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Primary Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All Points North

Primary Therapist

Edwards, CO · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Primary Therapist at All Points North is responsible for providing the highest levels of Trauma and Addiction treatment services in an inpatient residential treatment facility. Primary Therapists ...

All Points North

Primary Therapist

Edwards, CO · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Primary Therapist at All Points North is responsible for providing the highest levels of Trauma and Addiction treatment services in an inpatient residential treatment facility. Primary Therapists ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Chicago, IL

The Primary Therapist conducts individual, family, and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts individual and family ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual, family, and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts individual and family ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Austin, TX · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts family therapy and/or family ...

All Points North

Primary Therapist

Edwards, CO · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Primary Therapist at All Points North is responsible for providing the highest levels of Trauma and Addiction treatment services in an inpatient residential treatment facility. Primary Therapists ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual, family, and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts individual and family ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Conifer, CO · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts family therapy and/or family ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Denver, CO · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts family therapy and/or family ...

Rose Transition Home LLC

Primary Therapist

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Primary Therapists are the heart of our unique therapeutic program, responsible for facilitating all group and individual therapy in an intimate and nurturing environment. Are you looking to join ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual, family, and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts individual and family ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Austin, TX · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts family therapy and/or family ...

Rose Transition Home LLC

Primary Therapist

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Primary Therapists are the heart of our unique therapeutic program, responsible for facilitating all group and individual therapy in an intimate and nurturing environment. Are you looking to join ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

The Primary Therapist conducts individual, family, and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts individual and family ...

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Primary Therapist information

See salary details

$39K

$70.1K

$96.5K

How much do primary therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for primary therapist in the United States is $70,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Primary Therapist, you typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with relevant state licensure (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), therapeutic modalities (like CBT or DBT), and supervision or certification in evidence-based practices is common. Exceptional listening, empathy, cultural competence, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective client care, accurate documentation, and fostering therapeutic relationships that support client growth.

What are some of the common challenges primary therapists face when managing a diverse caseload, and how do they address them?

Primary Therapists often work with clients from various backgrounds, each presenting unique needs and therapeutic goals. Balancing multiple cases requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt therapeutic approaches. Therapists typically address these challenges by engaging in regular supervision, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and participating in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices. Effective time management and clear communication with both clients and colleagues are also essential for maintaining high-quality care.

What is a primary therapist?

Primary therapists are licensed mental health professionals who serve as the main point of contact and care provider for clients in therapeutic settings, such as mental health clinics, addiction treatment centers, or residential facilities. They are responsible for assessing clients' needs, developing individualized treatment plans, conducting therapy sessions, and monitoring progress. Primary therapists also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and support for their clients throughout the treatment process.

What is the difference between Primary Therapist vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectPrimary TherapistSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; licensure often requiredHigh school diploma or associate's degree; certification in substance abuse counseling often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, residential treatment centersRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community programs
Role FocusProvides comprehensive mental health therapy, including substance abuse issuesSpecializes in substance abuse treatment and recovery support

Primary Therapists typically hold advanced degrees and provide broad mental health services, including substance abuse therapy. Substance Abuse Counselors often have specialized training focused solely on addiction treatment. While both roles work in similar settings, Primary Therapists address a wider range of mental health concerns, whereas Substance Abuse Counselors focus specifically on addiction recovery.

More about Primary Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Primary Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Primary Therapist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Primary Therapist jobs? The top employers for Primary Therapist jobs are:
What states have the most Primary Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Primary Therapist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Primary Therapist jobs? For Primary Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Primary Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Primary Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,082 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Primary Therapist

Eating Recovery Center

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Eating Recovery Center rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What you'll be doing:

Schedule: Full-time, 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Onsite at the Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety child/adolescent facility in Northbrook, IL. Active IL therapy license required.

The Primary Therapist conducts individual and group therapy (adults, children and adolescents) on topics such as mood, anxiety, stress and eating disorders; conducts family therapy and/or family education sessions; develops each patient's individualized treatment plan; and works with interdisciplinary treatment team to implement the plan.

Essential duties and responsibilities:      

  • Conducts psychotherapy including individual, group and family therapy
  • For each patient on case load, completes clinical paperwork including:
    • Treatment plans
    • Individual and Family Therapy progress notes and group notes
    • Wellness plan
    • Aftercare plan
    • Discharge summary
  • Conducts comprehensive assessments and treatment planning for each patient on case load:
    • Completes biopsychosocial, self-harm and suicide assessments
    • Creates individualized treatment plan with specific and measurable goals in collaboration with treatment team members
    • Creates treatment agreements, support plans or behavior plans as needed
  • Attends treatment team meetings and treatment team rounds, to coordinate patient's care with interdisciplinary team
  • May provide training and guidance to less experienced teammates (Primary Therapist I and II)

Primary Therapist I must haves:

  • Graduate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or related (required)
  • Fully licensed with appropriate state licensing board or in an associate/intern phase of licensure or what is required by the state to practice individual therapy (required)
  • Collaborative nature and strong communication within multi-disciplinary team (required)
  • Experience with individual and/or family therapy (preferred)
  • Ability to move from one task to the next with ease, flexibility (preferred)

Primary Therapist II must haves:

  • Graduate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or related (required)
  • Has obtained and maintains an independent mental health license as required by state to practice individual therapy (required)
  • Has carried significant individual and/or family caseload for at least 2 years with documented success in treating patients with common diagnoses and expected comorbidities; demonstrated ability to work independently; developing specialty within line of service and broadening expertise with other populations (required)

Sr. Primary Therapist III must haves:

  • Graduate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or related (required)
  • Has obtained and maintains a full mental health license as required by state (required)
  • At least 3 years post licensure experience working with mood, anxiety, ED and/or trauma related disorders; some experience supervising other clinicians; has carried a significant individual and/or family caseload, with success in treating more complex cases (required)
  • Experience with individual and/or family therapy (required)

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