Associate Therapist

Position: Therapist

Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation:

Base Salary: $32 - $35 per hour (Associate)

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance


• Paid Time Off: Sick, Vacation and Paid Holidays


• Equity shares


• Educational Stipend

Job Description

The position can be filled by a (licensed or unlicensed) social worker or therapist or professional clinical counselor to join our dedicated team and provide outpatient substance abuse treatment. The ideal candidate must be resilient to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment while skillfully managing competing and time-sensitive tasks. The therapist will be crucial in helping clients achieve lasting recovery through individual and group therapy, case management, and crisis intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Works directly under Executive Clinical Director and/or Program Director.


• Individual Therapy: Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide evidence-based therapy to address substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health issues, and trauma.


• Group Therapy: Facilitate psychoeducational and process-oriented groups to foster peer support, skill development, and relapse prevention.


• Utilization Review: We conduct clinical updates to assess the client’s treatment and service utilization progress and establish medical necessity for our insurance partners.


• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and resources during emotional or behavioral crises, ensuring client safety and well-being.


• Documentation: We maintain accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines, including timely clinical updates for our insurance partners.


• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and consultation to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.


• Establishes positive, trusting rapport with patients.


• Creates individualized treatment plans according to patient needs and circumstances.


• Meets with patients for a regular individual session and stay up to date with all progress notes, and treatment plans.


• Conducts ongoing assessments of patient progress.


• Collaborate with family members and conduct family sessions as needed.


• Refers patients to outside specialists or agencies when necessary.


• Maintains thorough records of patient meetings and progress.


• Follows all safety protocols and maintains client confidentiality

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Master's degree in social work (MSW), counseling psychology (MA/MSc), or clinical psychology (MA/MSc)


• Licensure: Registered Associate (ASW/AMFT/APCC) in California. 


• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience providing direct clinical services to individuals with substance use disorders and/or concurrent disorders.


• Skills: Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and therapy skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in a team setting.


• Additional Requirements: Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.


• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (Required)


• Valid CA Driver's License


• Current Health Screen (Required)


• TB Clearance (Required)


• Ability to communicate with compassion and empathy


• Strong ability to manage time and prioritize tasks

Company Description

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment and offer various levels of care from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.