Primary Therapist (Licensed or Non-Licensed) - Per Diem
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Open mental health therapist jobs in California post a median of $52.63 an hour, the middle half $34.27–$61.15, across 109 jobs that state their pay. Mental health therapists employed in California earn a median of $28.48 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab).
Mental health therapists in California: pay by town and employer
The Mental Health & Social Work job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly
About the job
What You’ll Do
The Primary Therapist conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, and facilitates therapy sessions. You’ll collaborate with your clients’ treatment teams and connect directly with families. Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as a compassionate, informative point of contact for clients’ family members
- Facilitating individual, group, and family therapy sessions, within the framework of Newport Healthcare’s clinical model and the Attachment-Based Family Therapy model
- Leading family orientations, welcome presentations, and family support groups
- Conducting intake assessments and developing individualized treatment and safety plans
- Participating in treatment team meetings, staff meetings, and clinical supervision sessions
What Makes You a Great Fit
- Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field; or enrollment in a doctorate program from an accredited or state-approved graduate school (required)
- Board registered (APCC, LAPC, ASW, AMFT, MHCA) or Psychologic Associate in the state where services are provided (required)
- Experience facilitating therapy with young adults and/or adolescents
- A patient-first mindset that inspires you to reach the highest standards in delivery of care
- Cultural sensitivity and interpersonal savvy that allow you to build constructive and effective relationships with colleagues, clients, and families
- A problem-solver who digs deep and uses all the information available to craft skillful solution.
Compensation for a licensed therapist ranges from $X - $X depending on education, licensure and experience. Non-licensed therapist compensation ranges from $X-$X an hour.
From Newport Healthcare's job posting, checked Oct 29, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Newport Healthcare
Newport Healthcare hires mental health staff, nurses and advanced practice providers in 8 states.
Hires in Minnesota, Connecticut, California, Washington, Utah, Virginia, Pennsylvania, GeorgiaPay on its listings: 67.5% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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