Adult Substance Use Primary Therapist

Weekly outpatient therapy isn't always enough, and a trip to the ER isn't the only answer. Patients and their families rely on Compass Health Center when in crisis – every day, we help people overcome depression, anxiety, suicidality, obsessions/compulsions, trauma, chronic pain, and other obstacles in order for our patients to live freely.

About This Role 

Compass Health Center is seeking a Primary Therapist as part of our Adult Mood & Anxiety PHP/IOP programs focusing on our Mental Health and Substance Use Program. As a Primary Therapist, you’ll work thoughtfully with our patients to develop and implement their individualized treatment plans. This role will consist of conducting individual therapy meetings, collaborating with patients’ outpatient teams, and leading patients through their overall treatment program. You’ll partner closely with the entirety of our treatment teams, including Group Therapists, Family Therapists, and Prescribers to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care. 

What distinguishes us from other dual diagnosis programs is that we are primarily skills based and that we are not an abstinence-based program. We can tailor our program to the patient's substance goals ranging from reducing their use, to harm reduction to abstinence and helping to understand the relationship between their mental health and their use. 

Our centrally located Chicago office is nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of North Center, not to mention the social events hosted on our fully furnished rooftop! 

What You’ll Do 

• Utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing as well as other evidence-based therapies within our Mental Health and Substance Use Program


• Meet with patients individually to assess progress and guide treatment planning


• Coordinate care with patients’ individual providers to ensure continuity of care


• Assess patients’ progress and need for higher level of care or discharge


• Conducts assessments and consults with intake clinicians to aid in determining appropriateness of fit for patients


• Communicate with patients’ family members or support system when indicated


• Complete initial intake evaluations to determine diagnosis and appropriateness for program as needed


• Chart in our electronic medical records system


• Engage in crisis management as part of a treatment team


• Create and update treatment plans


• Participate in professional development activities


• Provide group therapy, as needed

Who You Are 

• Hold the following licenses or certifications: LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, PsyD, or PhD with 2 + years of clinical experience conducting individual and family therapy. 


• CADC Certification or Interest in/Eligible for CADC preferred


• Possess a core skill set of CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing skills


• Have experience with patients in crisis, and a strong passion for working within high acuity environments


• Have experience working with individuals who have a dual diagnosis, mental health and substance use


• Have excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple demands simultaneously in a fast paced and changing environment


• Can assist families/loved ones and patients in talking about difficult topics


• Values communication and teamwork


• Align with the mission and values of Compass Health Center

We know job descriptions can be intimidating, so if this sounds like an opportunity for you, please don't hesitate to apply! 

Who We Are 

Compass Health Center is a recognized leader in crisis-level mental health, bringing passion, connection, and patient-centered care to the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient space (PHP/IOP). Based in Chicagoland, we serve hundreds of patients every day, ranging from ages 5 through adulthood, in our onsite facilities or through our flourishing virtual programming. Compass fills a critical gap between outpatient and inpatient care through an intermediate level of Behavioral Healthcare.  

A few more things we want you to know: our values are super important to us, and hopefully will be to you, too. Cultural humility, teamwork, continuous improvement, connection, patient centered care, passion, innovation, and agility should be your power sources. Joining Compass is an opportunity to feel fulfilled through a joint mission towards healing our communities. 

Benefits & Perks 

We know that you will be dedicated to your purpose here. We look at that investment as a two-way street. We are proud to offer plenty of space for growth, and opportunities to pursue continuous development within our organization. 

For eligible positions, our other benefits include: comprehensive medical/dental/vision plans, 401k program with company matching, generous PTO (including competitive parental leave after 1 year of employment), and continuous training through CEU seminars and volunteering opportunities.  

What’s Next? 

Compass is committed to cultivating diverse and dynamic teams who exude passion for their craft, so whether or not you check all the boxes, we encourage you to apply – we’d be grateful to hear from you!