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Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona

The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic interventions that support patients receiving behavioral health and/or substance use disorder treatment. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Equine Therapist utilizes evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and experiential therapeutic techniques to promote emotional regulation, personal growth, recovery, resilience, communication, and healthy coping skills. The role is responsible for maintaining a safe therapeutic environment for patients, staff, and horses while ensuring all clinical activities align with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in equine-assisted services.

Roles and Responsibilities Essential Functions:

• Facilitate individual and group equine-assisted therapy sessions that align with each patient's treatment goals and level of care.
• Utilize equine-assisted activities to promote emotional regulation, self-awareness, communication, trust, accountability, and recovery skills.
• Modify therapeutic interventions based on patient presentation, clinical needs, safety considerations, and treatment progress.
• Integrate trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and evidence-informed practices throughout all therapeutic interactions.
• Evaluate patient participation and therapeutic outcomes to support individualized treatment planning.

Clinical Collaboration & Treatment Planning:

• Collaborate with physicians, therapists, nursing staff, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team to coordinate patient care.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide clinical observations, recommendations, and patient progress updates.
• Contribute to individualized treatment plans by incorporating measurable equine-assisted therapy objectives and interventions.
• Communicate patient safety concerns, behavioral observations, and significant clinical changes to the treatment team in a timely manner.
• Support continuity of care through coordinated communication across disciplines.

Patient Safety, Risk Management & Horse Welfare:

• Maintain a safe environment by adhering to all organizational safety protocols, infection prevention standards, and equine handling procedures.
• Assess patient readiness for participation and intervene appropriately when safety concerns arise.
• Monitor horse behavior and physical condition before, during, and after therapeutic activities to ensure animal welfare and suitability for treatment sessions.
• Inspect arenas, equipment, tack, and therapy environments to maintain safe operating conditions.
• Report accidents, injuries, behavioral incidents, or safety concerns promptly and participate in corrective actions when appropriate.

Documentation, Compliance & Clinical Quality:

• Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Document patient participation, therapeutic interventions, progress toward treatment goals, and clinical recommendations.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect patient information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, accreditation activities, and regulatory reviews as requested.
• Maintain required certifications, continuing education, and professional competencies applicable to equine-assisted therapy and behavioral healthcare.

Program Development, Education & Professional Excellence:

• Assist with developing and enhancing equine-assisted therapy programming that supports organizational treatment objectives.
• Educate patients, families, staff, and community partners regarding the therapeutic value and appropriate use of equine-assisted interventions.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on behavioral health treatment modalities, equine-assisted therapy practices, and industry standards.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate program effectiveness through patient outcomes, satisfaction, participation, and quality metrics.
• Foster a therapeutic environment that reflects the organization's mission, values, and commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements:

Education

• Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related Behavioral Health discipline from an accredited institution preferred
• Specialized training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine-Assisted Learning.
• Advanced coursework in trauma-informed care, experiential therapy, addiction treatment, or behavioral health preferred

Experience

• Required
  • Two (2) years of clinical experience providing behavioral health, substance use disorder, or mental health services.
  • Experience facilitating individual and group therapy.
  • Experience working within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Experience completing clinical documentation within an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Preferred
  • Three to five (3–5) years of behavioral healthcare experience.
  • Experience within residential treatment, inpatient behavioral health, or addiction treatment.
  • Experience utilizing equine-assisted therapy as part of a treatment program.
  • Experience treating adolescents and/or adult populations.
  • Experience working within trauma-informed treatment environments.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications:

• Required
  • Current unrestricted clinical license (LPC, LMHC, LCSW, LMSW where applicable, LMFT, Psychologist, or equivalent) as required by state regulations.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Preferred
  • EAGALA Mental Health Professional Certification.
  • PATH International credential or comparable equine-assisted therapy certification.
  • CPI, Handle with Care, or other approved behavioral crisis intervention certification.

Work Location:

This position is on-site and is not a remote position.

Supervisory Requirements:

Individual Contributor

Why Cottonwood Tucson? Cottonwood Tucson offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Cottonwood Tucson is an EOE.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.