Primary Therapist - AMFT

ALTER MANAGEMENT•Dana Point, CA

8d•$73,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Alter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego. As a Primary Therapist, you play a vital role in supporting clients through meaningful change, guiding them toward stability, healing, and long-term growth. This role goes beyond providing therapy — it’s about building trust, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in a structured residential setting.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
Active BBS registration (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC) required
Experience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disorders
Ability to safely and effectively interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms
Valid California Driver’s License required
CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Must pass Live Scan fingerprint clearance
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Experience in residential treatment or higher levels of care
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting
Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices
Experience working within multidisciplinary treatment teams
EMR experience (Kipu preferred)

Responsibilities

Conduct individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities
Complete biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
Monitor client progress and adjust interventions to support clinical outcomes
Build therapeutic rapport and maintain professional boundaries
Support clients in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and insight
Encourage participation in programming and adherence to treatment plans
Partner with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and residential staff
Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations
Ensure continuity of care across all levels of treatment
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory standards
Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries
Ensure compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission, and HIPAA requirements
Respond appropriately to clients in distress using de-escalation and clinical judgment
Assess risk and involve appropriate clinical leadership when necessary
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing trainings
Pursue growth in clinical skills and evidence-based practices