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Primary Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Sacramento, CA

$69K - $117K/yr

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

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

Baltimore, 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

Chicago, 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

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

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$57K - $93K/yr

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

Austin, TX

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 ...

Fairland Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Rome, GA · On-site

Salary: $50,000.00 FAIRLAND RECOVERY CENTER Substance Abuse / Mental Health Primary Therapist Come join our team as a Primary Therapist at FAIRLAND RECOVERY CENTER! WHO WE ARE Fairland Recovery ...

Eating Recovery Center

Primary Therapist

Baltimore, 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 ...

ABHS

Primary Therapist

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The Primary Therapist is responsible for the creation, implementation, and regular review of Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs). This role involves providing high-intensity therapeutic ...

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

Baltimore, 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

Sacramento, CA

$69K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 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

Who We Are

At ERC Pathlight, we're on a mission to change lives—and we're looking for people who feel called to do the same.

As one of the nation's leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery.

Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.

Why Join Us

When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You'll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always.

Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter.

If you're energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here.

Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us.

What you'll be doing:

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)

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)

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)

The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations.

California Pay Range
$69,000—$117,200 USD

What We Offer

At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.

We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.

We also recognize that mental health is part of every person's experience. That's why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home.

When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.

What Eating Recovery Center employees say

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