Mental Health Program Therapist (Inpatient)

CounselorPer Diem

Listed compensation

$40-$45/hr

The week · per this posting

Schedule not stated in this posting — no days, weekends, call or nights given.

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 6mo ago

Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: South Sound Behavioral Hospital - Lacey, WA 98503Position Type: Per DiemSalary Range: $40.00 - $45.00 Hourly JOIN OUR TEAM AS A PROGRAM THERAPIST!

Behavioral Health / Social Worker / Mental Health Therapist Master’s Degree and Licensure (LICSW, LMHC, LMFT) strongly preferred. | PRN | Lacey, WA Your Work Matters How will you make a difference?

As a Program Therapist (Behavioral Health Social Worker / Mental Health Therapist) at South Sound Behavioral Hospital in Lacey, WA, you’ll play a vital role in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients in our inpatient behavioral health programs.

You will assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic services that help patients achieve stability and begin their recovery journey. Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions focused on stabilization and recovery.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Conduct psychosocial assessments and maintain accurate, timely documentation. Coordinate discharge and aftercare planning to ensure continuity of care.

Partner with nursing, medical, and support staff to provide high-quality, patient-centered treatment. Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, and program development initiatives.

Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for: Education & Licensure: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related mental health field. Washington State licensure (LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, or equivalent). Associate-level or license-eligible candidates encouraged to apply.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting preferred. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced inpatient environment.

Additional Skill Requirements: The Program Therapist role requires candidates to acquire CPR certification and crisis intervention/management training within 30 days of employment to participate in restraining procedures. Flexibility in working hours is essential to meet program needs.

Additionally, candidates are encouraged to obtain acknowledgements from the Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), such as Mental Health Provider and Children’s Mental Health Specialist, if eligible.

This position demands a commitment to professional development and a willingness to adapt to the program's diverse and dynamic needs.

Your Care Matters What we provide for our team: 401(k) + matching Health insurance 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary Vision insurance Dental insurance 100% company-paid long-term disability insurance Paid time off Paid holidays Cafeteria on site Employee engagement events Employee assistance program Employee recognition program Free parking Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

Compensation

This is a PRN position, and the expected compensation range is $40.00 - $45.00 hourly. We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience, qualifications, and skill level. Join us as our Program Therapist!

About SSBH Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service Welcome to South Sound Behavioral Hospital (SSBH), where passion meets purpose in the realm of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Our 138-bed facility, located in Lacey, WA, SSBH, is the newest behavioral health facility in the area, equipped with cutting-edge safety features to ensure a secure and supportive environment for both our employees and our patients.

At SSBH, our expert team, including licensed psychiatrists, compassionate nurses, skilled therapists, and adept technicians, is united by a singular commitment — to deliver exceptional care to every individual, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We offer specialized programs to create a haven for patients to embark on their healing journey in utmost comfort. Join us in our transformative mission to redefine mental healthcare through person-centered care. Here, your unique skills and boundless compassion can make a profound impact on the lives of those in need.

If you are ready to contribute to a community that values excellence and empathy, seize this opportunity to apply and become a catalyst for positive change at South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

To learn more about SSBH, visit us at: southsoundbehavioralhospital.com TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S. Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service South Sound Behavioral Hospital values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Search Keywords: Program Therapist, Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist, Behavioral Health, Inpatient, Lacey WA, Psychiatric Hospital, Counseling, LICSW, LMHC, LMFT

Key Responsibilities

As a Program Therapist, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients in inpatient behavioral health programs. This includes assessing, planning, and delivering therapeutic services, as well as facilitating therapy sessions and coordinating discharge planning.

Requirements

Candidates should have a Master’s Degree in a related mental health field and Washington State licensure. A minimum of two years of experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting is preferred, along with strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Mental Health TherapyPsychosocial AssessmentIndividual TherapyGroup TherapyTreatment PlanningPatient CareCommunication

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 40% are remote, 16% have no call, 68% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Location & Logistics

Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

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50 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution38 jobs · 33 employers

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks38 jobs · 33 employers

401k / retirement match
87% this job
CME allowance
39%
Sign-on bonus
26%
Loan repayment
21%
PSLF eligible
13%

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 8,035 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Lacey

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$481k
Typical market rent
$2,137/mo
Residents’ average commute
25 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
103.7
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

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

BEA 2024 · Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

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

South Sound Behavioral Hospital logo

About South Sound Behavioral Hospital

Hospitals and Health Care
Marysville, Washington
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

401(k) + matching
Health insurance
100% company-paid life insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
100% company-paid long-term disability
Paid time off
Paid holidays