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First Responder Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cape Fox Corporation

First Responder (PRN)

Boston, MA · On-site

$35.87/hr

  • Retirement

Job Title First Responder (PRN) Cape Fox Concentric Methods is accepting resumes for First Responders (PRN) to provide on-site safety monitoring and immediate BLS response during Physical Fitness ...

Valor Counseling Center PLLC

Be Seen First

Licensed Counselor First Responder Wellness

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$45 - $80/hr

Facilitate telehealth therapy sessions utilizing secure platforms to extend access to care while ... Experience working first responders a plus. * Familiarity with telehealth platforms and delivering ...

Valor Counseling Center PLLC

Be Seen First

Licensed Counselor First Responder Wellness

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$45 - $80/hr

Facilitate telehealth therapy sessions utilizing secure platforms to extend access to care while ... Experience working first responders a plus. * Familiarity with telehealth platforms and delivering ...

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How much do first responder therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder therapist in the United States is $27.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first responder therapist?

A First Responder Therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in providing therapy and support to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. These therapists understand the unique stresses and traumas that first responders face in the line of duty, including exposure to critical incidents and high-pressure situations. They offer counseling, crisis intervention, and coping strategies to help first responders manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain their mental health. First Responder Therapists often have specialized training in trauma and are familiar with the culture and challenges of emergency services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first responder therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder Therapist, you need a background in clinical mental health counseling or psychology, along with a relevant master's degree and professional licensure (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT). Familiarity with trauma-informed care, crisis intervention models, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Strong empathy, cultural competence, and the ability to build trust quickly are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to effectively support the unique mental health needs of first responders and ensure evidence-based, compassionate care.

What unique challenges do first responder therapists commonly face when supporting clients in high-stress professions?

First Responder Therapists often work with clients who regularly encounter traumatic events, which can lead to high levels of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue for the therapist. Navigating the culture of first responder organizations, where there may be stigma around seeking mental health support, also requires sensitivity and trust-building. Therapists in this role must be skilled at crisis intervention, managing confidentiality, and maintaining strong self-care practices to sustain their own well-being while providing effective support. Collaboration with peer support teams and ongoing professional development are crucial for success in this specialized field.

How to be a first responder therapist?

To become a first responder therapist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in mental health, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training in trauma and crisis intervention. Certification in emergency mental health or crisis response, along with experience working in high-stress environments, is often required. Licensing requirements vary by region but generally include supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.
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First Responder Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Responder Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,893 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

First Responder Therapist

The Mental Wellness Center

Normal, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Licensed Therapist (LPC/LCPC/LMFT/AMFT/LSW/LCSW)


Join a Growing Group Practice: First Responder Program Opportunity


Position Type: Full-time or Part-time


Compensation: Hourly + Paid Administrative Time


Supervision: Provided


Location: Central Illinois & Hybrid


About Our Practice

We are an established, growing group therapy practice expanding into a new location to serve our community better. As we grow, we are looking to bring on motivated, compassionate clinicians who want to be part of a supportive and collaborative environment.


Our practice is built on the belief that clinicians thrive when they are supported both clinically and operationally. We’ve developed strong systems so you can focus on client care while still having opportunities for professional growth.


About the Role


We are hiring licensed clinicians to support general outpatient services as well as a specialized First Responder Program.


This role is ideal for clinicians who:


  • Want strong supervision and mentorship
  • Prefer the stability of hourly compensation (including admin time)
  • Are interested in working with or learning to support first responders (police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, etc.)
  • Value being part of a team during an exciting growth phase
  • Has experience with trauma work and stabilization


What You’ll Do


  • Provide individual, couples, and/or family therapy
  • Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation
  • Participate in supervision and team consultation
  • Support clients within general caseloads and/or the First Responder Program


You will be encouraged, but not required, to participate in marketing efforts, such as:

  • Networking or community outreach
  • Developing a clinical niche
  • Contributing to content or workshops


We support you in building your professional identity, without making it a requirement.


First Responder Program (Highlight)


We are expanding services for first responders, providing specialized, culturally competent care for:

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Burnout and chronic stress
  • Relationship and family challenges

Clinicians with interest or experience in this population are strongly encouraged to apply. Training and support will be provided.


What We Provide


  • Hourly pay plus compensation for administrative time
  • Weekly clinical supervision (group) for licensure
  • Steady referral stream to build your caseload
  • Administrative support (scheduling, billing, intake)
  • Established systems and EHR
  • Collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Opportunity to grow with a scaling practice


Ideal Candidate

  • Provisionally licensed (LSW, LCSW, LCPC, LPC, AMFT, LMFT)
  • Interested in working with first responders (experience a plus, not required)
  • Interest in trauma-informed care is strongly preferred
  • Committed to clinical growth and ongoing learning
  • Organized, reliable, and client-centered
  • Open to feedback, supervision, and collaboration


Compensation & Growth

  • Competitive hourly compensation with paid admin time
  • Clear pathway toward full licensure and role advancement within the practice
  • Opportunities to develop specialties, including work within the First Responder Program


Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a growing practice expanding into a new location
  • Receive consistent pay with admin time included (rare and highly valued)
  • Gain experience in a specialty program (first responders)
  • Grow within a practice that prioritizes support, not just productivity
  • Eligible for PTO and Retirement


How to Apply

Please submit:

  • Resume
  • Brief cover letter describing your clinical interests and populations you enjoy working with