Primary Therapist Jobs
Primary Therapist jobs are open across behavioral health, substance use treatment, hospital systems, and community mental health centers, from entry-level to clinical supervisor, with specializations in individual therapy, group facilitation, and dual-diagnosis treatment. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Summary
The Therapist provides direct clinical services to clients enrolled in our OP program. This includes conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating group and individual therapy, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, person-centered care in compliance with all regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and assist in diagnostic impressions.
- Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment and discharge plans.
- Facilitate group therapy, individual counseling, and family sessions as appropriate.
- Document all clinical interactions in accordance with agency policy and state regulations.
- Coordinate care with medical staff, case managers, and external providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Provide crisis intervention and participate in treatment team meetings.
- Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required training/continuing education.
- Uphold ethical standards and maintain client confidentiality at all times.
Qualifications
- Required: Active New Jersey clinical license or certification as one of the following:
- LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
- CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) – under supervision of an LCADC/CCS
- LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist, or equivalent license with SUD experience
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field (Bachelor’s with CADC accepted under supervision).
- Experience in substance use disorder treatment, preferably in a higher level of care (PHP, IOP, or inpatient).
- Knowledge of DSM-5, evidence-based practices (CBT, Motivational Interviewing, relapse prevention), and co-occurring disorders.
- Strong documentation, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to maintaining ethical and professional standards of practice.
Join our dedicated team of professionals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. We look forward to your application!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently hold an active clinical license in New Jersey (such as CADC, LCADC, etc.)?
Experience:
- Substance Abuse Treatment: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
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Find Primary Therapist JobsPrimary Therapist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Evolve Therapy Services25
- Newport Healthcare14
- ROWI11
- Monte Nido9
- Eating Recovery Center9
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in primary therapist jobs.
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related clinical field
- Active state licensure such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or LCPC
- Experience conducting individual and group therapy sessions
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems for clinical documentation
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Experience with treatment planning, progress notes, and discharge documentation
Tips for Your Primary Therapist Job Search
Tailor your resume to treatment setting
Inpatient, residential, and outpatient primary therapist roles prioritize different competencies. Highlight crisis intervention for inpatient positions, discharge planning for residential, and caseload autonomy for outpatient. Matching your resume to the setting signals you understand the actual day-to-day demands.
List every licensure and certification you hold
Many primary therapist postings filter candidates by licensure type before a human ever reads the application. Include your license number, state, and expiration date alongside credentials like CADC, LADC, or NCC so your application clears automated screening without ambiguity.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists primary therapist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your modality
If you're trained in DBT, EMDR, or motivational interviewing, search for those terms directly in job postings. Facilities running structured treatment tracks hire for modality fit, not just licensure, and naming your approach in your cover letter doubles as a clinical credential.
Prepare a case conceptualization example for interviews
Primary therapist interviews frequently include a scenario where you walk through how you'd assess and treat a hypothetical client. Rehearse presenting a de-identified case using a framework you actually use, covering diagnosis, treatment planning, and progress indicators, so your answer demonstrates clinical reasoning rather than textbook recall.
Negotiate supervision hours into your offer
If you're working toward full licensure, the number of supervised hours an employer can provide matters as much as salary. Ask directly how many hours per week are available, who provides supervision, and whether the schedule accommodates your state's requirements before accepting any offer.
Primary Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most primary therapists?
The most active employers for primary therapists right now are Evolve Therapy Services, Newport Healthcare, and ROWI, and the most openings are in California, Florida, and New Jersey, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Residential treatment centers, hospital systems, and community behavioral health organizations tend to post the highest volume of openings consistently.
How many primary therapist jobs are remote?
About 16% of primary therapist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with telehealth options most common in outpatient and community mental health settings. Inpatient and residential roles almost always require on-site presence given the nature of direct clinical care and crisis response.
How do you become a primary therapist?
You start by earning a master's degree in clinical social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a closely related field. After graduating, you complete the supervised clinical hours your state requires, then pass your licensure exam to obtain credentials such as LCSW, LPC, or LMFT. Some employers hire pre-licensed candidates who are actively accruing hours, particularly in community mental health and residential settings.
Can you get hired as a primary therapist with limited experience?
Yes, pre-licensed candidates are regularly hired into primary therapist roles, especially at community mental health centers, nonprofit agencies, and substance use treatment facilities that offer built-in supervision. Employers in these settings expect newer clinicians and structure caseloads accordingly. Highlighting practicum placements, internship populations, and any crisis or group facilitation experience from your graduate training strengthens your application significantly.
What does the primary therapist interview process look like?
Most primary therapist interviews include a phone or video screen with HR, followed by a clinical interview with a supervisor or treatment team lead. You'll often be asked to walk through a case conceptualization, discuss your approach to treatment planning, and explain how you handle documentation and caseload management. Some residential or inpatient programs add a panel interview or a brief observation of the treatment environment before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to primary therapist jobs?
You can find and apply to primary therapist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your licensure, clinical focus, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 231+ Primary Therapist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Primary Therapist Jobs