California Behavioral Health Travel Jobs
The highest-paying behavioral health market in the US. CDCR Coleman-mandated psych staffing, LA County DMH, DSH state hospitals, and Kaiser — all paying $2,700–$3,500/week for licensed BH clinicians.
Quick Answer
California pays 15–25% above the national average for behavioral health travel clinicians. CDCR's Coleman consent decree creates permanent demand for psych RNs at $2,800–$3,500/week. LA County DMH is the largest county BH system in the US, hiring LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC travelers at $2,700–$3,200/week. All CA BH roles require California-specific licensure — apply to CA BRN or CA BBS 8–12 weeks before your target start date.
Federal Coleman Consent Decree
A 1995 federal class action placed CDCR's psychiatric care under court oversight. Mandated staffing ratios that CDCR can't fill with permanent staff = permanent travel demand at premium rates.
Higher GSA Housing Stipends
California's high cost of living generates the largest GSA-approved housing stipends in the country — LA: $3,132/month; San Francisco: $4,980/month. These tax-free stipends compound the pay premium significantly.
Largest Public BH System in the US
LA County's $6.5 billion DMH budget funds 90+ programs across the county. Competing with CDCR for the same licensed clinicians drives wages up for everyone in the market.
CDCR — California Department of Corrections
Roles: Psych RN, Psychiatric Technician
Coleman consent decree — federal mandate = guaranteed demand
$2,800–$3,500/wk
View Jobs →LA County DMH — Department of Mental Health
Roles: LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Psych RN
Largest county BH system in the US — always hiring
$2,700–$3,200/wk
View Jobs →California DSH — Department of State Hospitals
Roles: Psych RN, LCSW, Psychiatric Technician
Forensic psychiatric hospitals with consistent travel demand
$2,700–$3,200/wk
View Jobs →Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health
Roles: Psych RN, LCSW, LMFT
Largest integrated BH system in CA — pay comparable to county
$2,700–$3,100/wk
View Jobs →| Role | Weekly Pay | License Board | CA Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psych RN (CDCR) | $2,800–$3,500/wk | CA BRN | 6–12 wks |
| Psych RN (Hospital / DSH) | $2,700–$3,200/wk | CA BRN | 6–12 wks |
| LCSW | $2,900–$3,200/wk | CA BBS | 6–10 wks |
| LMFT | $2,700–$2,900/wk | CA BBS | 6–10 wks |
| LPCC | $2,700–$2,900/wk | CA BBS | 6–10 wks |
| Psychiatric Technician | $1,800–$2,400/wk | CA DCA | 4–8 wks |
Processing times are estimates. Apply 8–12 weeks before your target contract start date for all CA licenses.
Updated every 4 hours from CatSol's live inventory.
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Corcoran, CA
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcora (SATF) · 13 weeks · Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
$3,293/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
$3,262/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Corcoran, CA
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcora (SATF) · 13 weeks · Licensed Clinical social Worker (LCSW) School
$3,233/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Los Angeles, CA
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - Los Angeles · 13 weeks · Radiation Therapist
$3,175/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Stockton, CA
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) & (CHCF/PP) · 13 weeks · Physical Therapist (PT)
$2,858/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Chowchilla, CA
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) · 13 weeks · Physical Therapist (PT)
$2,821/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Represa, CA
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,662.56/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Susanville, CA
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
$2,662/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Represa, CA
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,628/wk
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Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,622/wk
Apply →
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,622/wk
Apply →
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,622/wk
Apply →
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,602/wk
Apply →
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Ione, CA
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
$2,602/wk
Apply →
Healthcare Travel Assignment — Vacaville, CA
California Medical Facility (CMF) & (CMF/PP) · 13 weeks · Physical Therapist (PT)
$2,562/wk
Apply →
California's 33 state prisons operate under a federal Coleman consent decree mandating psychiatric staffing levels. Travel psych RNs earn $2,800–$3,500/week — no nights, no holidays, structured day shifts. It's the highest-paying psychiatric nursing market in the country.
CatSol places LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, and Psych RN travelers at CDCR, LA County DMH, DSH, and Kaiser in California. Tell us your license — we'll match you to the highest-paying open contract.
