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Forensic Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost. Forensic Nurse ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit, Mountain View 4th floor Job Type : Fulltime Days Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 330pm Sign on Bonus : $10,000 Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health ...

Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost. Forensic Nurse ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit, Mountain View 4th floor Job Type : Fulltime Days Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 330pm Sign on Bonus : $10,000 Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health ...

Showing results 41-60

Forensic Therapist information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic therapist in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic therapist?

A forensic therapist is a mental health professional who works at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. They assess, diagnose, and treat individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as defendants, victims, or inmates. Forensic therapists may provide expert testimony in court, conduct risk assessments, and develop treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of justice-involved clients. Their work helps inform legal decisions and supports rehabilitation and public safety.

How does a forensic therapist typically collaborate with legal professionals and correctional staff?

Forensic therapists frequently work alongside attorneys, judges, probation officers, and correctional staff to assess, treat, and report on individuals involved in the criminal justice system. They may provide expert testimony, develop treatment plans tailored to court requirements, and communicate progress updates to legal authorities. This role requires strong teamwork, clear documentation, and the ability to balance therapeutic goals with public safety concerns. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and case conferences are common, ensuring coordinated care and compliance with legal standards.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Therapist, you need a background in psychology or counseling, a master's degree (often in forensic psychology or a related field), and relevant licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, case management systems, and evidence-based therapeutic modalities is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and resilience help you build trust with clients and navigate complex legal and correctional environments. These skills are crucial for delivering effective therapy, maintaining safety, and supporting rehabilitation within the justice system.

What is the difference between Forensic Therapist vs Forensic Psychologist?

AspectForensic TherapistForensic Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology; licensureDoctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.); licensure as a psychologist
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, correctional facilities, court settingsCourts, correctional facilities, mental health clinics, research settings
Industry UsageOften involved in therapy, assessments, and treatment planning for offendersConducts psychological evaluations, expert testimony, and research in legal cases

While both roles work within the criminal justice system and require mental health expertise, forensic therapists primarily focus on therapy and treatment, whereas forensic psychologists conduct evaluations and provide expert testimony. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How long does it take to be a forensic therapist?

Becoming a forensic therapist typically requires earning a relevant master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, which usually takes 2 to 3 years. Additionally, gaining supervised clinical experience and obtaining licensure can take 1 to 2 years, making the total pathway approximately 3 to 5 years before entering the profession.
More about Forensic Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for Forensic Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Therapist job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Therapist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Therapist jobs?

For Forensic Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Therapist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

SUDP or SUDPT - Forensic Program

Bremerton, WA • On-site

Kitsap Mental Health Services
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees

$20.07 - $24.58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Kitsap Mental Health Services rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Substance Use Disorder Professional SUDP/T - Forensic Programs

Hiring Range SUDPT: $20.07-$24.58 per hour

Hiring Range SUDP: $26.89-$33.61 per hour

Certified SUDP Candidates: $3,000 Sign-On Bonus*

Benefits at a Glance

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision
  • Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
  • Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
  • Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
  • Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Insurance
  • Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)
  • Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment


Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring a Substance Use Disorder Professional or Trainee to join our dynamic Forensic Programs team, supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. As part of Washington State's response to the Trueblood settlement, KMHS Forensic Programs-including FPATH (Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness), FHARPS (Forensic Housing and Recovery through Peer Services), and OCRP (Outpatient Competency Restoration Program)-deliver community-based, recovery-oriented services. The SUDP will work within a multidisciplinary team to provide substance use assessments, individual and group therapy, referrals, and evidence-based interventions for class members engaged in these programs.


Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct services for individuals experiencing substance use, including assessments, individual and family therapy, group therapy, and psycho-educational workshops.
  • Utilize evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and stage-wise interventions to support engagement and recovery.
  • Serve as a clinical consultant and subject matter expert in co-occurring disorders and SUD treatment within Forensic Programs.
  • Refer clients to inpatient, outpatient, MAT prescribers, and other appropriate SUD treatment options.
  • Collaborate with internal and external providers, including housing teams, legal partners, jail-based teams, and other systems of care.
  • Deliver low-barrier services in flexible settings including housing sites, jails, hospitals, and the community.
  • Participate in outreach and in-reach efforts to re-engage clients at risk of service loss or recidivism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of co-occurring disorder treatment, including familiarity with psychotropic medications and substance use interactions.
  • Conduct crisis intervention services when clinically indicated.
  • Monitor individuals for compliance with court-ordered treatment mandates and submit documentation as required.
  • Administer urinalysis screenings as clinically appropriate.
  • Develop and update treatment plans focused on integrated, client-centered goals.
  • Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation per WAC, agency, and contractual requirements.
  • Promote teamwork and a positive work environment to support the recovery process.

SUDP Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (no prior related work experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Current certification as Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUPDT) in Washington State.

Certified SUDP Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Associate's Degree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field

EXPERIENCE: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Current licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Professional.

Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration.

Preferred Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field.

EXPERIENCE: Experience working with clients with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Performance Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE:

  1. Maintain a working knowledge and skill in verbal de-escalation skills as outlined in MPAC/CPI trainings and other agency-mandated trainings
  2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of psychotropic medications and their side effects and contraindications with drugs of abuse and report any relevant observations to care team medical personnel.
  3. Maintain working knowledge of current Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health treatment recommendations, Co-occurring disorders, Medication assisted treatment and other trends in community mental health, including health care reform, electronic medical record, and computer technology.

SKILLS:

  1. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
  2. Communication Communicates clearly and concisely.
  3. Demonstrate ability to work efficiently and effectively, organizing workload by prioritizing and managing multiple tasks. Maintain, or exceed, productivity standards as established by policy and evaluated by unit manager.

ABILITIES:

  1. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners such as CRT, housing team, treatment teams, AIU, Residential, KMHS Medical Providers, Probation, KRC, other community based treatment providers, Law enforcement, and Medical Community to assist those who we serve in their recovery process.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment: Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.

Mental/Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, ascend and descend stairs, talk or listen and lift up to 50 pounds. Peripheral vision is also required for this position.

*A sign-on bonus is a form of compensation for a new employee in addition to their established salary. Bonus amounts are prorated by FTE, and any changes to FTE before all bonus installments are paid may alter the total payout.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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