Primary Therapist

Position Summary

The Primary Therapist provides direct therapeutic services to individuals in a mental health treatment facility, including assessment, counseling, group facilitation, and family therapy. This role develops, implements, and monitors individualized treatment plans while ensuring compliance with applicable Georgia laws and regulations, including standards set forth by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, and applicable federal regulations.

The Primary Therapist supports patient stabilization, recovery, and long-term wellness through evidence-based therapeutic practices in accordance with Georgia standards for behavioral health services.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, intake evaluations, and mental health risk assessments, including suicide and self-harm screenings.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans with measurable and clinically appropriate goals in accordance with Georgia DBHDD standards (as applicable to the level of care).
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups addressing coping skills, relapse prevention, trauma recovery, and overall wellness.
• Provide crisis intervention for psychiatric and behavioral health emergencies, including participation in involuntary admission processes in accordance with Georgia law (O.C.G.A. Title 37, as applicable).

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in compliance with Georgia DBHDD standards (if applicable), state licensing requirements, and accrediting body standards (e.g., Joint Commission or CARF, if applicable).
• Ensure treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries meet Georgia regulatory requirements and professional licensing board standards.
• Uphold confidentiality and privacy standards under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, when applicable.
• Complete and document clinical assessments and required legal documentation in accordance with Georgia statutes governing voluntary and involuntary behavioral health treatment (O.C.G.A. Title 37).

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and support staff.
• Coordinate care with referral sources, families, community providers, and external stakeholders as appropriate and permitted by law.
• Provide clinical input for court reports, hearings, and legal documentation as required under Georgia law and organizational policy.

Patient Care & Recovery Support

• Support patients in identifying triggers, managing psychiatric symptoms, and developing effective coping strategies.
• Encourage participation in treatment planning, recovery support services, and community-based resources within Georgia.
• Foster a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment that emphasizes dignity, respect, and cultural competence.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health field from an accredited institution required.
• Current Georgia licensure in good standing preferred, including one of the following:
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Associate/Intern status under supervision as recognized by the Georgia Composite Board (e.g., APC, LMSW, AMFT), if permitted by program licensing and supervision standards
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in mental health or co-occurring disorder treatment preferred.
• Knowledge of Georgia DBHDD standards (as applicable), Georgia mental health statutes (O.C.G.A. Title 37), HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and therapeutic interventions.
• CPR/BLS certification preferred.
• Successful completion of criminal background screening in accordance with Georgia law and DBHDD requirements (if applicable).

Work Environment

• Mental health facility settings, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and/or outpatient programs as applicable.
• May involve work with individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, involuntary evaluation or commitment processes under Georgia law, and co-occurring disorders.
• Requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and possible on-call shifts based on program needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and facilitate therapy groups for extended periods.
• Ability to respond promptly and effectively to psychiatric or medical emergencies.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Capella Recovery Center LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and Georgia employment laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.