Associate Therapist/ Licensed Therapist

Paylocity; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tatum is seeking a developing clinician to join a collaborative team providing comprehensive behavioral health services across PHP, IOP, residential, and more. You will receive structured supervision and in-house training while delivering evidence-based therapy to diverse clients.

Role emphasizes mentorship, clinical development, and interprofessional collaboration in a fast-paced environment within the Central Valley. This position offers growth and meaningful, patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field.
• Current state license as a mental health therapist (ACSW, AMFT, APCC) with an active 1st associate number per BBS.
• Minimum of one year of experience in mental health / substance abuse treatment preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical care: individual, group, couples, and family therapy.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Maintain documentation: progress notes, plans, and discharge summaries per standards.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and participate in case consultations.
• Engage in supervision and ongoing clinical development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Written & Oral Communication

Word Processing / Excel

Education

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

Tools

MS Word

Excel

CRM / Database applications

Job description

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

This is more than a clinical role. It's a chance to be present at the moments that change lives — and to grow into the therapist you're meant to become.

We believe in a simple but powerful vision: a community where everyone has access to the mental health care they need and deserve. Across our full continuum of care — PHP, IOP, residential, dual diagnosis, eating disorder, and adolescent services — our mission is clear: alleviate suffering, restore hope, and create lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.

Who we're looking for

You're a developing clinician who wants more than a caseload — you want mentorship, clinical depth, and work that actually matters. You thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments. You're energized by complexity, not intimidated by it.

Great clinical work doesn't happen by accident — it's developed, supported, and continuously strengthened.

At Tatum, we invest in our therapists through structured supervision, in-house training, and a team culture built around clinical excellence. You'll work alongside case managers, medical staff, and experienced clinicians — with real support at every step.

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Salary: $72,000 - $80,000 /YR

What You’ll Do

Direct Clinical Care

• Provide individual, group, couples, and family therapy
• Support clients navigating mental health and co-occurring challenges
• Deliver crisis intervention and stabilization when needed
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment approaches accordingly
• Deliver care grounded in evidence-based practices, including DBT, CBT, CPT, IFS, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and trauma-informed care.

Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments
• Develop individualized, clinically appropriate treatment plans
• Evaluate level of care needs based on medical necessity
• Support discharge planning to promote long‑term success

Documentation & Clinical Integrity

• Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries in a timely manner
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory, ethical, and insurance standards
• Maintain accuracy, clarity, and clinical justification in all records

Collaboration & Team-Based Care

• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including case managers, medical staff, and leadership
• Participate in case consultations and team meetings
• Coordinate care with admissions and administrative teams to support smooth client transitions

Growth & Professional Development

• Engage in supervision and ongoing clinical development
• In‑house training
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and best practice implementation
• Strengthen clinical judgment, documentation skills, and therapeutic approach

Why this role is different

• You'll work across a full continuum of care — which means you'll actually see where clients go, how they progress, and what makes the difference at each level
• You'll be part of a collaborative clinical team that consults together, challenges each other, and takes the work seriously
• You'll gain exposure to complex, diverse populations and clinical presentations
• You'll be supervised and supported in a way that develops your clinical identity, not just your hours toward licensure

What We’re Looking For

• A developing clinician who is genuinely drawn to behavioral health — especially complex, high‑acuity presentations
• Someone who values both clinical quality and human connection
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills
• The ability to stay grounded and thoughtful in a fast‑paced, team‑based environment
• A commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, and compassionate care

Why join us

A lot of places say they invest in their clinicians. We mean it structurally — through supervision, in‑house training, case consultation, and a team culture where asking hard clinical questions is expected, not avoided.

TPEG exists because the Central Valley needs and deserves a continuum of behavioral health care. The programs we've built serve people who often have nowhere else to go. That's not a marketing line — it shapes how we show up every day.

You’ll grow here. You’ll be challenged here. You’ll know that the work you’re doing matters. You belong here.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
2. LICENSURE: Applicant must have a current state license as a mental health therapist (ACSW, AMFT, APCC), with an active 1st associate number in accordance with the Board of Behavioral Services (BBS).
3. RELATED EXPERIENCE: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in mental health / substance abuse treatment field preferred.
4. SKILLS: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
5. OTHER EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Experience working with culturally diverse individuals and communities or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with equity and/or diversity initiatives within an organization.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently and use initiative to accomplish complex assignments with general instruction and guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and integrity on the job with confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and other resources to perform multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to provide effective team leadership.
• Proficiency in word processing and database and/or spreadsheet applications.
• Physical and mental attributes are sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize merit, excellence and intelligence in staff and potential employees.
• Valid Driver's License / Clean Driving Record
• Ability to pass Department of Justice (DOJ) Background Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proficient in English Language
2. Proficient communicator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work settings vary from offices, program sites, and stakeholder locations
2. Travel modes can include the use of company or personal transportation