Primary Therapist – Adolescent Residential Program
Location: St. Mary's, GA
Employment Type: Full-Time (Flexible Scheduling)
Salary
- $55,000–$60,000 annually for associate-level clinicians and license-eligible Master's-level candidates working toward independent licensure
- $65,000–$70,000 annually for independently licensed clinicians (LPC, LCSW, LMFT), based on experience
- Clinical Supervision Available for eligible associate-level clinicians pursuing independent licensure
Reports To: Clinical Director
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and clinically skilled Primary Therapist to join our adolescent residential treatment program in Kingsland, Georgia. This role provides individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents ages 11–17 in a structured residential setting treating complex behavioral and mental health needs.
Clients in our program often present with high-acuity clinical concerns, including:
- Self-harm behaviors
- Suicidal ideation
- Trauma-related disorders
- Mood instability
- Depression and anxiety
- Aggression and behavioral dysregulation
- Substance use disorders
The Primary Therapist will manage a caseload of adolescent clients in 3–6 month treatment episodes, providing evidence-based interventions while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary treatment team. In addition to direct clinical services, this position plays a vital role in overall milieu management, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic residential environment that supports client stabilization, treatment engagement, and long-term recovery.
This role is ideal for clinicians who are adaptable, creative in their interventions, and comfortable working in a dynamic residential environment where clinical judgment, crisis management, teamwork, and therapeutic leadership are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Services
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy to adolescent clients
- Conduct clinical assessments and intake evaluations to determine treatment needs and level of care
- Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans
- Monitor client progress and modify treatment strategies as clinically indicated
- Facilitate therapeutic programming and psychoeducational groups
Crisis Management & Milieu Support
- Provide crisis intervention and stabilization for clients experiencing acute distress
- Assess risk related to suicidal ideation, self-harm, and behavioral escalation
- Implement appropriate safety interventions and document all clinical actions
- Support overall milieu management by helping maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic residential environment
- Provide clinical guidance during behavioral incidents and collaborate with residential staff to support client stabilization
- Utilize sound clinical judgment to de-escalate crises and promote emotional regulation and treatment engagement
Collaboration & Communication
- Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, nursing staff, behavioral health technicians, and leadership
- Communicate significant clinical developments or incidents to the Clinical Director
- Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory, licensing, and organizational standards
- Ensure compliance with clinical policies and residential treatment program guidelines
Program Engagement
- Facilitate therapeutic programming, including leading evening programming at least one night per week
- Demonstrate initiative and contribute to a positive therapeutic milieu for adolescents
- Participate in ongoing program development and quality improvement initiatives as appropriate
Minimum Qualifications
- Active Georgia licensure or certification:
- Minimum 1 year of experience working with high-acuity mental health clients
- Experience providing:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Strong crisis management, clinical assessment, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and CPR/First Aid certification preferred (training available if not currently certified)
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health or substance use treatment
- Prior experience working with adolescents in residential or inpatient settings
- Experience with trauma-informed care, DBT, CBT, ACT, or family systems therapy
- Experience managing complex behavioral presentations and high-risk clinical situations
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Free CPI Certification
- Free CPR Training
- Supportive and collaborative clinical environment
Why Join Our Team
Our program provides clinicians the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adolescents and families while developing advanced clinical skills in a supportive residential treatment environment. Team members gain valuable experience in adolescent mental health treatment, crisis stabilization, therapeutic milieu management, family systems work, and multidisciplinary collaboration.