1

Trainee Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Trainee or Mental Health Therapist

Ada, MN ยท On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

SIGN ON BONUS: $7,500 Outpatient Clinical Trainee or Mental Health Therapist Join Our Team as a Partner in Wellbeing Are you passionate about helping individuals and families achieve better mental ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trainee Therapist information

See salary details

$10

$29

$60

How much do trainee therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee therapist in the United States is $29.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee therapist?

Trainee therapists are individuals who are in the process of completing their education and practical training to become qualified therapists. They typically work under the supervision of experienced professionals while gaining hands-on experience with clients. Trainee therapists may be pursuing degrees or certifications in counseling, psychotherapy, or related fields, and are required to complete supervised clinical hours as part of their training. Their role involves learning therapeutic techniques, adhering to ethical guidelines, and developing their professional skills in a real-world setting.

What are some typical challenges faced by trainee therapists during their initial clinical placements?

Trainee therapists often encounter challenges such as managing performance anxiety, balancing academic requirements with client work, and adapting to different supervision styles. Navigating confidential client issues, building therapeutic rapport, and receiving constructive feedback can be demanding as well. However, a supportive placement environment and open communication with supervisors can help build confidence and clinical skills over time.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Therapist, you typically need a foundational degree in psychology or a related field, strong understanding of therapeutic principles, and enrollment in a recognized training program. Familiarity with case management systems, psychological assessment tools, and relevant accreditation or registration is often required. Excellent listening skills, empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to build rapport set outstanding trainees apart. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective therapy, ensuring ethical practice, and fostering client trust and progress.

What is the difference between Trainee Therapist vs Associate Therapist?

AspectTrainee TherapistAssociate Therapist
QualificationsTypically in training, may have relevant coursework or partial certificationUsually holds necessary certifications or licenses, nearing full qualification
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, training programs, internshipsIndependent or supervised client sessions, clinical practice
Job RoleLearning and assisting, observing therapy sessionsConducting therapy under supervision, gaining experience

The main difference is that a Trainee Therapist is still in training and gaining experience, often working under supervision, while an Associate Therapist has completed most qualifications and is practicing more independently. Both roles are essential steps in becoming a fully qualified therapist, with the Trainee Therapist focusing on learning and development, and the Associate Therapist applying skills in real-world settings.

More about Trainee Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for Trainee Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Therapist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Trainee Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,860 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

CLINICAL TRAINEE: MONTICELLO

Central MN Mental Health Center

Monticello, MN โ€ข On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

COMPENSATION

Unlicensed Therapist Target Range - $55,000-$65,000 (based on clinical hours and supervision)

*In addition to the base salary, eligible individuals can earn monthly and annual bonuses for services exceeding impact targets*

*Clinical Supervision included*

SCHEDULES

Full Time: Monday-Friday, Day Shift

Clinic Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

OPPORTUNITY

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center (CMMHC) has a rewarding opportunity to serve as a Clinical Trainee within Outpatient Mental Health (OPMH) Team in our Monticello location. Provider will work in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team and staff; refer to other programs as needed. Therapy sessions may be one to one, in groups, or in sessions involving family members.

WHAT IS OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH?

Our Outpatient Mental Health Program offers comprehensive mental health support for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages who are navigating challenges such as sadness, stress, anxiety, trauma, or difficulty adjusting to life changes. This therapy-based program is designed to support both short-term life challenges and long-standing mental health concerns. Our services empower clients by providing tools, coping strategies, and insights to enhance emotional well-being and improve functioning in relationships, work, school, family life, and overall self-care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Clinical Trainee/ Therapist is responsible for treating clients with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders within a family driven and trauma informed framework. Provider will work in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team and staff; refer to other programs as needed. Therapy sessions may be one to one, in groups, or in sessions involving family members. The Outpatient Therapist reports to the Clinic Manager and will also be billing under the license of an approved supervisor.

  • Instruct, assist, and support clients in areas such as; interpersonal communication skills, community resource utilization and integration skills, crisis assistance, relapse prevention skills, health care directives, budgeting and shopping skills, healthy lifestyle skills and practices, cooking and nutrition skills, transportation skills, mental illness symptom management skills, household management skills, employment-related skills, and integration into community living.
  • Under the supervision of the Team Leader, provide evidence-based individual, group, and family therapy interventions.
  • Make changes in the treatment plan to ensure immediate and appropriate interventions are provided in response to changes in mental status/symptoms or behavior which may put the recipient at risk.
  • Provide medication monitoring and education regarding health maintenance to encourage a healthy lifestyle. These activities include: assist in maintaining consistent medication regime, deliver medication, discuss purposes and benefits of medications, and report any complaints or distress about medications.
  • Work collaboratively with a variety of community providers, employers, landlords, and families.
  • Maintain current knowledge of the mental health service system and the ability to locate information and resources for a variety of client needs within the mental health, medical, housing and social services system.
  • Participate in daily, mandatory, team meeting as well as all designated team activates.
  • Follow all current mandated reporter guidelines.