How much does a Mental Health Professional make?
Mental Health Professionals play a crucial role in helping people manage their mental health. They work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The average yearly salary for these professionals is around $75,564. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work.
The salary range can be quite broad. At the lower end, some professionals earn about $31,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. The highest earners in this field can make up to $172,196 annually. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the value placed on skilled mental health professionals.
What are the highest paying cities for a Mental Health Professional?

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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $168,558
In Stockton, mental health professionals find rewarding work in a community that values mental well-being. With local organizations like Kaiser Permanente, professionals can make a significant impact. The city offers a supportive environment for those dedicated to improving mental health.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $129,388
San Diego offers a dynamic setting for mental health professionals. The city is home to major employers like Sharp HealthCare and Rady Children's Hospital. Working here means being part of a community that prioritizes mental health and wellness.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $123,688
Providence provides a unique environment for mental health professionals. The city's institutions, such as Lifespan and Care New England, offer diverse opportunities. Professionals here can contribute to a community that values mental health care.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $121,782
San Jose is a vibrant city for mental health professionals. With companies like El Camino Health and Kaiser Permanente, there are many avenues to explore. The city's tech-driven culture also brings unique challenges and opportunities for mental health care.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $117,097
Sacramento offers a stable environment for mental health professionals. The city's healthcare providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health, offer solid opportunities. Working here means being part of a community that values mental health and well-being.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $113,889
San Francisco provides a dynamic setting for mental health professionals. The city's diverse population and institutions like UCSF Health offer rich opportunities. Working here means being part of a community that values mental health and innovation.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $111,490
Santa Rosa offers a supportive environment for mental health professionals. Local organizations like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health provide excellent opportunities. The city's focus on community well-being makes it a rewarding place to work.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $109,042
Tucson provides a unique setting for mental health professionals. The city's institutions like Banner - University Medicine and Community Health and Social Services, Inc. offer diverse opportunities. Working here means being part of a community that values mental health care.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $108,785
Modesto offers a supportive environment for mental health professionals. The city's healthcare providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and Memorial Medical Center, offer solid opportunities. Working here means being part of a community that values mental health and well-being.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $107,740
Santa Maria provides a close-knit environment for mental health professionals. Local organizations like Marian Regional Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities. The city's focus on community well-being makes it a rewarding place to work.
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What are the best companies a Mental Health Professional can work for?

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TEEMA
Average Salary: $185,284
TEEMA is a leading provider of mental health services. They offer a range of positions across various locations. TEEMA focuses on creating a supportive environment for both professionals and patients.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $120,272
Kaiser Permanente is a well-known health care organization. They offer many mental health positions in different states. They emphasize a team approach to patient care.
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P.I.E. Management, L.L.C.
Average Salary: $110,000
P.I.E. Management, L.L.C. provides mental health services in several locations. They focus on delivering quality care and supporting their staff. They offer a variety of roles for mental health professionals.
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Care One, Inc.
Average Salary: $110,000
Care One, Inc. is a company that offers mental health services in multiple locations. They are committed to providing excellent care and supporting their employees. They have a range of positions available.
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Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
Average Salary: $110,000
Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. provides mental health staffing services. They operate in various locations and offer many opportunities for mental health professionals. They focus on matching the right professionals with the right roles.
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Allina Health
Average Salary: $107,004
Allina Health offers mental health services in several locations. They focus on providing comprehensive care and supporting their staff. They have a variety of positions for mental health professionals.
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Mitchell/Martin Inc.
Average Salary: $99,167
Mitchell/Martin Inc. provides mental health staffing services. They operate in multiple locations and offer many opportunities for mental health professionals. They focus on providing quality care and supporting their staff.
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University of Vermont Health Network
Average Salary: $95,453
The University of Vermont Health Network offers mental health services in several locations. They focus on providing quality care and supporting their staff. They have a variety of positions for mental health professionals.
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Naphcare, Inc.
Average Salary: $93,044
Naphcare, Inc. provides mental health services in various locations. They focus on delivering quality care and supporting their staff. They offer a range of positions for mental health professionals.
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Boys Town
Average Salary: $92,785
Boys Town offers mental health services in several locations. They focus on providing quality care and supporting their staff. They have a variety of positions for mental health professionals.
How to earn more as a Mental Health Professional?
Mental health professionals have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. To earn more in this field, consider these key factors. Each one can help increase your earning potential and job satisfaction.
First, gaining specialized certifications can lead to higher pay. For example, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) often results in higher-paying positions. These certifications require additional training and exams, but they can open doors to better-paying jobs. Second, working in high-demand areas such as urban centers or rural communities can increase your earnings. These areas often offer higher salaries to attract professionals. Third, developing expertise in areas like trauma therapy, addiction treatment, or child psychology can make you more valuable. These specialized skills can command higher fees or salaries. Fourth, building a strong reputation and client base can lead to more referrals and higher income. Word-of-mouth and online reviews play a big role in attracting new clients. Finally, pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate can lead to higher-paying positions. These degrees often qualify you for roles in research, teaching, or administration, which typically pay more.
By focusing on these factors, mental health professionals can enhance their earning potential and career satisfaction. Each step requires dedication and effort, but the rewards can be significant.
- Gain specialized certifications.
- Work in high-demand areas.
- Develop expertise in specialized areas.
- Build a strong reputation and client base.
- Pursue advanced degrees.