Associate Mental Health Therapist

Associate Clinical Therapist

Position Title: Associate Therapist (CSWA, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate, or Psychology Resident)

Reports To: Clinical Director / Clinical Supervisor

Department: Outpatient Mental Health Services

Location: Willamette Wellness Center – Milwaukie, Oregon

Position Summary

The Associate Therapist at Willamette Wellness Center provides high-quality, evidence-based mental health assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families while actively pursuing independent clinical licensure in Oregon. This role ensures that care is clinically appropriate, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive, and consistent with Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 309-019-0130 and other applicable regulatory standards.

Associate Therapists work under the direct clinical supervision of a qualified supervisor approved by their respective Oregon licensing board. They contribute to a collaborative, compassionate environment that promotes emotional wellness, professional growth, clinical excellence, and respect for diversity in all forms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide diagnostic assessments, individualized treatment planning, and psychotherapy under approved clinical supervision, consistent with current professional standards and OAR 309-019-0130.
• Develop and maintain individualized service plans that reflect client strengths, needs, and treatment goals.
• Deliver interventions using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
• Attend and actively participate in required individual and group clinical supervision sessions, integrating feedback into clinical practice and documentation.
• Document all clinical services accurately and timely in accordance with OHA, Oregon licensing board, payer, and agency requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to ensure continuity, integration, and coordination of care.
• Provide crisis assessment, intervention, and safety planning as needed, consulting with clinical supervisors when acute risk is identified.
• Maintain confidentiality, client rights, and professional boundaries in strict compliance with HIPAA, board ethics, and internal policy.
• Track and maintain accurate records of supervised clinical hours toward independent state licensure.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture at Willamette Wellness Center.

Qualifications and Requirements

In accordance with OAR 309-019-0130 (Competency and Qualifications of Program Staff):

Education and Pre-Licensure Status

• Graduation from an accredited graduate program with a Master's or Doctoral degree in counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology (e.g., MSW, MFT, MA/MS Counseling, PsyD/PhD).
• Active associate-level registration or pre-licensed status in good standing with the applicable Oregon licensing board (CSWA, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate, or Psychology Resident).
• Must live in Oregon or Southwest Washington with the ability to commute to the Milwaukie office as required.

Professional Competencies

• Detail-oriented with the ability to submit clinical documentation (intakes, treatment plans, progress notes) within required weekly timelines.
• Demonstrated ability or foundational training in conducting diagnostic intakes, treatment planning, progress notes, and mental status examinations.
• Working knowledge of (or willingness to learn) administering and scoring standardized clinical tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, and related measures.
• Commitment to completing advanced evidence-based trauma training while employed at Willamette Wellness Center to build advanced clinical skills.
• Openness to clinical direction, reflective self-practice, and constructive feedback from clinical supervisors.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and digital practice platforms.
• Commitment to Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services (CLSS) and equitable care practices.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a criminal background check and provide at least two professional references.
• Must own a computer, have a secure high-speed internet connection, and maintain a confidential space for client sessions and clinical documentation.
• Willingness to start as a part-time employee during the training and credentialing phase, with the goal of converting to full-time status by the third month of employment.
• Full-time Associate Therapists are expected to build toward a minimum target of 24 client sessions per week.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Hybrid or in-person outpatient setting located in Milwaukie, OR.
• Flexible schedule options may be available, including evenings or weekends as agreed upon with administration and supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while conducting sessions or completing clinical documentation.
• Ability to move about the workspace to access files, office equipment, or private meeting spaces.
• Ability to communicate effectively through spoken, written, and electronic means.
• Ability to operate a computer, including typing, viewing screens, and using telehealth platforms for prolonged periods.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 10–15 pounds, such as office supplies or client materials.
• Adequate vision and hearing, with or without corrective devices, to engage in clinical work, observe client non-verbal cues, and complete documentation.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and pre-licensure status.
• Board-compliant clinical supervision provided internally (or supervision stipend options, as applicable).
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan.
• Paid time off, front-loaded sick leave, paid holidays, and professional development support.
• Complete administrative, credentialing, billing, and referral intake support.

Willamette Wellness Center Commitment

Willamette Wellness Center is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for both clients and staff. We are committed to clinical equity, collaboration, professional mentorship, and integrity in everything we do.

• Must have the ability to pass background check.