The need for compassionate, skilled behavioral health professionals, like therapists, counselors and social workers, is higher than ever before. Job openings in health care occupations, which include many behavioral health roles, are expected to grow by 17% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all jobs. This massive demand means that if you are looking for meaningful work, the field of behavioral health is ready for you.

The great news is that you now have more choices than ever about how and where you work. Thanks to technology, you can decide between a traditional local job where you see clients in a clinic, or a remote job where you help people right from your home computer.

Choosing the right setting is just as important as choosing the right job title. It affects your daily life, your comfort and how you connect with your clients. We’re here to help you look at both paths so you can find the perfect place to start or continue your meaningful career.

Choosing between remote and local jobs

Deciding whether to work from home or in a clinic is a big choice, especially in a field like behavioral health, where human connection is key. Each has its perks and challenges, and what’s right for you depends on your priorities, your license and your long-term goals.

A local job means you regularly commute to a clinic, hospital or clinic. You meet clients face-to-face in a dedicated, professional space. 

Pros of local work include:

• A stronger team feel

Being in a shared clinic makes it easier to chat with co-workers, grab coffee together and get quick advice. This team feeling can be very supportive, especially when dealing with tough client situations.

• Clear boundaries

When you leave the clinic, you leave work behind. This physical separation is helpful for keeping a healthy work-life balance and protecting your personal space.

• Easier for complex cases

For some clients, especially children, teens or those with very serious needs, meeting in person is often the best or even necessary option for safety and clear communication.

• Less technology worry

You don’t have to worry about your internet cutting out or having tech problems; the clinic usually handles all that.

Cons of local work:

• Commuting time and cost

You spend time and money traveling to and from work every day.

• Less flexible schedule

Your workday is usually tied to the clinic’s hours and the availability of the physical space.

Remote behavioral health jobs, often called telehealth or teletherapy, mean you use secure video and phone calls to meet with clients. You work right from your home office.

Pros of remote work:

• Significant flexibility

You save all that commuting time, which you can use for self-care, family time or simply starting your day later. This flexibility is a huge reason many people choose remote work.

• Wider job pool

You can work for a clinic or company that is located anywhere in your state, sometimes even in other states, if you have the right licenses. This opens up many more job opportunities.

• Client comfort

Some clients feel much more comfortable and open up more easily when they are sitting in their own homes.

• Lower overhead for employers

Because companies save money on office space, sometimes remote roles can offer more competitive wages.

Cons of remote work:

• Isolation

You may miss the easy, daily interaction with co-workers, which can lead to feeling alone sometimes.

• Work-life blur

Since your office is at home, it can be harder to “turn off” work at the end of the day. You have to be very good at setting your own boundaries.

• Technology needs

You are responsible for having a fast, reliable internet connection, a secure computer, and a private space where no one can overhear your sessions.

It’s important to note that for remote jobs, you have several requirements to keep in mind:

• Must have a current, active license in the state where the client is located
• Must have a secure, private, and quiet space for conducting sessions

The shift toward remote work has been massive. The U.S. government reported that by 2022, about 28% of all private sector businesses have employees who were working remotely some or all of the time, and the mental health field is a big part of that change.

Where to find behavioral health jobs

Once you’re clear on whether you lean toward remote or local roles, the next question is: Where do you look? Here are several places to begin your search:

Behavioral health agencies and clinics

Local mental health centers, nonprofit community health organizations and outpatient clinics frequently post job openings. 

Telehealth platforms

There are many companies dedicated to telebehavioral health, from startups to well-known virtual care providers. Roles might include licensed therapists, counselors, case managers or telepsychiatrists.

Job boards and professional networks

Use specialized job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn or Psychology Today. Filter your searches for remote roles, telehealth or local provider opportunities to match your goals.

State and national associations organizations

Organizations like the American Mental Health Counselors Association or state-level behavioral health associations often share job resources and networking opportunities with their members.

Health systems and hospitals

Many hospitals, health systems and behavioral health centers are now hiring both in-person clinicians and remote staff, especially for outreach, telepsychiatry and crisis services.

How to find the right fit

Landing a behavioral health job isn’t just about finding a role. It’s about finding the right role. Here’s how to make sure the job fits your skills, your life and your professional goals.

Define your priorities.

Before you even open a job board, decide what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• Is flexibility my #1 priority? (If yes, lean toward remote or hybrid.)
• Is having a separate workspace my #1 priority? (If yes, lean toward local.)
• How long am I willing to commute?
• What is the minimum salary I need?

Defining these points upfront will help you quickly remove jobs that won’t work for your life.

Assess your skills and comfort level.

Think about your past experience and what you enjoy most.

Are you comfortable with technology? You’ll need to manage video platforms, electronic health records (EHRs) and security protocols for remote work.

Do you thrive on independence? Remote work requires you to be self-motivated and manage your own time very well.

How much team support do you need? If you are a new professional, you might need and want the close supervision and support that a local clinic naturally provides.

Consider experience and career goals.

Your career stage should influence your choice.

• Starting out

Many professionals in their first few years can benefit greatly from the in-person mentorship and immediate supervision that a local setting offers. They can more easily drop into a supervisor’s office with a quick question.

• Experienced professionals

If you are fully licensed and confident in your practice, remote work can be an excellent way to gain financial flexibility and save time.

Search with strong filters (remote and local).

When you are ready to search, don’t just type “therapist.” Use a smart approach:

• Remote searches

Always include the name of the state you are licensed in (e.g., “Remote therapist Colorado”).

• Local searches

Search for jobs specifically within a 10- or 20-mile radius of your home.

• Hybrid option

Look for hybrid jobs. These are often a great mix, allowing you to work from home a few days a week and come into the clinic for team meetings or check-ins. This model has become highly popular because it blends the best parts of both worlds.

Choosing between remote, local or hybrid behavioral health work is a deeply personal decision. There’s no single right answer, only what’s right for you, given your life, your license, your strengths and your goals.

Your value is needed: Find your fit in a supportive career at Guidelight Health

The high demand for behavioral health support confirms what you already know: The work you do is vital. Whether you choose the independence of a remote office or the structure of a local clinic, the most important thing is that you are bringing your compassion and skill to people who need it.

This is a career where you truly make a difference every single day, and you deserve a job environment that supports your own well-being.

At Guidelight, we understand how important this decision is. We are committed to compassionate care, and that includes caring for our team as well as our clients. We offer roles that support flexibility, meaningful work and room to grow, whether you’re drawn to remote therapy, local clinical work or a blend of both.

If you’re ready to explore behavioral health roles where your skills are highly valued and your impact is deeply felt, check out our Careers page. Your next step could also be your most meaningful one.