Clinical Therapist Adolescent Unit

The Ness Center; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Behavioral Health System in Mandeville, LA is seeking an Adolescent Clinical Therapist to provide individual and group therapy, complete assessments, and develop treatment plans for teenagers in an inpatient setting.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, engage families, monitor safety, document accurately, and stay current with evidence-based practices to support stabilization and transition home.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field required.
• Louisiana professional clinical license (PLPC, LPC, LMSW, or LCSW) preferred or required.
• Experience in adolescent behavioral health is preferred.
• Current BLS or CPI certification required or company-provided training during orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group therapy designed for adolescents in an inpatient setting.
• Build therapeutic relationships and create a safe, supportive environment for teens.
• Complete psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans promptly.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide clinical input on progress and needs.
• Engage parents/guardians and outside providers in treatment and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with nursing and Milieu Specialists to support safety and programming.
• Monitor for self-harm, aggression, impulsivity, and other safety concerns.
• Utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Complete clinical documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and adhere to facility policies and DNV standards.
• Stay current on evidence-based practices in adolescent behavioral health.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Organizational skills

Clinical judgment

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Boundary setting

Growth mindset

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Position: Adolescent Clinical Therapist

Schedule: Full-Time, Days

Position Summary

Do you have a heart for adolescents and a passion for helping them find their way through difficult moments?

We are looking for an Adolescent Clinical Therapist who understands that working with teens takes more than clinical knowledge. It takes patience, compassion, authenticity, good humor, and the ability to build trust with young people who may not always want to be there.

In this inpatient role, you will provide individual and group therapy, complete clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, engage families, and work closely with an interdisciplinary team to help adolescents feel safe, supported, and understood. You will play an important role in helping each adolescent make progress toward stabilization and a successful transition home or to the next level of care.

What You'll Do

• Provide individual and group therapy designed specifically for adolescents
• Build therapeutic relationships with adolescents and create a safe, supportive environment
• Complete psychosocial assessments and individualized treatment plans within required timeframes
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide clinical input on patient progress and needs
• Engage parents, guardians, and outside providers in treatment and discharge planning
• Collaborate with nursing and Milieu Specialists to support safety and therapeutic programming
• Monitor for self-harm, aggression, impulsivity, and other safety concerns
• Use crisis intervention and de-escalation skills when needed
• Complete clinical documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, facility policies, and DNV standards
• Stay current on evidence-based practices in adolescent behavioral health
• Communicate concerns and significant patient care issues to leadership

What We're Looking For

• A genuine heart for working with adolescents
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to connect with teens from different backgrounds and with different needs
• Ability to remain calm, confident, and compassionate during challenging situations
• Strong communication, organization, clinical judgment, and follow-through
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• A professional who can set appropriate boundaries while still being approachable and relatable
• Someone who sees adolescents as more than their diagnosis or behavior and believes in their ability to grow and heal

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Previous clinical or psychiatric services experience; adolescent behavioral health experience preferred
• Louisiana professional clinical license, including PLPC, LPC, LMSW, or LCSW
• Candidates without current BLS or CPI certification will complete company-provided training during orientation

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northlake Behavioral Health System is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.