Primary Therapist

Job Title: Primary Therapist

Reports To: Clinical Director

Supervises: None

Location: Zia Recovery Center Facility

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Primary Therapist provides high-quality, person-centered therapeutic care to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. This role involves comprehensive clinical support including therapy, documentation, crisis intervention, and collaborative planning. Services are delivered in alignment with CARF Behavioral Health standards and Zia Recovery Center’s mission to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-focused treatment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Respond to intake referrals within 48 hours of case assignment.


• Manage a caseload appropriate to licensure level and clinical experience.


• Provide direct therapeutic services including individual, group, family, and couples therapy.


• Complete aftercare and discharge planning with participants.


• Collaborate with internal and external professionals for coordinated care.


• Maintain timely, accurate, and thorough documentation per CARF and HAC standards.


• Participate in on-call crisis consultation and after-hours telephone coverage.


• Attend weekly treatment team and staff development meetings.


• Abide by Zia Recovery Center’s code of ethics and model organizational values.


• Demonstrate cultural competence and trauma-informed sensitivity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.


• Independently licensed (LCSW, LPCC, LMFT, or Clinical Psychologist) OR associate licensed with NM licensure board registration and eligible for independent licensure.


• Minimum one (1) year sobriety if in recovery.


• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and documentation using EHR systems.


• Strong organizational and time management skills.


• Demonstrated ability to develop rapport and maintain professional boundaries.


• Ability to work both independently and within a team.


• Availability for evening, weekend, and holiday coverage as needed.


• Able to pass background check, drug screen, TB clearance, and health clearance as required.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, drive, and use a computer for extended periods.


• May lift or carry up to 20 lbs.


• Work environment includes clinical and residential settings, both indoors and outdoors.


• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required.


• Reasonable accommodations are available per ADA requirements.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Compliance

Zia Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Zia maintains a drug-free workplace in compliance with federal and state laws. Employment is contingent on successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including background checks and drug testing.