Job Description

Primary Therapist – Adolescent Residential Program

Location: St. Mary's, GA
Employment Type: Full-Time (Flexible Scheduling)
Salary: Starting at $50,000 annually
Reports To: Clinical Director

We are seeking a compassionate and clinically skilled Primary Therapist to join our adolescent residential treatment program in Kingsland, Georgia. This role provides individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents ages 11–17 in a structured residential setting treating complex behavioral and mental health needs.

Clients in our program often present with high-acuity clinical concerns, including:

• Self-harm behaviors

• Suicidal ideation

• Trauma-related disorders

• Mood instability

• Depression and anxiety

• Aggression and behavioral dysregulation

• Substance use disorders

The Primary Therapist will manage a caseload of adolescent clients in 3–6 month treatment episodes, providing evidence-based interventions while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary treatment team.

This role is ideal for clinicians who are adaptable, creative in their interventions, and comfortable working in a dynamic residential environment where clinical judgment, crisis management, and teamwork are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy to adolescent clients.

• Conduct clinical assessments and intake evaluations to determine treatment needs and level of care.

• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans

• Monitor client progress and modify treatment strategies as clinically indicated.

• Facilitate therapeutic programming and psychoeducational groups.

Crisis Management

• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization for clients experiencing acute distress.

• Assess risk related to suicidal ideation, self-harm, and behavioral escalation

• Implement appropriate safety interventions and document all clinical actions.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, nursing staff, behavioral health technicians, and leadership

• Communicate significant clinical developments or incidents to the Clinical Director

• Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory, licensing, and organizational standards.

• Ensure compliance with clinical policies and residential treatment program guidelines.

Program Engagement

• Facilitate therapeutic programming, including leading evening programing at least one night per week

• Demonstrate initiative and contribute to a positive therapeutic milieu for adolescents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active Georgia licensure or certification

  • LPC

  • LAPC

  • LMSW

  • LCSW

• Minimum 1 year experience working with high-acuity mental health clients

• Experience providing:

  • Individual therapy

  • Group therapy

  • Family therapy

• Strong crisis management, clinical assessment, and decision-making skills

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and CPR/First Aid certification preferred
  (training available if not currently certified)

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in behavioral health or substance use treatment.

• Prior experience working with adolescents in residential or inpatient settings

• Experience with trauma-informed care, DBT, CBT, or family systems therapy

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Free CPI Certification

• Free CPR Training

• Supportive and collaborative clinical environment

Why Join Our Team

Our program provides clinicians the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adolescents and families while developing advanced clinical skills in a supportive residential treatment environment.

If you are passionate about adolescent mental health, crisis stabilization, and long-term recovery, we encourage you to apply.