Primary Therapist - AMFT/APCC

Alter Behavioral Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

PTO & Sick Leave

Gym membership

Job summary

Alter Behavioral Health in San Diego is seeking a Primary Therapist to provide individual and group therapy in a structured residential setting, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based care. Strong clinical judgment and a compassionate, client-centered approach are expected.

A Master’s degree, active California BBS registration, CPR/First Aid, and eligibility to work in the United States are required; schedule is Monday–Friday with an on-call rotation and a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related field.
• Active BBS registration (AMFT or APCC) required.
• Experience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disorders.
• CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start).

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.
• 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.

Skills

Empathy

Clinical judgment

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Education

Master's degree in MFT/Counseling/Social Work

Active BBS registration

Job description

Full Time, Monday - Friday + 2 days on-call rotation, 8:30AM-5PM

Description

Primary Therapist | San Diego

Alter 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 operations
• Competitive Compensation: $73,000 – $75,000/year DOE
• 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 opportunities

Make a Difference Every Day

At 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 Do

Client Therapy & Treatment Planning

• 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

Client Support & Engagement

• 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

Documentation & Compliance

• 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

Crisis Intervention

• Respond appropriately to clients in distress using de-escalation and clinical judgment
• Assess risk and involve appropriate clinical leadership when necessary

Professional Development

• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing trainings
• Pursue growth in clinical skills and evidence-based practices

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Compassionate, ethical, and client-centered clinician
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable in a fast-paced residential treatment environment
• Knowledgeable in California BBS regulations and documentation standards
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
• Active BBS registration (AMFT or APCC) required
• Experience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disorders
• Ability to safely and effectively interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms

Requirements

• 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

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, and movement throughout the facility
• Ability to navigate multi-level residential homes, including stairs
• Ability to respond to crisis situations as needed
• Ability to operate computers and documentation systems

Compliance

Employment is contingent upon:

• Successful Live Scan clearance
• Completion of required health screenings, drug testing, and TB testing
• Compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment laws

DISCLAIMER – 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.