Mental Health Therapist

• Mental Health Therapist – Youth Behavioral Health
• Location: Memphis, TN
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Pay: $60,000 - $62,000 / Year

About Youth Opportunity & Memphis Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Memphis Youth Academy in Memphis, Tennessee is a higher‑capacity Youth Academy (approx. 68 beds) serving boys ages 13 to 18 in a trauma‑informed residential setting. The program integrates clinical mental health and behavioral treatment with daily academic instruction, art, music, recreation, and social skills development.

Youth typically spend 6 to 9 months in the program, participating in individual, family, and group therapy, restorative justice, life skills training, victim‑impact awareness, and pre‑vocational preparation. Small group living units foster stability, engagement, and preparation for reintegration into school and community environments.

Position Summary – Mental Health Therapist

We are hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join the clinical team at Memphis Youth Academy. This role is ideal for a master’s-level clinician seeking experience in youth behavioral health, crisis stabilization, and residential assessment services. The therapist provides direct clinical care, supports youth stabilization, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to guide treatment and discharge planning.

• Mental Health Therapist Job Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Make an impact during a critical entry and assessment phase of care
• Work in a clinically focused, fast-paced treatment setting
• Gain experience in assessment, stabilization, and treatment planning
• Access ongoing supervision, training, and career growth opportunities

• Mental Health Therapist Responsibilities
• Coordinate and implement individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plans
• Provide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and families under clinical supervision
• Deliver individual, group, and family therapy sessions
• Document clinical services including weekly progress notes, treatment plans, reviews, and aftercare plans
• Develop youth behavioral health discharge and transition plans
• Assess family dynamics and functioning to implement appropriate intervention strategies
• Collaborate with leadership on compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives

• Additional Duties
• Participate in daily group routines and activities with youth and counselors
• Maintain a high standard of professional role model behavior
• Attend required training and professional development activities
• Report incidents, concerns, and use of physical force per policy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, special education, or a related human services field

Two years of experience working with youth with serious emotional disturbances or substance use challenges preferred

• Experience preferred but not required with an appropriate master’s degree
• Strong understanding of group leadership, group dynamics, and experiential education
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to pass background check and meet state requirements

Other Requirements

Physical Demands

• Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable

• Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed

• Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state

• Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams

Other

• Valid state driver’s license required
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements
• Occasional irregular hours may be required

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application and learn more about joining the Youth Opportunity team at Harpeth Primary Assessment Center.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.