Primary Therapist - AMFT/ASW

Primary Therapist

The Primary Therapist plays a key role in providing trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic care to adolescents within our residential treatment program. This position works closely with a multidisciplinary team to support clients through emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges while helping guide them toward stabilization, growth, and long-term healing.

Clinical Care & Therapeutic Support

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy to adolescent residents
• Support adolescents experiencing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders
• Develop, implement, and maintain individualized treatment plans
• Complete progress notes, treatment updates, discharge summaries, and clinical documentation in compliance with licensing and program standards
• Conduct crisis intervention and participate in clinical decision-making as needed
• Maintain therapeutic boundaries and create a safe, supportive environment for clients

Team Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, medical staff, behavioral staff, case managers, and outside providers
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case consultations, and clinical discussions
• Engage families as active participants in the treatment process
• Coordinate care and communicate treatment progress with appropriate parties

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Maintain compliance with California licensing regulations, ethical standards, and company policies
• Ensure timely, accurate, and professional clinical documentation
• Support a trauma-informed, structured, and therapeutic residential environment
• Participate in ongoing supervision, trainings, and professional development opportunities

Who You Are

You are compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and passionate about supporting adolescents through critical moments in their lives. You thrive in environments where collaboration, professionalism, adaptability, and strong clinical care are essential.

You are someone who:

• Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and ethical decision-making
• Remains calm and professional during crises or high-pressure situations
• Builds strong therapeutic rapport with adolescents and families
• Maintains professionalism, consistency, and healthy boundaries
• Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team
• Is organized, dependable, and committed to high-quality client care

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Active AMFT or ASW registration in California required
• 1–2 years of clinical counseling experience, residential treatment preferred
• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders, treatment planning, and crisis intervention
• Strong clinical documentation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced residential treatment environment
• Compassionate, reliable, and committed to client-centered adolescent care

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adolescents ages 12–17
• Experience in residential treatment, behavioral health, or substance use treatment settings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapeutic modalities
• Experience facilitating group and family therapy
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and behavioral health needs

At Growth Centers of America, you'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to creating meaningful change in the lives of adolescents and families. We value compassion, collaboration, accountability, and personal growth — both for the clients we serve and the professionals who serve them.

This is more than a therapy role — it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through meaningful clinical work, multidisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on experience in adolescent behavioral health and residential treatment.