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UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Milieu Therapist I (Western Psychiatric Hospital)

Counselor / TherapistIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$20 per hour

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 16m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Ready to launch a meaningful career with a national leader in psychiatric care?

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking dedicated Milieu Therapists (MTs) to join our team supporting individuals on their mental health and recovery journeys.

As a Milieu Therapist, you’ll play a hands-on role in a dynamic therapeutic environment, helping patients develop essential life and social skills while encouraging positive behavioral change. You’ll engage directly with a diverse patient population through structured group activities, individualized support, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Each day brings new challenges, meaningful interactions, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

No prior experience is required. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the resources you need to succeed! The schedule for this role will require rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays to best meet patient needs. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour, with adjustments based on experience.

Step into a role where your work truly matters. Apply today and become part of a team committed to healing, growth, and life-changing care.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain competency requirements.
  • Attend annual in-service training.
  • Lead or assist in therapeutic groups.
  • Coordinate patient activities.
  • Help patients with daily activities and appointments.
  • Document promptly and as per policies.
  • Handle crisis's and ensure a safe environment.
  • Participate in meetings and communicate with staff.

Bachelor's degree in a Human Service field such as Social Work, Psychology or Counseling from an accredited college or University required.

Other fields of study may be considered with coursework of at least 12 credits in Human Services.

Relevant group/individuals experience with therapeutic and leisure-oriented activities is strongly preferred.

Must be physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent mentally ill patients as necessary, including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring and pushing and pulling equipment such as wheelchairs.

Attention: Bachelors Transcripts Must Be Attached for Consideration.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) - CCM training is required within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter
  • Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance
  • Valid/current driver’s license for certain units
  • UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a Human Service field such as Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling is required. Candidates must also be physically capable of providing total physical care to patients and obtain necessary certifications like CPR and CCMC within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Mental health supportPatient careBehavioral change supportGroup facilitationDocumentationActivities of daily living assistanceTherapeutic environment maintenanceCommunicationSafety monitoring

Psychiatry — Counselor Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $43k in an average-cost state. 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Of the 40 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 50% are remote, 45% have no call, 65% require no weekends.

What does the Counselor market look like in Pennsylvania?
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$42kCounselor median $49k (middle half $39k–$54k)16 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$43k in purchasing powerPennsylvania index 97.6 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Psychiatry listings in Pennsylvania6 active—live on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
All counselor listings in Pennsylvania721 active12,930 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 50% remote · 45% no call · 65% no weekends40 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedPennsylvania counselor listings (all specialties): 14% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 12% offer loan repayment721 active listings, Nov 2026
New Psychiatry listings1,336 in the last 30 days868 the 30 days before (+54%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page. Pennsylvania figures use all counselors: too few Pennsylvania Psychiatry postings state pay.

Top Counselor Jobs

26 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

26 jobs · 15 employers
4
<$75k
8
$75k-90k
8
$90k-105k
2
$105k-120k
4
$120k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

26 jobs · 15 employers
401k / retirement match
96%
Sign-on bonus
35%
CME allowance
27%
Loan repayment
8%
PSLF eligible
4%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

LifeStance Health · Ventura, California

$117k-$134k
#2

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)

LifeStance Health · Brookfield, Wisconsin

$92k-$125k
#3

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

$115k-$120k
#4

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

$115k-$120k
+ 24 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 1.5
Below most Psychiatry (Counseling) listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 46 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes weekends

Living in Pittsburgh

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$229k
Typical market rent
$1,569/mo
Residents’ average commute
23 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
94.7
State income tax
Up to 3.1%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Pittsburgh, PA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.