Primary Therapist (Adult Outpatient Program)

Lightfully Behavioral Health • Encinitas, CA

7h • $72,000 - $91,000

About The Position

The Primary Therapist delivers clinical services to clients with mental health disorders and their families, provides service documentation and case management, participates in training and supervision, collaborates with outreach and admissions teams, and supports the treatment milieu. The role provides individual, group, and family therapy; conducts assessments and treatment planning using Integrated ACT, positive psychology, and EFFT; and collaborates with the treatment team to ensure continuity of care. The therapist also supports crisis stabilization, communicates with clients’ families and outpatient providers, participates in utilization review processes, and provides assigned on-call coverage. The position reports to the Director of Clinical Operations, based on site size, and works Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a counseling-related field.
• Associate clinical mental health license in California.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

• Full clinical licensure.

Responsibilities

• Uphold the company’s mission and values, known as the Lightfully Shining Commitments.
• Perform and interpret assessments relevant to mental health treatment and provide feedback to clients.
• Provide individual therapy using interventions adapted to each client’s needs.
• Deliver group therapy consistent with training and areas of expertise.
• Provide family therapy using evidence-based interventions tailored to clients and their families.
• Conduct treatment planning using Integrated ACT, positive psychology, and EFFT.
• Participate in weekly treatment team and hotspot meetings.
• Collaborate with treatment team members to provide continuity of care.
• Complete thorough, timely documentation, including progress notes, weekly therapy assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
• Participate in self and peer documentation audits to ensure compliance with licensure and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate with case managers to communicate with outpatient teams about client progress and continuity of care.
• Coordinate with case managers to educate clients’ families and update them on client progress.
• Provide updates to Utilization Review Specialists and conduct Peer to Peer reviews as needed.
• Receive supervision as required based on training and licensure.
• Provide supervision for staff, such as Client Care Techs and interns, as appropriate.
• Attend assigned weekly trainings and individual or group supervision.
• Train and orient new staff.
• Maintain and develop clinical knowledge through literature and research review, consultation, evaluation of clinical practice, and professional development.
• Provide community and provider trainings and workshops within areas of specialization and expertise.
• Speak with prospective admissions and their families as appropriate.
• Assist Client Care Techs with client observations, milieu conflict management, and client support.
• Provide crisis stabilization for clients in the milieu who may become de-escalated.
• Conduct client check-ins as needed and appropriate.
• Provide on-call coverage during assigned times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Self-care days.
• 401(k) plan.
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Supportive, mission-driven culture that values authenticity, connection, and integrity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level