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Unlicensed Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jun 10, 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Unlicensed Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,758 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Clinical Supervisor (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

Clinical Supervisor (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

HAYNES FAMILY OF PROGRAMS INC

La Verne, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position based out of La Verne, CA.

SUMMARY:

The Clinical Supervisor oversees, trains, and establishes structure for the clinicians assigned to the therapeutic programs within the Mental Health department by providing a valuable and collaborative experience within the supervision process. This position is responsible for the effective implementation of and adherence to clinical supervision requirements according to state licensing and other regulatory bodies, including the Department of Mental Health and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. This position ensures the provision of high-quality care via supervision of assessments, treatment planning, and service delivery, as well as participation in the on-call crisis rotation.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Provides clinical supervision to unlicensed clinicians (Social Workers/Marriage and Family Therapists/Professional Clinical Counselors) as per BBS guidelines, including group and individual supervision
  • Reviews and approves assessments, treatment planning, and care coordination for mental health clients to ensure that quality mental health services are therapeutic and responsive to client needs.
  • Ensures that all clinicians perform their duties in compliance with all California standards, including the Department of Mental Health, the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the Department of Social Services
  • Ensures thorough coordination with other services that the intake, treatment, and discharge procedures are followed to ensure quality treatment and adherence to census requirements Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure documentation compliance
  • Participates in regular meetings with Program Coordinators to ensure effective collaboration and teaming with paraprofessional staff
  • Participates in the crisis rotation for 24/7 clinical crisis intervention response
  • Performs other reasonable, related duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

In the course of performing this in-person job, the incumbent typically spends time standing, walking on sloped/hilly areas of campus, carrying, driving, lifting (up to 40 pounds), listening, speaking, reaching, writing, and participating in restraint procedures

  • Minimum of 2 years current licensure as an LCSW or LMFT and the ability to supervise graduate student interns/trainees and registered ASW's, AMFT's, and APCC's.One or more years of progressive leadership/supervisory/administrative experience in the field of behavioral health services, preferably in programs providing the care and treatment for severely emotionally disturbed children or similar types of settings
  • Ability to effectively implement Department of Mental Health and Board of Behavioral Science standards in accordance with all required policies and procedures
  • Valid California Driver's License and proof of Auto Insurance required
  • Must fulfill all requirements of employment, including clearance of all required background records (e.g. Department of Justice, Child Abuse, California Community Care Licensing, County Sanction List, etc.), physical examination, and drug testing