Licensed Therapist for Intensive Outpatient Programs

(Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Location: Portland, OR
Supervisor: Director of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Employee Classification: Exempt (salaried), Full-Time
Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $85,000 annually

Onboarding Timeline: Approximately 2-3 months

Therapists at PMHW provide individual and group psychotherapy services that support the mental and emotional well-being of patients. Clinicians conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide care within the structures of the mental health and medical system, including documentation, diagnosis, and collaboration with other providers when appropriate.

Within the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), therapists provide evidence-based individual, group, and family therapy to adults participating in the program. Clinicians apply best practices in group counseling and psychotherapy to support patient stabilization, treatment engagement, and meaningful therapeutic progress within the structure of the program. Depending on role and program needs, clinicians may maintain an individual caseload of approximately 4–5 patients and facilitate approximately 6–9 hours of group therapy per week.

While our work exists within traditional healthcare systems, PMHW encourages clinicians to approach their work with curiosity, humility, and ongoing reflection about how these systems shape the ways we understand and treat mental health. Clinicians utilize diagnostic frameworks when clinically indicated, while also maintaining awareness of the limitations of diagnostic labels and the potential impact of pathologizing individual experiences that are often connected to broader social and relational contexts.

Our clinical work does not rely solely on manualized or skills-based models of therapy. While clinicians may incorporate skills and interventions from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when appropriate, PMHW places a strong emphasis on relational and experiential learning within therapy. Much of our work centers interpersonal process in group therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and relational-cultural approaches that prioritize connection, authenticity, and the therapeutic relationship.

Clinicians at PMHW are encouraged to remain open to ongoing learning, including examining traditional therapeutic models, exploring alternative approaches to healing, and reflecting on how clinical frameworks influence the ways we understand distress and recovery. This learning process includes both developing clinical skills and thoughtfully questioning assumptions within the mental health field.

PMHW values clinicians who can navigate the realities of practicing within healthcare systems while remaining thoughtful, reflective, and grounded in relational care with patients.

Essential Functions:

• Provide individual and group psychotherapy that incorporates relational, experiential, and process-oriented approaches to treatment.
• Facilitate group therapy that prioritizes interpersonal learning, emotional processing, and relational feedback among group members.
• Incorporate mindfulness and present-focused awareness practices to support emotional regulation and insight.
• Facilitate hybrid and/or in-person therapy groups and individual sessions as part of program operations and patient care needs.
• Integrate skills-based interventions from evidence-informed approaches, including CBT and DBT, when clinically appropriate while maintaining a broader relational and process-oriented therapeutic framework.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning that includes both developing clinical skills and reflecting on traditional therapeutic frameworks.
• Participate in team consultation and clinical collaboration that supports thoughtful clinical practice and relational care.
• Use DSM diagnostic frameworks when required for treatment planning and documentation while maintaining a trauma-informed awareness of the broader social and relational context of distress.
• Ensure that clinic policies and procedures are respectful of patient autonomy and safety, and challenge any policies that perpetuate systemic harm.
• Advocate for systemic change in the mental health system, including increased access to care, resources, and support for marginalized communities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Required: a masters degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, OR a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an APA accredited university
• Required: appropriate board approved licensing, current and unrestricted
• Preferred: knowledge of group therapy dynamics and IOP curriculum (largely CBT, DBT, ACT)
• Demonstrate competence and humility in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, ability et al
• Demonstrate commitment to the preservation of a workplace which embraces diversity
• Demonstrate commitment to confidentiality of patient and employee information
• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients and clinicians
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail and organization
• Demonstrate patience: being patient with people who may have trouble communicating or understanding what is happening is imperative for this position
• Follow policies and procedures to contribute to the administrative efficiency of the practice, taking initiative to suggest and develop those that may be needed
• Ability to work with Mac OS & Google Workspace

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This description is intended to provide only the basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as the practice’s needs evolve. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of every job.

The physical requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the Essential Functions of this job, with or without accommodation. If an accommodation is needed, you have an opportunity to discuss this with Human Resources.

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It’s essential to clarify that at Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we hire W-2 employees for most positions, rather than contractors. This decision reflects our commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of care.

In Oregon, the distinction between W-2 employees and contractors holds significant legal and ethical implications. By hiring W-2 employees, we ensure that our staff receive fair wages, benefits, and protections mandated by state labor laws. This includes access to healthcare, paid leave, and workers’ compensation, fostering a supportive and secure work environment.

Moreover, hiring W-2 employees allows us to maintain consistent quality control and oversight over our services. We prioritize building a team of dedicated professionals who share our values and commitment to providing exceptional mental health care to our clients. This ensures continuity of care and fosters trust within our community.

At Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we believe that investing in our employees translates to better outcomes for our clients. By hiring W-2 employees, we uphold our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in mental health care delivery. Join us in our mission to promote holistic well-being and support the mental health needs of individuals and families in Portland and beyond.