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Unlicensed Mental Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unlicensed Clinician - Mental Health 161

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Without them, I'd be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live..." - Client from Telecare What You Will Do to Change Lives The Clinician Unlicensed provides mental health ...

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Unlicensed Mental Health information

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How much do unlicensed mental health jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for unlicensed mental health in the United States is $20.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unlicensed mental health professional?

An unlicensed mental health professional is someone who provides mental health support or services but does not hold a state-issued license to practice independently. These individuals may have relevant education, such as a degree in psychology or counseling, and often work under the supervision of licensed clinicians. Their roles can include case management, peer support, group facilitation, or assisting with therapy sessions. However, they are limited in the types of services they can provide and cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unlicensed mental health professional?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Mental Health Professional, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of counseling principles and mental health conditions. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, case management software, and evidence-based intervention tools is often expected. Strong active listening, empathy, cultural competence, and communication skills help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable effective support, documentation, and collaboration in mental health care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by unlicensed mental health professionals, and how can they navigate them?

Unlicensed mental health professionals often face challenges such as limited scope of practice, supervision requirements, and navigating client needs while adhering to ethical guidelines. It’s important to maintain open communication with licensed supervisors and stay updated on state regulations to ensure proper client care. Building strong collaboration skills is crucial, as unlicensed professionals frequently work alongside licensed clinicians, social workers, and other mental health staff. Additionally, developing organizational and self-care strategies can help manage caseloads and prevent burnout while gaining valuable experience for future licensure.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Mental Health vs Licensed Mental Health Professional?

AspectUnlicensed Mental HealthLicensed Mental Health Professional
CredentialsNo formal licensure or certification requiredRequires state licensure and specific certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, non-profits, outpatient settingsClinics, private practices, hospitals, mental health facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport, counseling under supervision, case managementDiagnosis, treatment planning, therapy, independent practice
Legal ScopeLimited; cannot provide independent clinical diagnosis or treatmentFull scope of practice including diagnosis and therapy

Unlicensed Mental Health workers assist clients under supervision and have limited responsibilities, while Licensed Mental Health Professionals can independently diagnose and treat mental health conditions. The key difference lies in credentials, scope of practice, and work settings.

More about Unlicensed Mental Health jobs

What cities are hiring for Unlicensed Mental Health jobs?

Cities with the most Unlicensed Mental Health job openings:

What states have the most Unlicensed Mental Health jobs?

States with the most job openings for Unlicensed Mental Health jobs include:

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Mental Health job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,959 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Unlicensed Mental Health Practioner - PROS

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.

Bethpage, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Family Residences & Essential Enterprises rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

PROS Mental Health Practitioner

Enjoy making a difference? Join the team at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), enriching the lives of others, one individual at a time. FREE benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the PROS Manager/Licensed Manager, the PROS Mental Health Practitioner is responsible for direct service to the program participants. This includes but is not limited to completing assessments, developing goal and treatment plans, accompanying and driving program participants on scheduled outings, facilitating group and individual counseling sessions, and maintaining program participant records in accordance with NYS OMH/Federal. Managed Care, Medicaid, and COA guidelines. This role functions under the supervision of a licensed professional within the organization, who will sign off and approve tasks that require professional licensure.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Essential Functions
  • Manages and supports a caseload of individuals diagnosed with one or more mental health disorders.
  • Conducts 1:1 and group sessions to teach daily living skills, coping skills, and other skills to support independence.
  • Under the supervision and formal approval of a licensed professional, completes various assessments integral to the development of treatment plan.
  • Works with the people we support and other members of the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans that aid the person in achieving their personal life goals.
  • Works in partnership with the people we support to ensure that their rights, health, safety and personal outcomes are being always supported.
  • Assists the people we support to overcome barriers and challenges to establish and maintain a network of relationships and valued social roles.
  • Coordinates COA activities within the program.
  • Develops and initiates curriculums to meet the needs of the individuals within the program.
  • Provides field-based treatment in the community and individual's home as required.
  • Prevents, recognizes, and reports abuse toward the people we support.
  • Coordinates, supports, attends, and participates in all required events, meetings, reviews, and/or committees as needed, including ones outside of standard working hours.
  • Assists with screenings, intakes, and admissions responsibilities under the supervision and formal approval of a licensed professional.
  • Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities of All FREE Employees
  • Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
  • Complies fully with FREE's confidentiality policies by holding in strict confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
  • Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
  • Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
  • Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
  • Adheres to FREE's standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

Qualifications
  • Education:
    • Master's Degree in mental health, social work, creative arts therapy, or another related field required
  • Experience:
    • Experience working in the behavioral health and/or development disability field preferred
  • Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:
    • LMSW, LCAT, LMHC, LCSW, or another related licensure preferred
    • Training will be provided upon hire as needed
  • Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
    • Computer literacy and familiarity with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office Suite required
    • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential
    • Leadership skills
    • Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills
  • Other Requirements:
    • Valid Driver's License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for FREE required.
Work Environment

This role is performed in person at the Oakdale or Bethpage building with some travel in the community and between FREE locations in a personal or agency vehicle required.

Physical Requirements
  • Employees are required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours).
  • Employees are required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Employees are required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets.
  • Employees are required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Employees are required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed.
  • Employees are required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.
  • Employees are required to drive individuals supported to scheduled outings

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.

FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all of its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises' affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are set out and described in our affirmative action plan for protected veterans and individuals with a disability. If you have any questions or would like to view the affirmative action plan, please visit our website.


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