AMFT/APCC Primary Therapist - EMDR trained and experience REQUIRED

Alter Management LLC; Dana Point (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

PTO

Gym membership

Supervision

Job summary

Alter Behavioral Health in Orange County seeks a dedicated Primary Therapist for our Dana Point residential facility. You will lead individual and group therapy, develop treatment plans, and support clients toward stability and growth in a structured setting.

This role requires California licensure, a master's degree in a relevant field, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. You will collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, and staff, participate in supervision, and contribute to a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and active California licensure.
• Experience in mental health treatment and co-occurring disorders preferred.
• EMDR or Brainspotting training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities.
• Complete biopsychosocial assessments and create treatment plans.
• Monitor progress and adjust interventions to optimize outcomes.
• Document clinical notes, plans, and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, and residential staff in treatment planning.
• Respond to crises with appropriate clinical judgment and supervision.

Skills

Compassionate care

Clinical judgment

Independent work

Team collaboration

Crisis management

Education

Master’s Degree in MFT, Counseling, Social Work, or related field

Active California BBS registration (AMFT/ACSW/APCC)

Job description

Primary Therapist | Orange CountyAlter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego.Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM + on-call rotation to support 24/7 operationsCompetitive Compensation: $73,000 – $75,000/year DOELocation: You will be assigned to one of our Orange County residential facilities located in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, or Irvine.Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution | 401(k) with employer match up to 6% | PTO & CA Paid Sick Leave | Gym membership/wellness reimbursement (up to $50/month) | Weekly clinical supervision & ongoing professional development opportunitiesMake a Difference Every DayAt Alter Behavioral Health, every session matters. 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.What You’ll DoClient Therapy & Treatment PlanningConduct individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalitiesComplete biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plansMonitor client progress and adjust interventions to support clinical outcomesClient Support & EngagementBuild therapeutic rapport and maintain professional boundariesSupport clients in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and insightEncourage participation in programming and adherence to treatment plansCollaboration & Care CoordinationPartner with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and residential staffParticipate in treatment team meetings and case consultationsEnsure continuity of care across all levels of treatmentDocumentation & ComplianceMaintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory standardsComplete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summariesEnsure compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission, and HIPAA requirementsCrisis InterventionRespond appropriately to clients in distress using de-escalation and clinical judgmentAssess risk and involve appropriate clinical leadership when necessaryProfessional DevelopmentParticipate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing trainingsPursue growth in clinical skills and evidence-based practicesWhat We’re Looking ForCompassionate, ethical, and client-centered clinicianStrong clinical judgment and ability to work independently and collaborativelyComfortable in a fast-paced residential treatment environmentKnowledgeable in California BBS regulations and documentation standardsCommitted to continuous learning and professional growthTraining or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting REQUIREDPreferred QualificationsExperience in residential treatment or higher levels of careFamiliarity with trauma-informed care practicesExperience working within multidisciplinary treatment teamsEMR experience (Kipu preferred)Minimum QualificationsMaster’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related fieldActive BBS registration (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC) requiredExperience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disordersAbility to safely and effectively interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptomsTraining or certification in EMDR or BrainspottingRequirementsValid California Driver’s License requiredCPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)Must pass Live Scan fingerprint clearanceMust be legally authorized to work in the United StatesTraining or certification in EMDR or BrainspottingPhysical RequirementsFrequent sitting, standing, and movement throughout the facilityAbility to navigate multi-level residential homes, including stairsAbility to respond to crisis situations as neededAbility to operate computers and documentation systemsComplianceEmployment is contingent upon:Successful Live Scan clearanceCompletion of required health screenings, drug testing, and TB testingCompliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment lawsDISCLAIMER – This posting provides a general overview of the Primary Therapist role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.