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Program Therapist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Weekend Group Therapist

Forest Park, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Therapist provides the delivery and documentation of age/population specific psychotherapy and social services. This is inclusive of but not limited to providing group, individual, and ...

INPATIENT THERAPIST - LICENSE REQUIRED

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Therapist serves as an integral member of the treatment team and is also responsible for case management of consumers internal/ external support systems. Benefits include: * Challenging ...

INPATIENT THERAPIST - PT - LICENSE REQUIRED

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Therapist serves as an integral member of the treatment team and is also responsible for case management of consumers internal/ external support systems. Benefits include: * Challenging ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Therapist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$59.9K

$91.2K

How much do program therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for program therapist in Chicago, IL is $59,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $67,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program therapist?

Program therapists are mental health professionals who work within structured clinical programs, such as inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment facilities. They provide individual, group, and sometimes family therapy to clients dealing with mental health, behavioral, or substance use issues. Program therapists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans, monitor progress, and help clients develop coping strategies. Their goal is to support clients' recovery and improve their overall well-being as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

How does a program therapist typically collaborate with other professionals within a treatment facility?

Program Therapists work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers, to create and implement comprehensive treatment plans for clients. Regular team meetings are common, where therapists share client progress, address challenges, and adjust interventions based on group input. Collaboration ensures holistic care and allows therapists to leverage the expertise of colleagues, ultimately improving client outcomes. This teamwork also provides valuable support and learning opportunities for therapists themselves.

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

To thrive as a Program Therapist, you need a solid background in mental health counseling, therapy techniques, and a relevant degree and licensure (such as LCSW, LMFT, or LPC). Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities, electronic health records (EHRs), and group therapy facilitation tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and emotional intelligence help you build trust and effectively support clients. These skills are essential for delivering impactful therapy, ensuring compliance, and fostering a safe, healing environment for clients.

What is the difference between Program Therapist vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectProgram TherapistMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; licensure often requiredMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure typically required
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, schools, outpatient clinics, residential facilitiesPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government-funded programs, educational institutionsHealthcare facilities, private practices, mental health agencies

Program Therapists and Mental Health Counselors share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often serving clients in community or clinical settings. While their roles overlap, Program Therapists may focus more on structured programs and community-based interventions, whereas Mental Health Counselors often provide direct therapy in clinical settings. Both roles require licensure and are vital in mental health services.

Infographic showing various Program Therapist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,906 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Outpatient Program Therapist - Fee For Service

UHS

Forest Park, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities

Outpatient Program Therapist (FFS) opportunity with one of the nation's largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Steadily growing from a startup to an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, UHS today has annual revenue nearing $10 billion. In 2017, UHS was recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #276 on the Fortune 500, and listed #275 in Forbes inaugural ranking of America's Top 500 Public Companies. Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago: Build or acquire high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, invest in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and become the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has more than 81,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates more than 320 acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. Riveredge Hospital is a 210-bed leading psychiatric hospital dedicated to providing quality behavioral health services and trauma-informed care to children, adolescents and adults. The hospital offers inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and community residential programs. Riveredge is a Joint Commission approved, Top Performer and state licensed facility focused on short-term crisis stabilization programs. We are dedicated to our teamwork approach and provide compassionate and therapeutic environment, as well as offering a continuum of specialty programs through our inpatient, partial, outpatient and residential services.

Under the direction of the Director of Outpatient Services, the Outpatient Program Therapist provides for the delivery and documentation of age / population specific psychotherapy and social services.


Qualifications

Under the direction of the Director of Outpatient Services, the Outpatient Program Therapist provides for the delivery and documentation of age / population specific psychotherapy and social services.

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or rehabilitation counseling.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).

Bilingual and outpatient experience preferred.

Qualifications:

Under the direction of the Director of Outpatient Services, the Outpatient Program Therapist provides for the delivery and documentation of age / population specific psychotherapy and social services.

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or rehabilitation counseling.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).

Bilingual and outpatient experience preferred.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What Universal Health Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Universal Health Services logo

About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US