Casa Serena·Santa Barbara, California
The Associate Therapist / SUD Counselor is responsible for providing direct services including individual, couple/family, and group psychotherapy, consultations, and crisis intervention for clients. Essential functions involve facilitating weekly individual and family therapy sessions, leading groups, creating treatment plans, completing assessments, and collaborating on discharge planning.
Description Casa Serena is a women's only residential and outpatient treatment center. We are currently looking to add creative, compassionate, and innovative individuals to the team in the position of Associate Therapist or Substance Use Counselor!
As Santa Barbara's only licensed and accredited treatment program for women, we deliver high quality integral care in a collaborative team environment. Our unique curriculum is designed to help women and staff flourish. We offer engaging, culturally sensitive psychoeducation/process groups and love staff collaboration to enhance our curriculum. You will learn how to be confident running groups while we support self-care for our team.
3 weeks of Paid Time Off 90% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance 401K 10% matching plan Subsidized certification trainings available to enhance your path to licensure. EAP Program Practice your passion and learn new modalities!
Primary Purpose and Function The Associate Therapist / SUD Counselor provides direct service including individual, couple/family and group psychotherapy, consultations and crisis intervention.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Provide weekly individual therapy with clients Provide weekly family therapy with clients and their family members Facilitate Groups Create and update Treatment Plans Complete Biopsychosocial and other Assessments as needed Collaborate with multidisciplinary team for discharge planning Crisis Intervention EMR Documentation and compliance with TJC Standards and state licensing requirements Other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director and CEO
Core Competency (minimum skills, knowledge and experience needed to perform essential functions and responsibilities) Knowledge of substance use and mental health treatment, family systems and 12 step recovery resources in the community Psychoeducational group facilitation Group Notes Therapeutic interventions Crisis Management Should possess a professional demeanor and a collaborative spirit. Have a general understanding and/or training in cultural diversity issues.
License or Certification in a related field (AMFT, ACSW, APCC, CADC, CATC, SUDCC) or equivalent Two years of experience in a behavioral health treatment facility, preferable addiction centered. Current professional liability insurance. Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally with clients, administration.
Market context
In California, Associate Therapist and SUD Counselor roles are often in steady demand because treatment programs need clinicians who can support substance use and co-occurring mental health care. These positions are competitive when candidates bring group facilitation, crisis management, family-systems knowledge, and familiarity with 12-step recovery resources. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to your license or certification and direct treatment experience.
