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Shaded band: the middle 50% of 46 posted behavioral health roles in Culver City, California salarys. This role sits in the 75th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 49% above the Culver City, California median for behavioral health roles.
The Primary Therapist works within a multidisciplinary team to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions. They are responsible for maintaining comprehensive clinical documentation and coordinating care to ensure client safety and well-being.
Primary Therapist, Licensed
Job Summary
With the supervision of the Clinical Director, works with the clinical staff in the assessment of client’s needs, treatment planning, facilitation, advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s mental and physical health needs through communication and available resources to promote the individual’s well-being and improve or restore their capacity for social functioning including counseling and the use of psychosocial interventions and social psychotherapy.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide quality care to clientele, ensuring safety and best practices.
Ensures excellent clinical care is provided in individual and group therapy and documented for all clients.
Assesses client’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences; formulates a diagnostic impression based on current DSM criteria; and in conjunction with the client/family develops a workable plan for treatment.
Facilitates and completes treatment plans upon admission, discharge summaries and other chart related documents and correspondence for assigned clients in a timely manner, as assigned by Clinical Director.
Consistently communicates and reports to the Clinical Director the needs of the clients,
Communicates and effectively interacts with all clinical and non-clinical departments coordinating care for clients.
Adheres to after-hours ATA and emergency phone tree protocol for all clinical and client related behavioral concerns including wanting to ATA.
Responsible for timely same day completion of clinical documentation which include assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, group notes, discharge plans.
Initiates discharge planning upon admission for assigned clients and updates weekly
Complete additional treatment plans based on problem areas identified in BPS
Ensures client records for assigned case load are comprehensive and complete to meet licensing standards
Conducts weekly individual therapy sessions at a minimum of three times a week per individual: 2 designated as individual and 1 as family therapy.
Once client drops to
IOP level of care then 2 visits per week: one individual and one family. Provides timely same day documentation for all assigned clients based on level care.
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
5-10 yrs
Salary
$100,000 - $110,000/yr
Location
Culver City, California
Posted
Aug 4, 2026
Application
Employer website
Facilitates skill building psycho-educational and/or support groups as assigned or fill in as directed by Clinical Director, providing timely same day documentation in accordance with insurance standards.
Maintains awareness of and tracks level of care authorizations for assigned clients, reviewing cycle dates and accurately documents functional impairment.
Establishes and maintains ongoing relationships with client’s family and outside resources necessary to provide for healthy transition and discharge. Provide family/conjoint therapy as specified in individual client’s treatment plan or as directed by supervisor.
Conducts crises management/intervention of assigned clients or as directed by immediate supervisor (Clinical Director).
Reviews client requests for outings, passes and visitors with Clinical Director for approval to ensure client care and safety is paramount.
Maintains appropriate state license/registration/certification for scope of practice.
Carry out other duties/responsibilities as delegated by Clinical Director.
Required Skills/Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Basic computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendar, slide presentations, Internet etc.
Must be able to lift and carry light objects and parcels as an incidental part of their job
First aid and CPR certification
Must have current CA Driver’s License
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in career counseling, education, or similar field.
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills.
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a Career Counselor.
1-2 years of experience in a treatment related field preferred.
Must be licensed in CA (LMFT/LCSW).
Physical Requirements
Frequent sitting must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time
Must be able to lift and carry light objects and parcels as an incidental part of their job
The position needs to occasional move about inside and outside the facility frequently
Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery
Frequently communicates with other employees
Note
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
At the Los Angeles Outpatient Center (LAOP), our mission is to provide a healing resource for adults, battling mental health, substance abuse, and disordered eating.
Our diverse team of clinicians ensures that clients receive individualized comprehensive care in the most appropriate setting.
We look for people who can grow, think, dream, create, and push the model of healthcare forward.
We value achievers, leaders, and visionaries.
Our goal is to value each person's skills and provide an environment that embraces diversity and rewards imagination and service delivery.
LAOP is part of Centered Health, which operates a diverse network of behavioral health treatment centers ensuring that clients receive individualized comprehensive care in the most appropriate setting.
Monday - Friday, 8: 00am-4:30pm
Market context
California behavioral health roles stay in steady demand
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
