Clinical Therapist - Outpatient

Ascension Recovery Services • Des Moines, IA

1d

About The Position

Thrive Now Recovery Centers is preparing to open an outpatient substance use disorder and behavioral health program in Des Moines, Iowa, in late 2026. The Clinical Therapist will join the opening team and provide individual, group, and family therapy to outpatient patients. The role includes clinical assessment, treatment planning, group facilitation, documentation, care coordination, progress monitoring, risk assessment, safety planning, and support for recovery and transitions of care. The therapist will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team and help build the outpatient clinical program as it grows. The position requires schedule flexibility, including some evenings and occasional weekends, according to patient and program needs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Current Iowa behavioral health license or ability to obtain Iowa licensure before starting.
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based treatment approaches and trauma-informed care.
• Strong clinical assessment, treatment-planning, and documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain required licensure, continuing education, and professional credentials.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and occasional weekends as outpatient programming and group schedules grow.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing therapy in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, or a related clinical setting.
• Experience facilitating therapy groups.
• Experience treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria and substance use disorder levels of care.
• Applicable Iowa clinical credentials such as LISW, LMSW, LMHC, or LMFT, considered based on qualifications and scope of practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy to outpatient patients receiving substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment.
• Complete comprehensive clinical assessments and contribute to level-of-care recommendations.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with patients and the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Facilitate evidence-based and recovery-focused therapy groups.
• Treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions within scope of practice.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment goals and interventions as clinically appropriate.
• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough clinical documentation in the electronic health record, supporting clinical quality, continuity of care, medical necessity, and payer requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and care coordination.
• Collaborate with Nurse Practitioners, care coordinators, case managers, peer recovery professionals, and other treatment team members.
• Assist patients with relapse-prevention planning, coping skills, recovery support, and transition planning.
• Identify changes in patient condition, safety concerns, relapse risk, or higher-level-of-care needs and communicate concerns promptly.
• Complete risk assessments and safety planning when clinically indicated.
• Coordinate with community providers, families, referral sources, and other supports when appropriate and authorized by the patient.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical clinical practice.
• Participate in clinical supervision, training, quality improvement, and professional development activities.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and company policy.
• Help build and strengthen outpatient clinical programming as the Des Moines program grows.
• Maintain scheduling flexibility to support evening groups, expanded outpatient programming, and occasional weekend services as program needs develop.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance options
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for continued growth within an expanding behavioral health organization

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time