Position
Salary

How much does a Mental Health Director make?

The average salary for a Mental Health Director is $98,327 per year in the US.

A Mental Health Director plays a crucial role in managing mental health services. This position often involves overseeing programs, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and ensuring quality care. The average salary for a Mental Health Director is around $98,327 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific organization.

Mental Health Directors can expect to earn more as they gain experience. Entry-level directors might start at around $56,100, while those with many years of experience can earn over $200,000 annually. Factors like the size of the organization and the region also affect salary. For example, directors in urban areas or large hospitals may see higher salaries compared to those in smaller towns or clinics.

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

Mental Health Directors in Washington, DC, earn the highest average salary at $124,588. This city offers top-tier opportunities for those in the field. San Diego, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $110,855 and $110,347, respectively. These cities provide competitive pay and a chance to make a significant impact.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mental Health Director jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $124,588 and Virginia Beach, VA with the lowest at $89,907.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $124,588
    In Washington, DC, a leader in mental health management oversees programs at top-tier institutions. They work with government agencies and non-profits to improve mental health services. The city offers many opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Washington, DC


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $110,855
    San Diego, CA, provides a vibrant environment for mental health professionals. Directors here lead initiatives in both private and public sectors. They collaborate with local universities and healthcare providers to enhance community care.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,347
    Los Angeles, CA, offers a dynamic setting for mental health directors. They manage large-scale programs in diverse communities. Working with major hospitals and clinics, they focus on improving access to mental health services.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $104,998
    Baltimore, MD, is a city where mental health directors make a significant impact. They lead efforts in both urban and suburban areas. They work with local government and non-profits to address mental health needs effectively.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Baltimore, MD


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $97,689
    Chicago, IL, offers a bustling environment for mental health directors. They oversee programs in large healthcare systems and community organizations. They focus on innovative solutions to improve mental health care in the city.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $89,907
    In Virginia Beach, VA, mental health directors lead initiatives in a growing community. They work with local hospitals and schools to enhance mental health services. The city offers a supportive environment for professional development.
    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 Directors, with an average of $186,250. MindCare Solutions also provides a competitive salary, averaging $134,423. Community Research Foundation pays well, with an average salary of $109,889 for this role. Ellie Mental Health and Wellpath offer solid compensation for Mental Health Directors, with average salaries of $108,625 and $95,278, respectively. Wexford Health Sources, Inc., Psychiatric Medical Care, and VitalCore Health Strategies also provide good salaries, ranging from $90,363 to $84,227. These companies value mental health professionals and offer attractive compensation packages.
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 $84,227.
  1. Bay Area Community Services
    Average Salary: $186,250
    Bay Area Community Services offers rewarding Mental Health Director positions. They operate in California, providing a range of mental health services. Their directors lead teams in creating supportive environments for clients.


  2. MindCare Solutions
    Average Salary: $134,423
    MindCare Solutions provides Mental Health Director roles with competitive salaries. They work across multiple states, focusing on innovative mental health care. Directors here manage programs and ensure high-quality care.


  3. Community Research Foundation
    Average Salary: $109,889
    Community Research Foundation offers Mental Health Director positions with a focus on research and care. They operate in the Midwest, providing comprehensive mental health services. Directors here lead research and clinical teams.


  4. Ellie Mental Health
    Average Salary: $108,625
    Ellie Mental Health provides Mental Health Director roles with a focus on client-centered care. They have locations across the U.S., offering a supportive work environment. Directors here manage teams and ensure client well-being.


  5. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $95,278
    Wellpath offers Mental Health Director positions with a focus on correctional facilities. They operate nationwide, providing mental health services in prisons. Directors here manage mental health care for inmates.


  6. Wexford Health Sources, Inc.
    Average Salary: $90,363
    Wexford Health Sources, Inc. provides Mental Health Director roles with a focus on correctional health. They work in multiple states, offering mental health services in correctional facilities. Directors here manage mental health care for inmates.


  7. Psychiatric Medical Care
    Average Salary: $84,978
    Psychiatric Medical Care offers Mental Health Director positions with a focus on patient care. They operate in several states, providing mental health services in various settings. Directors here manage clinical teams and patient care.


  8. VitalCore Health Strategies
    Average Salary: $84,227
    VitalCore Health Strategies provides Mental Health Director roles with a focus on correctional facilities. They work in multiple states, offering mental health services in prisons. Directors here manage mental health care for inmates.

How to earn more as a Mental Health Director?

Aspiring Mental Health Directors can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy is to gain additional certifications. These credentials can enhance a director's expertise and make them more valuable to employers. Another way to boost earnings is by pursuing a master's degree in a related field. Higher education often leads to higher pay.

Experience plays a significant role in salary negotiations. Directors with more years of experience can command higher salaries. Networking within the industry also opens up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can lead to new job offers. Lastly, taking on leadership roles in large organizations or hospitals can increase earning potential. These roles often come with higher salaries and more benefits.

Consider these factors to increase earnings as a Mental Health Director:

  • Obtain additional certifications
  • Pursue a master's degree
  • Gain more experience
  • Network within the industry
  • Take on leadership roles

Currently 41 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
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Mental Health Director
41 Job Openings