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Associate Therapist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Therapist information

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$9

$19

$33

How much do associate therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate therapist in Riverside, CA is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of supervision and support can Associate Therapists expect while working toward full licensure?

Associate Therapists typically work under the supervision of a licensed clinician, receiving regular individual or group supervision sessions to discuss cases and professional development. This support ensures that associates meet state licensing requirements and develop clinical skills in a structured, nurturing environment. Many organizations also offer training workshops, peer consultation groups, and access to experienced mentors, helping associates build confidence and competence as they progress toward independent practice.

Is being an AMFT worth it?

Being an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) can be worthwhile for those seeking to gain clinical experience and work toward licensure. It often offers supervised practice hours, a pathway to independent licensure, and opportunities to develop counseling skills, though compensation may be lower than fully licensed therapists. The value depends on career goals and the quality of supervision and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Therapist, you need a foundational education in mental health counseling, psychology, or social work, typically supported by a relevant master's degree and associate-level licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and evidence-based therapy modalities such as CBT or DBT is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening are vital for building trust with clients and collaborating with clinical teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective care, maintaining professional standards, and supporting clients' mental health progress.

How to make 200,000 dollars as a therapist?

Associate therapists typically earn less than $200,000 annually; reaching this income level usually requires advanced licensure, private practice ownership, or specialization in high-demand areas. Increasing income may involve gaining additional certifications, building a strong client base, or transitioning into supervisory or administrative roles within mental health organizations.

What are associate therapists?

Associate therapists are mental health professionals who have completed their graduate education in fields like counseling, social work, or psychology and are working under supervision to gain the clinical experience required for full licensure. They provide therapy services to clients but must do so under the guidance of a licensed supervisor. Associate therapists may be referred to as associates, interns, or provisionally licensed therapists, depending on the state or country. Their role is crucial in supporting clients while they continue to develop their skills and fulfill licensure requirements.

What is an associate therapist?

An associate therapist is a mental health professional who provides therapy under supervision while working toward full licensure. They typically hold a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work and may see clients, develop treatment plans, and document progress as part of their training and credentialing process.

What is the difference between Associate Therapist vs Licensed Therapist?

AspectAssociate TherapistLicensed Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree, supervised clinical hoursMaster's or Doctoral degree, licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship or supervised setting, entry-levelIndependent practice, clinical settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, community agenciesPrivate practice, healthcare facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Associate Therapists are typically in training, working under supervision with a master's degree and supervised hours. Licensed Therapists have completed licensure requirements, allowing independent practice. The main difference lies in their level of certification and autonomy, with Associate Therapists gaining experience before becoming fully licensed.

What can I do with an Associates in counseling?

An associate's degree in counseling prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral health assistant. These positions often involve supporting licensed professionals, working directly with clients, and may require supervision or certification depending on the state or organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Associate Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Associate Therapist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Associate Therapist job openings:
Associate Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Therapist job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,260 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Associate Therapist

Associate Therapist

Discovery Behavioral Health

Irvine, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Discovery Behavioral Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Center for Discovery
At Discovery, we offer career opportunities nationwide in residential, day treatment, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment. Discovery is currently seeking Program Directors, Primary Therapists, Facility Managers, Counselors/Mental Health Specialists, Dietitians, Diet Techs, and Nurses. Discovery is specifically seeking individuals who consistently strive to provide exemplary care and are passionate about transforming the lives of others.
If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the behavioral health field, the first step is to look for Open job positions that match your skills, qualifications and interest. Each posting includes a description and minimum required qualifications.
When we review candidate information, we are looking for the best matches for the position based on the qualifications listed in the job posting. If your skills and experience appear to match an open position, a recruitment services professional or hiring manager may contact you to further discuss your qualifications.
Position Summary:
The Associate Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Center for Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, providing milieu interventions, leading psychoeducational and process-oriented therapy groups, facilitate clinical assessments, conducting therapy sessions, and other case management tasks, as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Ensure clinical documentation is completed timely throughout the course of treatment.
  • Establish therapeutic rapport with patients and families/loved ones.
  • Facilitates admission assessments and the admission process for new patients with professionalism
  • Participates in weekly treatment team and communicates weekly treatment goals with all team members.
  • Completes appropriate number of therapy sessions weekly for patients, including family/support system sessions aligned with the patients' level of care.
    • RTC: two individual sessions and one family/support system session
    • PHP: one individual session and one family/support system session
    • IOP: one therapeutic session - individual or family/support system, as clinically indicated
  • Facilitates the process orientated and psychoeducation groups one to two times, daily.
  • Required to sit at a meal and/or snack a minimum of once per week.
  • Facilitates multi-family groups, family program, and/or family weekend.
  • Provides utilization reviews to insurance companies, providing appropriate clinical information to obtain initial authorization and continuing stay authorization, as necessary.
  • Assesses patients for suicidality and possibility of danger to self or others.
  • May provide additional clinical support for other members of the clinical team in their absence.
  • Communicates with the Utilization Review Department and Business Department regarding authorization and payment.
  • Begins discharge planning on day of admission for all patients.
  • Completes discharge session with patient to ensure coping skills, transition plan, and resources are understood and intact.
  • Ensures discharge appointments are confirmed with patient and loved ones prior to discharge.
  • Communicates with referral sources and outpatient providers for continuity of care upon admission, midpoint, and discharge.
  • Facilitates patient transfers to a higher level of care, as needed.
  • Actively participates in clinical outreach and program tours, as needed.
  • Effectively manages crises in sessions and the milieu.
  • Provides support to milieu staff in their interactions with patients and their loved ones.
  • Works collaboratively with the entire treatment team and milieu staff to ensure the highest level of clinical quality at all times.
  • Completes other tasks, as requested or assigned.
  • RTC Only: Provides on-call support to facility at least 1x per month and returns all program phone calls within 20 minutes, while on call. Communicates appropriately with On Call Administrator or Regional Director regarding pertinent facility issues, while on call.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:
  • Master's or Doctorate degree in relevant field, required
  • Completion of state requirements to conduct therapeutic interventions, required
  • Operates under supervision and is not licensed
  • Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire
  • Obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire
  • Obtain ServSafe certification within 90 days of hire
  • Must possess a current driver's license and be in good standing

Employment Status: Temporary
Schedule: 11am-7pm
Work Location: Onsite- Irvine, CA
Compensation: Pay Range: $70,304 - $75,000 annually
Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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About Discovery Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with eating, mental health, and substance use disorders, and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve. Since 1997, Center for Discovery, DBH's eating disorder division, has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1998

Social media

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