Behavioral Health JobsWashington

Washington State Behavioral Health Jobs

Travel LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, PMHNP, and Psychologist assignments across Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and rural Washington. 0% state income tax + severe MHPSA shortage = strong BH travel market.

Weekly Pay
$1,600–$2,900
State Income Tax
0% — None
WA BH Credential
LICSW / LMHC
Counseling Compact
LMHC eligible

Washington Uses Different Credential Names — Know Before You Apply

Washington state has its own credential terminology that differs from most states: LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) = what other states call LCSW; LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) = what other states call LPC or LPCC; SUDP (Substance Use Disorder Professional) = a Washington-specific SUD credential. When applying for Washington BH travel positions, confirm which credential your out-of-state license maps to. The Counseling Compact covers LMHCs in Washington.

Open Washington State BH Travel Positions

Updated every 4 hours · 0 active positions

New WA BH openings post regularly. Submit your profile to be matched first.

Apply for Washington BH Assignments

Washington BH Pay by Credential 2026

Credential (WA Name)WA Weekly PayEquivalent in Other StatesWA Shortage Level
PMHNP (Psychiatric NP)$2,400–$2,900Same nationwide🔴 Critical
Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)$2,200–$2,800Same nationwide🔴 Critical
LICSW (Licensed Independent CSW)$1,900–$2,500LCSW in most states🟠 Severe
Psych RN (RN-BC Psych)$2,100–$2,700Same nationwide🟠 Severe
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)$1,700–$2,200LPC / LPCC in most states🟠 Severe
LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)$1,700–$2,100Same nationwide🟡 High
SUDP (Substance Use Disorder Professional)$1,500–$1,900CADC / CSAC in other states🟠 Severe

Washington State Behavioral Health Sectors

BH-ASOs (Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations)

Largest BH Sector

Washington contracts with regional BH-ASOs to manage publicly-funded community BH services. Optum (King/Pierce County), Greater Lakes MHC, and other ASO partners operate a network of CMHCs, crisis services, and inpatient units statewide. All have persistent LICSW, LMHC, and case manager shortages.

Harborview Medical Center — Seattle

Psych ED Hub

UW Medicine's flagship psychiatric emergency and crisis stabilization center. Harborview's psychiatric ED is the primary destination for psychiatric emergencies in King County. Psych RN, social work, and crisis counselor travel demand is consistent.

Washington State Hospitals (Eastern State, Western State)

State Hospital System

Washington's two state psychiatric hospitals (Western State in Lakewood, Eastern State in Medical Lake/Spokane) have chronic BH staffing shortages — particularly for psychologists, LICSWs, and Psych RNs. These are civil commitment facilities for long-term patients.

Rural Eastern Washington

Rural MHPSA

Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities, and rural counties east of the Cascades have far fewer BH clinicians per capita than western WA. Yakima County and rural eastern WA counties are HRSA-designated MHPSA. Rural premium pay ($200–$400/week) is common.

Washington DOC (Corrections)

Corrections BH

Washington Department of Corrections operates BH units at 12 adult correctional facilities. Consistent LICSW, LMHC, and Psych RN openings. DOC facilities are located across the state including Monroe, Walla Walla, Clallam Bay, and Aberdeen.

Seattle Homelessness BH Services

Crisis / Homeless Services

Seattle's significant homeless population creates high demand for crisis counselors, case managers, and SUD professionals across DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center), Compass Housing Alliance, and other nonprofits. These positions are often contract-based and open to travel BH clinicians.

Washington BH Travel Jobs — FAQ

How much do travel BH clinicians make in Washington state?
Travel BH clinicians in Washington earn $1,600–$2,900/week. PMHNPs earn the most ($2,400–$2,900/week). LICSWs (Washington's equivalent of LCSW) earn $1,900–$2,500/week. Washington's 0% state income tax means you keep significantly more of your gross vs California (9.3%+) or Oregon (8.75%+) at the same rate.
What does Washington call the LCSW credential?
Washington uses LICSW — Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. In most other states, this is equivalent to what's called LCSW or LCSW-C. When applying for Washington travel BH positions requiring "LICSW," your out-of-state LCSW license is the equivalent credential. The social work licensing board's endorsement process will verify this equivalency when you apply for a Washington license.
Does Washington participate in the Counseling Compact?
Washington state participates in the Counseling Compact for LMHCs. Washington's LMHC credential is the equivalent of what other states call LPC, LPCC, or LCPC. If your home state is a Counseling Compact member and you hold an LPC or LMHC license, you can practice in Washington with a compact privilege — no separate WA LMHC application required.
What makes Eastern Washington a distinct BH travel market?
Eastern Washington (Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, Tri-Cities) has far fewer BH clinicians per capita than the Seattle metro area. Several counties are HRSA-designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Pay premium for rural Eastern WA is typically $200–$400/week above Seattle rates, with significantly lower cost of living (housing 40–60% cheaper than Seattle). Eastern WA is excellent for BH clinicians wanting high net income and outdoor recreation access.

More Washington & Behavioral Health Resources

All Behavioral Health JobsTravel LCSW JobsTravel LPC JobsArizona Behavioral Health JobsCalifornia Behavioral Health JobsNew York Behavioral Health JobsTravel Nursing Jobs WashingtonTravel Psych RN JobsPsychiatric Nurse GuideTravel LPC / LMHC Guide

Find Your Washington BH Travel Assignment

CatSol's behavioral health recruiters match LICSWs, LMHCs, PMHNPs, and psychologists to WA facilities. 0% income tax + Pacific Northwest lifestyle = one of the best BH travel markets in the country.

Apply Now — It's FreeCall 214-736-2179