A Family or Behavioral Therapist works with clients who need help dealing with emotional disorders or problems with family and relationships. Addresses client problems in the context of family relationships; helps clients develop ways to recognize and change behavior patterns. Works with individuals, couples or families.
Primary Therapist — Adolescent Residential Treatment Ascend Healthcare | Erie, Colorado | Full-Time | Salaried | On-Site Ascend Healthcare is an established adolescent behavioral health organization with residential programs across California. We're opening our first Colorado location in Erie — and we're looking for a Primary Therapist who wants to do meaningful clinical work in a setting that actually supports it. This isn't a high-volume, high-churn clinical role. Our therapists carry a minimum caseload of four clients in an 8-bed residential program. You'll have time to do the work well.
THE ROLE
As a Primary Therapist, you'll carry a caseload of adolescent clients ages 12-18, serving as both their primary clinician and case manager from admission through discharge. You'll provide individual therapy, family therapy, and facilitate regular group sessions. You'll also be out in the milieu — accompanying clients on outings, collaborating with direct care staff, and showing up as a consistent clinical presence throughout each client's stay. We use trauma-informed care models in conjunction with cutting-edge clinical programming and recreation experiences to support teens in developing a life worth living.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Individual therapy with each assigned client at clinically indicated frequency Family therapy — family engagement is central to our model, not an afterthought Regular group therapy and psychoeducational groups Biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and treatment plan reviews Case management — coordinating care with the treatment team, contracted psychiatrist and pediatrician, and outside providers Discharge planning and warm handoffs to aftercare providers Weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and case presentations Accompanying clients on therapeutic outings as part of the clinical program Documentation in
KIPU WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Current Colorado license or registration: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, Licensed Psychologist, or registered associate (SWC, MFTC, LPC Candidate) Clinical experience with adolescents in a behavioral health or residential setting preferred Strong training and experience in family therapy — this is a core part of the role, not an occasional add-on Genuine commitment to trauma-informed care and evidence-based family and adolescent treatment Someone who wants to be present in the milieu — not just behind a closed office door Strong documentation habits and comfort working in an EMR (KIPU experience a plus) Comfortable with on-call responsibilities as part of a leadership clinical role
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and licensure level Medical, dental, and vision benefits Paid time off and holidays A small, high-quality caseload with real time to do clinical work well The opportunity to help build the clinical culture of a new program, backed by an established organization A team that takes trauma-informed care seriously
Pay:
$75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
