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Associate Behavior Therapist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

LGPC, LGSW, LSWA, LPC, LICSW or Licensed Psychologist Associate required. * Specific experience in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including trauma treatment, Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Family ...

MST Therapist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K/yr

LGPC, LGSW, LSWA, LPC, LICSW or Licensed Psychologist Associate required. * Specific experience in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including trauma treatment, Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Family ...

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Associate Behavior Therapist information

See Washington salary details

$14

$25

$41

How much do associate behavior therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate behavior therapist in Washington is $25.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $26.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate behavior therapist?

Associate Behavior Therapists are entry-level professionals who work with individuals, often children, with behavioral challenges such as autism spectrum disorder. They implement treatment plans designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques to help clients develop positive behaviors and reduce problematic ones. Their duties include working directly with clients, collecting data on progress, and communicating with families or supervisors. While they typically hold a bachelor's degree or relevant certification, they work under the supervision of more experienced behavior analysts. This role is crucial for the day-to-day execution of behavioral interventions and for supporting clients' growth and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate behavior therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Behavior Therapist, you need a background in psychology or applied behavior analysis, often complemented by a relevant bachelor's degree or certification such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Familiarity with data collection systems, behavior intervention plans, and progress monitoring tools is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with clients and families are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective implementation of therapy plans and promote positive behavioral outcomes for clients.

What are some common challenges associate behavior therapists face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed?

Associate Behavior Therapists often encounter challenges such as managing difficult behaviors, maintaining client engagement, and adapting interventions to meet individual needs. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with supervising Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), ongoing training, and regular team meetings. Additionally, therapists use data-driven approaches to adjust strategies, seek peer support, and participate in professional development to continually improve their skills and effectiveness.

Are ABA jobs in high demand?

Behavior Therapist positions, including those specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), are in high demand due to increased awareness and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The field offers strong job growth prospects, with many opportunities in clinical, educational, and home-based settings, often requiring certification such as BCBA or RBT.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington?

For Associate Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Behavior Therapist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Behavior Therapist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Associate Behavior Therapist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Behavior Therapist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,033 per year, or $26 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a passionate Community-Based MST Therapist with Multisystemic therapy experience in the DC area to serve youth and families in their homes!

LGPC, LGSW, LSWA, LPC, LICSW Licensures in DC will be considered

If you are a licensed clinician who is passionate, has superior interpersonal and open communication skills, and desires to work in an environment with constructive oversight and support, we want you! If you are positive, vibrant, flexible, and compassionate, we want you!

MST is a top-researched community-based intervention model directed at families with youth ages 12 through 17 years old where they are at-risk of being involved or are involved with the juvenile justice system.

More information on this treatment model may be found here: www.mstservices.com.

***Hours towards licensure are available***

Community-Based Therapist:

You will receive training in the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model as you begin working with families, youth, their communities, and other key members of their ecology to implement MST as designed. Extensive research has proven the effectiveness of MST. MST therapists do whatever it takes, though close collaboration with all involved, to address the needs of juveniles with serious criminal offenses and, in some cases, substance abuse. You will empower families to address challenging and/or problematic behaviors and to help youth aged 12 - 17 make life-transforming changes. Treatment progress is achieved through intensive interventions such as skill building, changing unhelpful family interactions, and increasing social support, to name a few.

Responsibilities:

  • Assess, treat, document, and collaborate with caregivers, families, youth, and community stakeholders.
  • Provide direct clinical treatment using the Community-Based Therapist or MST treatment model and principles. Some principles include leveraging strengths and focusing on the positive, understanding sequences of behavior, and increasing mature behavior.
  • Conduct a thorough assessment of the client and family: gather information on behaviors of concern and strengths in the family and their ecology to inform conceptualization of the problem behaviors and interactions within the family’s ecological context.
  • Continuously work to engage the primary caregiver, family members, supports, and community agency staff (school, probation, child welfare) in change-oriented treatment.
  • Dedicate time to weekly case planning and evaluation of case progress, with ongoing support from your supervisor and team members.
  • Receive regular training, professional development, supervision, and consultation activities designed to help you acquire extensive clinical skills within the MST treatment model.
  • Ensure, along with fellow clinicians, that clients have access to rotating on-call support as needed.
  • Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule based on families’ availability.
  • Participate in weekly team supervisions and consultations.

EXPECT TO BE CHALLENGED AND DEVELOPED BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY!

  • Master’s degree in Clinical, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or a related subject area is required.
  • Professional DC licensure required: LGPC, LGSW, LSWA, LPC, LICSW or Licensed Psychologist Associate required.
  • Specific experience in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including trauma treatment, Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, and behaviorally-based treatments preferred.
  • If you want to impact change effectively, receive excellent training and meaningful supervision, and gain clinical experiences and skills, please apply!