AMFT/APCC Primary Therapist - EMDR trained and experience REQUIRED
ALTER MANAGEMENT
6 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
Dana Point, California, United States
$73,000 - $75,000 USD yearly
Master's
Job DetailsJob Location: DANA POINT, CA 92629Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $73,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/yearJob Shift: DayPrimary Therapist | Orange County
Alter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM + on-call rotation to support 24/7 operations
Competitive Compensation: $73,000 – $75,000/year DOE
Location: You will be assigned to one of our Orange County residential facilities located in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, or Irvine.
Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution | 401(k) with employer match up to 6% | PTO & CA Paid Sick Leave | Gym membership/wellness reimbursement (up to $50/month) | Weekly clinical supervision & ongoing professional development opportunities
Make a Difference Every Day
At Alter Behavioral Health, every session matters. As a Primary Therapist, you play a vital role in supporting clients through meaningful change, guiding them toward stability, healing, and long-term growth.
This role goes beyond providing therapy — it’s about building trust, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in a structured residential setting.
What You’ll Do
Client Therapy & Treatment Planning
Conduct individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities
Complete biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
Monitor client progress and adjust interventions to support clinical outcomes
Client Support & Engagement
Build therapeutic rapport and maintain professional boundaries
Support clients in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and insight
Encourage participation in programming and adherence to treatment plans
Collaboration & Care Coordination
Partner with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and residential staff
Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations
Ensure continuity of care across all levels of treatment
Documentation & Compliance
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory standards
Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries
Ensure compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission, and HIPAA requirements
Crisis Intervention
Respond appropriately to clients in distress using de-escalation and clinical judgment
Assess risk and involve appropriate clinical leadership when necessary
Professional Development
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing trainings
Pursue growth in clinical skills and evidence-based practices
QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For
Compassionate, ethical, and client-centered clinician
Strong clinical judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively
Comfortable in a fast-paced residential treatment environment
Knowledgeable in California BBS regulations and documentation standards
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in residential treatment or higher levels of care
Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices
Experience working within multidisciplinary treatment teams
EMR experience (Kipu preferred)
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
Active BBS registration (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC) required
Experience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disorders
Ability to safely and effectively interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting
Requirements
Valid California Driver’s License required
CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Must pass Live Scan fingerprint clearance
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting
Physical Requirements
Frequent sitting, standing, and movement throughout the facility
Ability to navigate multi-level residential homes, including stairs
Ability to respond to crisis situations as needed
Ability to operate computers and documentation systems
Compliance
Employment is contingent upon:
Successful Live Scan clearance
Completion of required health screenings, drug testing, and TB testing
Compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment laws
DISCLAIMER – This posting provides a general overview of the Primary Therapist role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.
Alter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM + on-call rotation to support 24/7 operations
Competitive Compensation: $73,000 – $75,000/year DOE
Location: You will be assigned to one of our Orange County residential facilities located in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, or Irvine.
Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution | 401(k) with employer match up to 6% | PTO & CA Paid Sick Leave | Gym membership/wellness reimbursement (up to $50/month) | Weekly clinical supervision & ongoing professional development opportunities
Make a Difference Every Day
At Alter Behavioral Health, every session matters. As a Primary Therapist, you play a vital role in supporting clients through meaningful change, guiding them toward stability, healing, and long-term growth.
This role goes beyond providing therapy — it’s about building trust, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in a structured residential setting.
What You’ll Do
Client Therapy & Treatment Planning
Conduct individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities
Complete biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
Monitor client progress and adjust interventions to support clinical outcomes
Client Support & Engagement
Build therapeutic rapport and maintain professional boundaries
Support clients in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and insight
Encourage participation in programming and adherence to treatment plans
Collaboration & Care Coordination
Partner with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and residential staff
Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations
Ensure continuity of care across all levels of treatment
Documentation & Compliance
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory standards
Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries
Ensure compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission, and HIPAA requirements
Crisis Intervention
Respond appropriately to clients in distress using de-escalation and clinical judgment
Assess risk and involve appropriate clinical leadership when necessary
Professional Development
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing trainings
Pursue growth in clinical skills and evidence-based practices
QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For
Compassionate, ethical, and client-centered clinician
Strong clinical judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively
Comfortable in a fast-paced residential treatment environment
Knowledgeable in California BBS regulations and documentation standards
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in residential treatment or higher levels of care
Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices
Experience working within multidisciplinary treatment teams
EMR experience (Kipu preferred)
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
Active BBS registration (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC) required
Experience in mental health treatment, preferably with co-occurring disorders
Ability to safely and effectively interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting
Requirements
Valid California Driver’s License required
CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Must pass Live Scan fingerprint clearance
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Training or certification in EMDR or Brainspotting
Physical Requirements
Frequent sitting, standing, and movement throughout the facility
Ability to navigate multi-level residential homes, including stairs
Ability to respond to crisis situations as needed
Ability to operate computers and documentation systems
Compliance
Employment is contingent upon:
Successful Live Scan clearance
Completion of required health screenings, drug testing, and TB testing
Compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment laws
DISCLAIMER – This posting provides a general overview of the Primary Therapist role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.