Associate Therapist, AMFT / APCC

About the role

The Associate Therapist provides mental health services to youth and families in various community-based settings such as schools, juvenile detention facilities, and outpatient environments. This role supports a whole-person care approach by addressing emotional, psychological, social, and environmental factors impacting client well-being.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active caseload of youth and families receiving mental health services
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents and children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges
• Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups within school-based programs and juvenile detention settings focusing on emotional regulation, decision-making, coping skills, self-esteem, and behavioral accountability
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and collaborate with clients to develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
• Document all clinical services using SOAP note format, including interventions, client response, and treatment progress
• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and within required timeframes in accordance with agency policies, payer requirements, and Board of Behavioral Sciences standards
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and safety planning when necessary
• Collaborate with school staff, probation officers, case managers, and interdisciplinary teams to support client progress and continuity of care
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case consultations, and program planning discussions
• Provide psychoeducation to youth and families regarding mental health, trauma, coping strategies, and communication skills
• Maintain ethical and professional standards in accordance with HIPAA, BBS regulations, and organizational policies
• Participate in clinical supervision and ongoing training to support professional development and licensure requirements

Qualifications

• Registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
• Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions appropriate for youth and adolescent populations
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and manage a structured clinical caseload
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered care

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with adolescents or at-risk youth populations
• Experience in school-based mental health programs
• Experience working in juvenile justice or detention settings
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups and psychoeducational programming
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems and behavioral health documentation requirements

Additional Qualifications

• Active registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and in good standing
• Pass required background checks for working in schools and juvenile detention facilities
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Strong ability to build rapport and engage youth and families from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice, professional development, and adherence to BBS regulations