Substance Abuse Therapist

OPSAM Mira Mesa Location; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Operation Samahan (OpSam Health) seeks a dedicated SUD Therapist in San Diego, CA, to provide evidence-based therapy for underserved populations. The role requires licensure as LMFT, LCSW, or Clinical Psychologist and a strong background in SUD treatment.

The position offers full-time hours and opportunities to collaborate across integrated care teams. The therapist will conduct assessments, develop tailored plans, and participate in interdisciplinary care with primary care and behavioral health

Qualifications

• Licensed in California as an LMFT, LCSW, or Clinical Psychologist.
• Experience providing clinical SUD services.

Responsibilities

• Perform biopsychosocial assessments to diagnose SUD and co-occurring disorders.
• Use ASAM criteria to identify patient needs and resources.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with goals and recovery stages.
• Deliver individual therapy using CBT/DBT/MI approaches.
• Lead group therapy to build skills and prevent relapse.
• Provide family counseling to support relatives of patients.
• Monitor progress with follow-ups and adjust plans as needed.

Skills

SUD therapy

CBT

DBT

Motivational interviewing

Group therapy

Family counseling

Education

CA licensure: LMFT/LCSW/Clinical Psychologist

Job description

Salary Range: $95,000.00 To $135,000.00 Annually

Job Title: SUD Behavioral Health Clinician

Reports to: Behavioral Health Director

Status: Full-Time

The Organization

Operation Samahan (OpSam Health) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the San Diego County community. Founded in 1973 in a barber shop in Downtown San Diego by Filipino health professionals offering services to immigrants who did not have the finances, linguistic skills, or ability to navigate the health care system. Today, Operation Samahan has evolved into a diverse community health center with services available in National City, Mira Mesa, City Heights, and Rancho Penasquitos. We provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, family planning, integrative health and wellness, healthy eating, civic engagement, and other health related services to the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved families of all income levels regardless of their ability to pay.

JOB OVERVIEW

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Therapist to join our dynamic team at Opsam Health. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in providing SUD services, hold licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, or Clinical Psychologist, and be passionate about delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to underserved populations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments to diagnose substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Assess patients utilizing the ASAM to identify patient’s needs, obstacles, liabilities, strengths, assets, resources and support structures.
• Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs, goals, and recovery stage.
• Provide individual therapy sessions focusing on SUD, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
• Lead group therapy sessions that promote skill-building, relapse prevention, and peer support.
• Offer family counseling to educate and support families affected by a loved one’s substance use disorder.
• Monitor client progress through regular follow-ups, adjusting treatment plans as needed to achieve recovery goals.

Integrated Care Services:

• Collaborate closely with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and case managers to provide integrated care that addresses both physical and mental health needs related to substance use.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Provide education and consultation to medical staff on best practices for identifying and addressing substance use disorders in a primary care setting.
• Assist patients in navigating healthcare systems, including accessing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), mental health services, and other supportive care.
• Advocate for patients by coordinating with internal and external agencies, including housing services, social services, and legal support, to address social determinants of health.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with Opsam’s policies and state and federal regulations.
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws, including HIPAA, to safeguard patient confidentiality.
• Stay informed of changes in laws, regulations, and guidelines related to SUD services behavioral health services.

Professional Development:

• Attend regular training sessions, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices in SUD treatment.
• Participate in supervision and peer review meetings to enhance clinical skills and maintain licensure.
• Contribute to program development by offering input on best practices and new initiatives for enhancing SUD services.
• Train Opsam providers on SUD and Co-Occurring issues as needed

Qualifications:

• Licensed in California as an LMFT, LCSW, or Clinical Psychologist.
• History of experience providing clinical SUD services