Lead Therapist Jobs
Lead Therapist jobs are open across behavioral health agencies, school districts, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, with specializations in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and substance use counseling, at every level from staff clinician to clinical director. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642Opening:
Worker Subtype:
RegularTime Type:
Full timeScheduled Weekly Hours:
40Department:
500128 Psychiatry SMH Ambulatory SvcsWork Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)Range:
UR URCC 212Compensation Range:
$66,185.00 - $89,356.00The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
The Strong Family Therapy Services is seeking a Marriage and Family Therapist – Lead (MFT Lead). This role functions as a Lead or coordinator of project(s) for the service and could supervise 1-3 clinicians. The role will primarily support the branch of Strong Family Therapy Service that collaborates with the Ronald McDonald House, Strength From Within Program. This program is in the process of development. The MHT Lead will function clinically as a primary therapist and/or evaluator providing mental health assessment, triage, crisis intervention and treatment to patients with a mental health disorder in the Strength From Within Program. As Lead, they can provide leadership and supervisory support to an interdisciplinary group of clinical staff, as this program grows in scope and size. The Leader may collaborate on policy and program development, operations management, and plan program activities for their assigned clinical program area. The MHT Lead is an integral member of the clinical team, providing psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, resource consultation, and treatment. Subscribes to the Department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients/families, trainees, research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and trainings.Essential Functions:
Clinical Services:
- Conducts assessment and intake interviews of patients and their families and designs appropriate therapeutic treatment plans with clearly defined therapeutic goals consistent with all regulations and guidelines established by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Wellness. Conducts the course of individual, family, couple, and systems-oriented therapy within the accepted standards of practice as delineated by OMH and the Department.
- Ensures the development and implementation of comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for patients with clearly defined therapeutic goals; conducts evidence-informed treatment with patients and families.
- Responsible for ensuring assessment of safety in the clinic to provide safe care environment for patients and staff. Involves family and other mental health treatment providers as necessary in interventions.
Clinical Administration Assistance:
- Functions as Team Leader or coordinator of processes/projects. Provides clinical leadership to staff in the clinical program and collaborates with the Ronald McDonald House Team. Assist the Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT with program development, evaluation, and to ensure smooth and cost-efficient program operations. As the program grows, may participate in the orientation and training of new staff. Organizes and leads meetings at the discretion of the Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT. Provides coverage and accessibility for intakes, vacations, sick calls, as needed.
- May lead multidisciplinary team Strength from Within Team meetings and collaboration where appropriate. Triage referrals to specialty and/or other appropriate services for evaluation and treatment as indicated, and partners around co-management of shared patients where appropriate.
- Assists Clinic Director and/or Supervisor MFT with practice improvement projects and other clinical operations. May assist in providing supervision and contribute to the evaluation of an interdisciplinary group of staff.
Department compliance :
- Participates in activities of the Department and assigned Division including, but not limited to, ensuring policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning and patient care, timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Department forms; Hospital and Department mandatory in-service training programs. Documents all interventions and contacts in patient's chart in compliance with Division, Department and Hospital policy. Facilitates Department and Hospital quality assurance and staff development activities.
- Meets minimum target for units of service set by service director. Maintains a thorough knowledge of, and follows, all Family Therapy Services and Psychiatry Mental Health and Wellness Services policies and procedures, as well as those delineated by the Office of Mental Health. Maintains professional standards and continuing education by reading, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, and staying up to date for the New York State requirements for maintenance of licensure as appropriate.
DEI Compliance:
- Subscribes to the departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competency events and training appropriate to job duties.
Minimum Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree from an AAMFT accredited program with major course work in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field and 2 years professional counseling experience beyond the Master’s degree required.
- Prior experience working in a psychiatric care setting and working with adult and/or pediatric and adolescent populations preferred.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge about and ability to provide behavioral health assessments/evaluations and evidence-based interventions within a systems framework preferred.
- Commitment to and routine demonstration of biopsychosocial approach to care of individuals and families preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and responsive in rapidly evolving health care environments preferred.
- Dedication to delivering a team-based integrated model of care preferred.
- Demonstrates cultural humility and anti-racism values and works toward ensuring all patients feel welcome preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
- NYS licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist required
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
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What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead therapist jobs.
- Active LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent state clinical license
- Minimum two to three years of post-licensure clinical therapy experience
- Experience providing individual, group, and family therapy across a caseload
- Prior supervisory or clinical team lead experience in a behavioral health setting
- Proficiency with an electronic health record system for documentation and scheduling
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused approaches
Tips for Your Lead Therapist Job Search
Tailor your resume to clinical outcomes
Lead therapist roles expect you to show supervisory impact, not just caseload size. Quantify outcomes like reduced crisis incidents, improved treatment adherence rates, or staff retention on your watch. Generic therapy resumes rarely make it past an initial screen.
Highlight licensure and supervision credentials clearly
Many postings require an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT plus documented supervision hours or a supervisor designation. Put your license type, state, and expiration date at the top of your resume so hiring managers don't have to hunt for it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead therapist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your specialization and apply directly to each listing without sorting through unrelated postings.
Filter by population and setting before applying
Lead therapist roles differ sharply by setting: an IOP role requires different skills than a school-based or forensic position. Matching your direct-service background to the population served by each employer reduces interview mismatches and strengthens your cover letter angle.
Prepare a supervision philosophy statement
Expect interviewers to ask how you approach clinical supervision and staff development. Prepare a two- to three-minute answer that covers your feedback style, how you handle underperforming clinicians, and how you balance caseload support with documentation accountability.
Negotiate continuing education and licensure support
Lead therapist offers often include CE stipends, supervision hours toward licensure advancement, or EHR training time. Ask about these during the offer stage rather than after acceptance, since many employers have flexibility they won't volunteer upfront.
Lead Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead therapists?
Blue Rose Consulting Group, Prava Therapy, and Tenet Healthcare are hiring the most lead therapists right now, with openings concentrated in California, Florida, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially active at multi-site behavioral health organizations and community mental health centers expanding outpatient services.
How many lead therapist jobs are remote?
About 34% of lead therapist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with telehealth-focused outpatient roles accounting for most of the fully remote positions. Residential, school-based, and crisis stabilization roles are almost always on-site given their direct supervision and emergency response requirements.
How do you become a lead therapist?
Start by earning a master's degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy, then complete your supervised clinical hours and obtain full state licensure. Build direct caseload experience across individual, group, and family modalities, then pursue roles with supervisory duties to demonstrate readiness. Many employers also expect training in a recognized evidence-based modality before promoting to a lead title.
Can you get hired as a lead therapist with limited experience?
Some employers will hire a newly licensed clinician into a lead therapist role if the organization is growing quickly and no senior candidates applied, but most postings expect post-licensure experience and demonstrated supervisory or mentorship work. Volunteering to co-facilitate groups, shadow a clinical supervisor, or take on case consultation responsibilities during your staff clinician years makes the transition more credible when you apply.
What does the lead therapist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone screen focused on licensure status and setting experience, followed by a structured behavioral interview with the clinical director or HR that covers supervision style, ethical decision-making scenarios, and crisis response. Some organizations add a documentation review step or ask you to present a case conceptualization. References from supervisors who can speak to your clinical judgment are almost always required before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to lead therapist jobs?
You can find and apply to lead therapist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your license type, specialization, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 228+ Lead Therapist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lead Therapist Jobs