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Serene Health
San Diego, California · Hybrid

Associate Therapist

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$32-$38/hr

Listing transparency3 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time · hybrid
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Empowering Wellness, Transforming Lives

Optima Medical Management Group is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by promoting wellness. At Optima MMG and all of its divisions: Serene Health, Community Support, and American TrueCare, our mission is to provide comprehensive support and care that not only addresses immediate concerns but also fosters long-term well-being.

As pioneers in the field, we aspire to lead in member care outcomes and set new standards for excellence and innovation. We are committed to empowering our members to achieve self-sufficiency in health, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.

Our work culture at Optima MMG is built on pride, passion, and a collective commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives. Our team members are dedicated problem-solvers who bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table. We believe that by fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, we can unlock the full potential of our team and, in turn, provide the best possible care to our members.

A career at Optima MMG is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. We encourage continuous learning and professional growth, providing our employees with access to industry experts, cutting-edge technologies, and a supportive community that values each individual's contributions. Join us on this journey to not only advance your career but to be a driving force in transforming lives and communities through passionate and fulfilling work!

Job Summary

The Associate Therapist will provide comprehensive mental health services to clients using a blend of traditional and innovative therapeutic techniques. This role is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of our client base, offering virtual counseling options. The Associate Therapist will be responsible for creating a supportive and therapeutic environment for a diverse clientele, employing a range of therapeutic modalities to meet individual client needs. Associate Therapists must be able to accommodate up to 35 patients on their schedule. Additional benefits, if selected for the role, include paid CEU trainings and paid supervision.

Duties/Responsibilities

Conduct psychological assessments to evaluate clients' mental health conditions and needs.

Develop and implement personalized treatment plans that incorporate both traditional and alternative therapeutic approaches.

Provide remote counseling sessions to individuals, couples, families, or groups, as required.

Utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and other innovative methods tailored to client needs.

Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in mental health treatments and integrate applicable findings into practice.

  • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all ethical guidelines and standards of practice.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed to provide holistic care to clients.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance therapeutic skills and knowledge.

Keep accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting all therapy sessions, treatment plans, and progress notes.

  • Must see patients ages 6 and older, both in person and via telehealth.
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Education and Experience

Master’s or Doctorate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field.

Valid state license to practice as a therapist (e. g., ACSW, AMFT, APCC).

  • Experience with a variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities.
  • Proficiency in providing remote therapy sessions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong ethical framework and respect for client confidentiality.

Preferred Skills

  • Certification or specialized training in specific therapeutic techniques or modalities.
  • Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth platforms.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and a wide range of mental health conditions.
  • Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Pay range

$32—$38 USD

Benefits

  • Our full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits enrollment after 60 days of employment:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits: We have various insurance options for you and your family.
  • Short & Long-Term Disability Benefits: Protection when you need it most.

Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Plans: Added security for you and your loved ones.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage your finances with flexibility.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support when life throws challenges your way.

401(K): Building your financial future with us. Effective after 1 year of employment.

  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave: Flexibility for the planned and unplanned.
  • Paid Holidays: Quality time to enjoy celebrations.
  • Employee Referral Program: Share the opportunities and reap the rewards.
  • Company Discount Program: Enjoy savings on everyday expenses and memberships.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity

Optima Medical Management Group and its divisions are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Optima MMG is committed to providing employment opportunities for all qualified candidates without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Optima MMG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Pre-Employment

Optima Medical Management Group is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Therapist will conduct psychological assessments and develop personalized treatment plans for a diverse client base. They will provide counseling services through both in-person and remote sessions while maintaining accurate clinical records.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. A valid state license to practice as a therapist is required, along with proficiency in remote therapy delivery.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Psychological assessmentTreatment planningCrisis interventionClinical documentationCase managementEvidence-based practicePatient care

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Associate Therapist at Serene Health a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 35% of all Mental Health Therapy counselor listings evaluated on our platform. Contributing factors include remote work flexibility.

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 66% are remote, 22% have no call, 60% require no weekends — this position is remote.

Mental Health Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 10.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$73k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $66k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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401k / retirement match
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CME allowance
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Sign-on bonus
29%
Loan repayment
15%
PSLF eligible
12%

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Work-life snapshot

6.0/ 10
Listing-based score

A signal to investigate—not a guarantee about the workplace.

  • Hybrid
  • Remote
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About Serene Health

Hospitals and Health Care
San Diego, California
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits
Short & Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401(K) after 1 year
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid CEU Trainings