Primary Therapist LPC APC LMSW LCSW LMFT
Listed compensation
Salary $55K–$60K
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
- Primary Therapist – Adolescent Residential Program
- Location: St. Mary's, GA
- Employment Type: Full-Time (Flexible Scheduling)
Salary
$55,000–$60,000 annually for associate-level clinicians and license-eligible Master's-level candidates working toward independent licensure
- $65,000–$70,000 annually for independently licensed clinicians (LPC, LCSW, LMFT), based on experience
- Clinical Supervision Available for eligible associate-level clinicians pursuing independent licensure
- Reports To: Clinical Director
Position Overview
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. In addition to direct clinical services, this position plays a vital role in overall milieu management, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic residential environment that supports client stabilization, treatment engagement, and long-term recovery.
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, teamwork, and therapeutic leadership 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 & Milieu Support
- 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.
Support overall milieu management by helping maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic residential environment.
Provide clinical guidance during behavioral incidents and collaborate with residential staff to support client stabilization.
Utilize sound clinical judgment to de-escalate crises and promote emotional regulation and treatment engagement.
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 programming at least one night per week.
- Demonstrate initiative and contribute to a positive therapeutic milieu for adolescents.
- Participate in ongoing program development and quality improvement initiatives as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
Active Georgia Licensure or Certification
- LPC
- LAPC
- LMSW
LCSW
Minimum 1 year of 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.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and CPR/First Aid certification preferred (training available if not currently certified).
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of 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, ACT, or family systems therapy.
- Experience managing complex behavioral presentations and high-risk clinical situations.
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. Team members gain valuable experience in adolescent mental health treatment, crisis stabilization, therapeutic milieu management, family systems work, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
If you are passionate about adolescent mental health, crisis stabilization, therapeutic residential care, and long-term recovery, we encourage you to apply.
Requirements
Candidates must hold an active Georgia license or certification such as LPC, LAPC, LMSW, or LCSW. A minimum of one year of experience working with high-acuity mental health clients is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Social Work — Counselor Career Context
Of the 40 active Social Work listings this role was benchmarked against, 68% are remote, 33% have no call, 65% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Georgia is 96.3 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$63k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $65k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Georgia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Social Work pay on WeekdayDoc is up 4.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
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