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Mental health

Associate Therapist

Akua Behavioral Health logoAkua Behavioral Health$32–$35/hrSan Diego, CAPosted today
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How this pay compares

This posting states $32–$35 an hour. Open mental health therapist jobs in California post a median of $50.40 an hour, the middle half $34–$61.15, across 117 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post. Mental health therapists employed in California earn a median of $28.48 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).

Mental health therapists in California: pay by town and employer

The Mental Health & Social Work job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly

About the job

Position: Associate Therapist

Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Compensation

Base Salary: $32 - $35/hour (Associate)

Shift: Tuesday-Saturday (8:30am-5:00pm)

Benefits

  • Free Clinical Supervision (Hours Towards Licensing)
  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick, Vacation, Paid Holidays
  • Equity Shares

Job Description

We seek an Associate Therapist (ASW/AMFT/APCC) to join our dedicated team and provide our clients mental health and substance abuse treatment. The Therapist position is crucial in helping clients achieve lasting recovery through individual and group therapy, treatment planning, assessments, and crisis intervention. The Therapist will receive Clinical Supervision in a fast paced, high learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Individual Therapy: Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide evidence-based therapy to address substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health issues, and trauma.
  • Group Therapy: Facilitate psychoeducational and process-oriented groups to foster peer support, skill development, and relapse prevention.
  • Care Coordination: Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to coordinate care, advocate for clients' needs, and ensure continuity of treatment.
  • Utilization Review: We conduct clinical updates to assess the client’s treatment and service utilization progress and establish medical necessity for our insurance partners.
  • Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and resources during emotional or behavioral crises, ensuring client safety and well-being.
  • Documentation: We maintain accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines, including timely clinical updates for our insurance partners.
  • Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and consultation to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: Master's degree in social work (MSW), counseling psychology (MA/MSc), clinical psychology (MA/MSc), or relevant field.
  • Licensure: Registered Associate (ASW/AMFT/APCC) in California.
  • Experience: Minimum of one year of experience providing direct clinical services to individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders.
  • Skills: Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and therapy skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening
  • Current CPR/First Aid Certification (Required)
  • Valid CA Driver's License
  • Current Health Screen (Required)
  • TB Clearance (Required)
  • Ability to communicate with compassion and empathy
  • Strong ability to manage time and prioritize tasks

Company Description

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment and offer various levels of care from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.

From Akua Behavioral Health's job posting, checked 4 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

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About Akua Behavioral Health

Akua Behavioral Health hires mental health staff, nurses and nursing assistants in San Diego, Fair Oaks and Sacramento in California.

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