Position
Salary

How much does a Mental Health Director make?

The average salary for a Mental Health Director is $99,461 per year in the US.

A Mental Health Director plays a crucial role in managing mental health services. This role often involves overseeing programs, coordinating staff, and ensuring quality care. The average yearly salary for a Mental Health Director is around $99,461. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the organization.

Mental Health Directors can earn a range of salaries. The lowest 10% earn about $56,100, while the top 10% earn over $200,000. Most directors fall between $82,264 and $173,836. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the importance of experience and skills in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mental Health Director?

Mental Health Directors can find top-paying opportunities in Washington, DC, where the average salary reaches $123,313. San Diego, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $111,687 and $110,347, respectively. Baltimore, MD, Chicago, IL, and Virginia Beach, VA, provide attractive compensation packages, with salaries averaging $108,598, $97,689, and $89,907, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mental Health Director jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $123,313 and Virginia Beach, VA with the lowest at $89,907.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $123,313
    In Washington, DC, a leader in mental health management oversees programs at top-tier institutions like the National Institute of Mental Health. Working here means collaborating with government agencies and non-profits to improve mental health services.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Washington, DC


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $111,687
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for mental health professionals. Leaders here manage programs at renowned organizations such as Sharp HealthCare. They focus on innovative treatments and community outreach to enhance mental health care.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,347
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic setting for mental health directors. They work with major health systems like Kaiser Permanente. The focus is on diverse populations and integrating mental health into broader health services.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $108,598
    Baltimore is home to several key mental health institutions. Leaders here manage programs at places like Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. They work on community-based initiatives to address mental health needs effectively.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Baltimore, MD


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $97,689
    Chicago offers a bustling environment for mental health directors. Leaders work with organizations like Rush University Medical Center. They focus on comprehensive mental health services and community engagement to improve outcomes.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $89,907
    In Virginia Beach, mental health leaders manage programs at facilities like Sentara Healthcare. They work on providing accessible mental health services to the community, focusing on both clinical and community-based approaches.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

What are the best companies a Mental Health Director can work for?

Bay Area Community Services offers one of the highest salaries for Mental Health Director positions. With an average salary of $186,250, it stands out as a top employer in this field. MindCare Solutions also provides a competitive salary, averaging $134,423, making it another attractive option for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mental Health Director jobs, highlighting Bay Area Community Services with the highest at $186,250 and VitalCore Health Strategies with the lowest at $84,338.
  1. Bay Area Community Services
    Average Salary: $186,250
    Bay Area Community Services offers rewarding Mental Health Director roles. They operate in California, providing a range of mental health services. Their directors lead teams that focus on community mental health, ensuring high-quality care.


  2. MindCare Solutions
    Average Salary: $134,423
    MindCare Solutions is a leading provider of mental health services. They have locations across the United States. Their Mental Health Director positions involve managing mental health programs and ensuring excellent patient care. Directors work with a diverse team to achieve their goals.


  3. Community Research Foundation
    Average Salary: $110,578
    Community Research Foundation offers Mental Health Director jobs with a focus on research and community health. They operate in several states, providing a supportive environment. Directors here lead initiatives that improve mental health outcomes for communities.


  4. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $96,582
    Wellpath provides Mental Health Director roles with a focus on correctional facilities. They have locations nationwide. Directors work to improve mental health services for inmates, ensuring they receive the care they need.


  5. Psychiatric Medical Care
    Average Salary: $84,871
    Psychiatric Medical Care offers Mental Health Director positions with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states. Directors here manage mental health programs and ensure high-quality care for patients.


  6. VitalCore Health Strategies
    Average Salary: $84,338
    VitalCore Health Strategies provides Mental Health Director roles with a focus on correctional facilities. They have locations across the country. Directors here work to improve mental health services for inmates, ensuring they receive the care they need.

How to earn more as a Mental Health Director?

Aspiring Mental Health Directors can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. One key factor is gaining advanced certifications. These credentials can enhance a director's expertise and make them more valuable to employers. Another factor is taking on leadership roles in larger organizations. These positions often come with higher salaries. Directors can also increase their income by specializing in high-demand areas, such as addiction treatment or child psychology. Networking with other professionals in the field can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Finally, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can lead to more advanced roles and higher pay.

Directors can also boost their earnings by seeking out positions in high-cost-of-living areas. These regions often offer higher salaries to attract qualified professionals. Another way to earn more is by taking on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing multiple programs or departments. Directors who demonstrate strong leadership and management skills can often command higher pay. Continuing education and staying current with the latest trends in mental health can also make a director more competitive in the job market. Finally, directors who have a proven track record of success can negotiate higher salaries based on their past achievements.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings as a Mental Health Director:

  1. Gain advanced certifications
  2. Take on leadership roles in larger organizations
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Network with other professionals
  5. Pursue higher education degrees

Currently 60 Mental Health Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Mental Health Director in the US?

Learn what a Mental Health Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Mental Health Director today.
Position
Overview
Mental Health Director
60 Job Openings