Mental Health Therapist

Mental Health Therapist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Rockdale Youth Academy – Rockdale, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $75,000 - $78,000 per Year

About Youth Opportunity & Rockdale Youth Academy (Rockdale, Texas)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Rockdale Youth Academy in Rockdale, Texas is a 65‑bed secure Youth Academy for males ages10 to17, offering trauma‑informed care across mental health, substance abuse, and sex‑offender treatment needs. The center integrates clinical therapy, education (via Inspire Academy, including GED prep), restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills training.

Youth typically stay 6 to9months, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; victim‑impact awareness; pre‑vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units, Youth Advisory Board‑guided incentive programs, and licensed dietitian‑managed nutrition support stabilization and reintegration planning.

Position Summary – Mental Health Therapist Job in Rockdale, Texas

We are hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join the clinical team at Rockdale Youth Academy in Rockdale. This role is ideal for a master’s-level clinician seeking experience in youth behavioral health, crisis stabilization, and residential assessment services. The therapist provides direct clinical care, supports youth stabilization, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to guide treatment and discharge planning.

Mental Health Therapist Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Make an impact during a critical entry and assessment phase of care
• Work in a clinically focused, fast-paced treatment setting
• Gain experience in assessment, stabilization, and treatment planning
• Access ongoing supervision, training, and career growth opportunities

Mental Health Therapist Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plans
• Provide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and families under clinical supervision
• Deliver individual, group, and family therapy sessions
• Document clinical services including weekly progress notes, treatment plans, reviews, and aftercare plans
• Develop youth behavioral health discharge and transition plans
• Assess family dynamics and functioning to implement appropriate intervention strategies
• Collaborate with leadership on compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives

Additional Duties

• Participate in daily group routines and activities with youth and counselors
• Maintain a high standard of professional role model behavior
• Attend required training and professional development activities
• Report incidents, concerns, and use of physical force per policy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, special education, or a related human services field
• Two years of experience working with youth with serious emotional disturbances or substance use challenges preferred
  • Experience preferred but not required with an appropriate master’s degree
• Strong understanding of group leadership, group dynamics, and experiential education
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to pass background check and meet state requirements

Other Requirements

Physical Demands:

Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable

Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed

Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state

Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams

Other:

• Valid state driver’s license required
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements
• Occasional irregular hours may be required

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.