Program Therapist (Outpatient)

South Sound Behavioral Hospital•Lacey, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

South Sound Behavioral Hospital is seeking an Outpatient Therapist dedicated to helping individuals build stability, resilience, and meaningful progress in their recovery journey. As an Outpatient Therapist, you will play a central role in delivering structured, evidence-based group therapy within our Intensive Outpatient Programs. You will guide patients in developing therapeutic skills, support emotional and behavioral stabilization, and contribute to a safe, engaging, and growth-oriented treatment environment. Your work will directly support our mission to address the bio-psychosocial needs of every patient we serve.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a related clinical mental health field.
Must hold a valid Washington State clinical license (or be license-eligible).
Minimum two years of experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting.
Strong skills in group facilitation, crisis intervention, and clinical assessment.

Nice To Haves

SUDP or SUDPT credential is preferred, especially for candidates facilitating dual-diagnosis or substance-use–focused IOP tracks.
Flexibility in scheduling, including availability for swing shift coverage to support program needs.
Commitment to professional development and ongoing learning.
Candidates are encouraged to pursue DBHR acknowledgements such as Mental Health Provider or Children’s Mental Health Specialist if eligible.

Responsibilities

Facilitate structured therapeutic groups using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, psychoeducation, skills training, relapse-prevention, etc.).
Promote engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving within group settings to support patient progress and cohesion.
Assess and document patient participation, progress, and clinical needs in accordance with program and regulatory standards.
Contribute to individualized treatment planning by providing timely clinical updates and observations to the interdisciplinary team.
Support crisis intervention and stabilization within the group milieu when needed.
Utilize age- and population-specific considerations when facilitating groups and developing interventions.
Collaborate with internal and external providers to support continuity of care, referrals, and discharge planning.
Ensure measurable goals and interventions are clearly defined and aligned with patient needs.
Maintain adherence to standards of care for diverse patient populations, including trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Respond promptly to patient and program needs to support smooth daily operations and high-quality care delivery.