SW I (MSW) develops treatment plans and interventions to address the needs identified in the assessment and by the Team. Applies knowledge of culture, age and developmental stages to develop treatment plans and provide interventions. Provides support and debriefing to RCHSD staff following traumatic events. Also provides emotional support to children and their families, coordinates care, and connects families to important financial and recovery resources. Unlicensed Social Workers may provide supervision to Social Work Student Interns at the discretion of the Supervisor and as allowed by the academic institution.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

- Outstanding written and verbal communicator

- Analytical skills

- Emotionally resilient

- The ability to interact with a diverse clientele

- Diligent and possess strong professional boundaries

- Proven time-management and organizational skills

- Critical thinker

- Ethical integrity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Therapy or related field

- 1 year of experience and/or 1 year pediatric professional experience

- Registration with the State of California as an ASW, AMFT, or APPC. Must obtain registration number within 6 months of hire

- CA driver's license and proof of insurance, if applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Knowledge of evidence-based practices applied in clinical interventions

- Experience in assessments and treatment of children and adolescents

- Experience in trauma, bereavement, chronic illness, catastrophic diagnosis, family violence, child protection and bio-ethical issues

- Experience working in an acute-care hospital setting

The current salary range for this position is $35.84 to $49.28

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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