Associate Mental Health Therapist

• Associate Clinical Therapist
• Position Title: Associate Therapist (CSWA, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate, or Psychology Resident)
• Reports To: Clinical Director / Clinical Supervisor
• Department: Outpatient Mental Health Services
• Location: Willamette Wellness Center – Milwaukie, Oregon

Position Summary

The Associate Therapist at Willamette Wellness Center provides high-quality, evidence-based mental health assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families while actively pursuing independent clinical licensure in Oregon. This role ensures that care is clinically appropriate, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive, and consistent with Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 309-019-0130 and other applicable regulatory standards.

Associate Therapists work under the direct clinical supervision of a qualified supervisor approved by their respective Oregon licensing board. They contribute to a collaborative, compassionate environment that promotes emotional wellness, professional growth, clinical excellence, and respect for diversity in all forms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide diagnostic assessments, individualized treatment planning, and psychotherapy under approved clinical supervision, consistent with current professional standards and OAR 309-019-0130.

• Develop and maintain individualized service plans that reflect client strengths, needs, and treatment goals.
• Deliver interventions using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.

Attend and actively participate in required individual and group clinical supervision sessions, integrating feedback into clinical practice and documentation.

Document all clinical services accurately and timely in accordance with OHA, Oregon licensing board, payer, and agency requirements.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to ensure continuity, integration, and coordination of care.

Provide crisis assessment, intervention, and safety planning as needed, consulting with clinical supervisors when acute risk is identified.

Maintain confidentiality, client rights, and professional boundaries in strict compliance with HIPAA, board ethics, and internal policy.

• Track and maintain accurate records of supervised clinical hours toward independent state licensure.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture at Willamette Wellness Center.
• Qualifications and Requirements
• In accordance with OAR 309-019-0130 (Competency and Qualifications of Program Staff):

Education and Pre-Licensure Status

Graduation from an accredited graduate program with a Master's or Doctoral degree in counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology (e. g., MSW, MFT, MA/MS Counseling, PsyD/PhD).

Active associate-level registration or pre-licensed status in good standing with the applicable Oregon licensing board (CSWA, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate, or Psychology Resident).

Must live in Oregon or Southwest Washington with the ability to commute to the Milwaukie office as required.

Professional Competencies

Detail-oriented with the ability to submit clinical documentation (intakes, treatment plans, progress notes) within required weekly timelines.

Demonstrated ability or foundational training in conducting diagnostic intakes, treatment planning, progress notes, and mental status examinations.

Working knowledge of (or willingness to learn) administering and scoring standardized clinical tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, and related measures.

Commitment to completing advanced evidence-based trauma training while employed at Willamette Wellness Center to build advanced clinical skills.

• Openness to clinical direction, reflective self-practice, and constructive feedback from clinical supervisors.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and digital practice platforms.
• Commitment to Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services (CLSS) and equitable care practices.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

Ability to pass a criminal background check and provide at least two professional references.

Must own a computer, have a secure high-speed internet connection, and maintain a confidential space for client sessions and clinical documentation.

Willingness to start as a part-time employee during the training and credentialing phase, with the goal of converting to full-time status by the third month of employment.

Full-time Associate Therapists are expected to build toward a minimum target of 24 client sessions per week.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Hybrid or in-person outpatient setting located in Milwaukie, OR.
• Flexible schedule options may be available, including evenings or weekends as agreed upon with administration and supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while conducting sessions or completing clinical documentation.
• Ability to move about the workspace to access files, office equipment, or private meeting spaces.
• Ability to communicate effectively through spoken, written, and electronic means.
• Ability to operate a computer, including typing, viewing screens, and using telehealth platforms for prolonged periods.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 10–15 pounds, such as office supplies or client materials.

Adequate vision and hearing, with or without corrective devices, to engage in clinical work, observe client non-verbal cues, and complete documentation.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and pre-licensure status.
• Board-compliant clinical supervision provided internally (or supervision stipend options, as applicable).
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan.
• Paid time off, front-loaded sick leave, paid holidays, and professional development support.
• Complete administrative, credentialing, billing, and referral intake support.

Willamette Wellness Center Commitment

Willamette Wellness Center is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for both clients and staff. We are committed to clinical equity, collaboration, professional mentorship, and integrity in everything we do.

Must have the ability to pass background check.