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Trauma Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rape Trauma Services

Trauma Therapist

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

The Trauma Therapist will provide trauma- based psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. * Provide assessment, and treatment of sexual abuse/assault survivors and their families ...

The Manor

Trauma Therapist

Slinger, WI · On-site

The Trauma Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of professional services for clinical client care, program development and implementation, staffing and staff development, and ...

Manor and Windrose

Trauma Therapist

Slinger, WI · On-site

The Trauma Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of professional services for clinical client care, program development and implementation, staffing and staff development, and ...

Riverside

$68K - $93K/yr

A Trauma Therapist's ultimate goal is to guide patients to process their trauma in a safe and controlled environment at the in-hospital setting or via telehealth and through follow-up for up to one ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$68K - $93K/yr

A Trauma Therapist's ultimate goal is to guide patients to process their trauma in a safe and controlled environment at the in-hospital setting or via telehealth and through follow-up for up to one ...

Sandy City, UT

FCI Trauma Therapist

Hall, NY

$31.78 - $47.67/hr

Under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant and/or Family Crimes Unit Coordinator, serve as the Trauma Therapist to the Police Department working with children and adults who have been ...

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Trauma Therapist information

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How much do trauma therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for trauma therapist in the United States is $68,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree does a trauma therapist need?

Trauma therapists typically need at least a master's degree in mental health fields such as psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Licensure or certification is also required, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam. Additional training in trauma-specific therapies may enhance qualifications.

Are trauma therapists in demand?

Trauma therapists are in high demand due to increased awareness of mental health issues and the need for specialized care for trauma survivors. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as mental health services expand and more individuals seek therapy, often requiring licensure and training in trauma-specific approaches.

What is a trauma therapist?

A trauma therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in helping individuals heal from emotional and psychological trauma. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other approaches to address traumatic experiences. Trauma therapists create a safe and supportive environment where clients can process difficult memories, learn coping strategies, and work toward recovery. They often work with people affected by abuse, accidents, loss, or other distressing events.

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

To thrive as a Trauma Therapist, you generally need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with clinical licensure (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT) and specialized training in trauma-focused therapies. Familiarity with evidence-based modalities like EMDR, TF-CBT, and proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems are commonly required. Strong active listening, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills that set successful trauma therapists apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to provide effective, ethical, and compassionate care that fosters clients’ healing and resilience after traumatic experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by trauma therapists, and how are they typically managed within clinical settings?

Trauma therapists often encounter emotionally intense sessions and may experience secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue as a result. To address these challenges, many clinical settings offer regular supervision, peer consultation, and professional development opportunities focused on self-care and resilience. It's also common for trauma therapists to work within multidisciplinary teams, allowing for collaboration and shared support when managing complex cases. Maintaining healthy boundaries and engaging in ongoing self-care practices are strongly encouraged to sustain effectiveness and personal well-being in this demanding role.

What Is a Trauma Therapist?

A trauma therapist treats clients who are struggling to process traumatic life events. Trauma therapy often focuses on people who have PTSD and mental health issues caused by PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, or drug abuse. The therapist’s duties include using psychology principles and counseling to help each client overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges.

What is the highest paid type of therapist?

Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health, are typically the highest-paid mental health professionals. Among therapists, those with advanced specializations such as clinical psychologists or neuropsychologists often earn higher salaries, especially with additional certifications and experience.

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

AspectTrauma TherapistMental Health Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; specialized trauma training; licensure (e.g., LMHC, LCSW)Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure (e.g., LMHC, LCSW)
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, trauma centersSchools, community agencies, private practice, hospitals
Industry UsageFocuses specifically on trauma-related issuesAddresses a broad range of mental health concerns, including trauma

Trauma Therapists specialize in treating trauma-related mental health issues, often requiring specialized training. Mental Health Counselors have a broader scope, addressing various mental health concerns, including trauma. Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but Trauma Therapists focus more specifically on trauma recovery.

How to make $200,000 as a therapist?

Trauma therapists can reach a $200,000 annual income by gaining extensive experience, obtaining advanced certifications, and working in high-paying settings such as private practice or specialized clinics. Building a strong client base, offering specialized services, and possibly supervising other therapists can also increase earning potential.
More about Trauma Therapist jobs
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Trauma Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trauma Therapist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,011 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Trauma Therapist

Rape Trauma Services

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Reports to: Deputy Director & Executive Director
Hours: Full Time/Exempt
Workplace: Office/Field
Compensation: $70,000 - $100,000/Year DOE + 5% pay differential for bilingual Spanish/English fluency
Benefits: Healthcare, vision and dental (100% employer-paid), 20 days accrued PTO annually, retirement plan with employer contribution; professional development support

WHY CHOOSE RTS?
While we're a small nonprofit, we offer what larger organizations often can't.

DEEP CLINICAL MENTORSHIP & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH:
  • Comprehensive clinical supervision included for associates working toward licensure.
  • Specialized training opportunities in trauma-focused modalities (e.g. TF-CBT, CFTSI).
  • Exposure to diverse clinical work: individual therapy, group facilitation, crisis intervention, and community education.
     
MEANINGFUL IMPACT:
  • Be part of San Mateo County's only rape crisis center serving survivors since 1995.
  • Make tangible impact in survivors' healing journeys and violence prevention.
  • Work at the intersection of clinical care, advocacy, and systemic change.

SUSTAINABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Manageable caseload of 17-20 clients.
  • Trauma-informed organizational culture.
  • Small agency environment allows for meaningful input and professional autonomy.
     
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS:
  • 100% employer-paid premiums for healthcare, vision, and dental insurance.
  • 20 days PTO annually (accrued).
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution.
  • Mileage reimbursement for community-based work.
  • Professional development funds for CEUs and conferences.
     
Position Description:
The Trauma Therapist will provide trauma- based psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
  • Provide assessment, and treatment of sexual abuse/assault survivors and their families utilizing evidence-based and/or trauma-informed therapeutic modalities.
  • Engage and maintain a caseload of 17-20 clients.
  • Perform treatment planning, crisis intervention, advocacy and consultation in collaboration with other multi-disciplinary team members.
  • Perform timely case management and advocacy to ensure families are connected to community service providers.
  • Actively participate in clinical supervision.
  • Serve as backup on the crisis line, providing supervision/mentorship to our volunteer Sexual Assault Counselors.
  • Develop and facilitate trainings for RTS staff, partner agencies, and community groups on trauma-informed approaches to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
  • Perform other agency responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or closely related mental health field AND current License OR registration as an Associate with BBS (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, AMFT, ASW, APCC).
  • Working knowledge of trauma, attachment, child development, crisis intervention, and psychotherapeutic techniques.
  • Experience working with at-risk children, families, and caregivers, especially with diverse and underserved populations.
  • In-depth knowledge of various intersections that affect the lives of Latinx, both immigrant and U.S. born.
  • Knowledge of and practice in using cultural humility as a basic framework.
  • Excellent communication skills; both oral and written.
  • Organized with the ability to manage many projects simultaneously while attending to detail and quality.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including some weekend and evening hours.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PPT), Google Drive, and other commonly used applications.
  • Valid California driver's license, insurance, and reliable access to transportation.

Preferred:
  • Advanced training or certification in evidence-based trauma therapies (TF-CBT, EMDR, PCIT, CFTSI, CPP).
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual violence, human trafficking, or commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC).
  • Bilingual abilities (Spanish/English or other languages) highly valued.

COMPENSATION:
Salary is determined by licensure status, experience, and specialized training.

ASSOCIATE THERAPIST (AMFT/ASW/APCC): $70,000 - $83,000 
(+5% pay differential for bilingual Spanish/English fluency)
  • Starting associate (0-2 years post-master's experience): $70,000 - $75,000
  • Experienced associate (2+ years, specialized training in trauma modalities): $75,000 - $83,000 

LICENSED THERAPIST (LMFT/LCSW/LPCC): $83,000 - $100,000
(+5% pay differential for bilingual Spanish/English fluency)
  • Newly licensed: $83,000 - $88,000
  • Experienced licensed (2+ years licensed, advanced training in evidence-based modalities): $88,000 - $100,000

Factors influencing placement within salary range:
  • Licensure status (Associate vs. Licensed).
  • Years of post-degree clinical experience.
  • Specialized training in evidence-based trauma therapies (TF-CBT, EMDR, PCIT, CFTSI, CPP).
  • Experience with sexual assault survivors and underserved populations.
  • Cultural competency and experience with diverse communities.
  • Bilingual fluency.

Benefits Package:
  • 100% employer-paid premiums for health, vision, and dental insurance.
  • 20 days PTO accrued annually.
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution.
  • Professional development support and CEU reimbursement.
  • Mileage reimbursement for community work.
     
RTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit resume or CV and a cover letter via email to:
careers@rapetraumaservices.org
Subject line: "Attn: Trauma Therapist – [Your Name]"

In the required cover letter, please describe your view of the core impacts of trauma on survivors, families, and communities. Your cover letter must be succinct and not exceed 1 page.
Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

We strongly encourage individuals representing one or more underserved populations in San Mateo County (e.g., people of color, people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, people with disabilities, immigrants) to apply.
RTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
Position open until filled.