Outpatient Counselor/Clinical Therapist

Clinical Therapist (Outpatient)

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health — Laconia, NH

Full-Time | On-Site | Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, is expanding our outpatient program and seeking a mission-driven Clinical Therapist or Counselor to provide high-quality, person-centered care to adults and families seeking support for mental health and substance use challenges.

If you are passionate about clinical excellence, trauma-informed care, and supporting clients in their ongoing recovery, we would love to connect.

About Us

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health delivers integrated, evidence-based outpatient treatment focused on long-term healing and recovery. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide compassionate care, structured support, and individualized treatment planning in a safe, therapeutic environment.

About the Role

The Outpatient Clinical Therapist provides individual, group, and family therapy; conducts clinical assessments; and develops treatment plans for clients receiving outpatient care. You’ll work closely with medical, case management, and peer support staff to ensure coordinated, high-quality services.

What You’ll Do

• Complete comprehensive clinical assessments, including biopsychosocial evaluations, diagnostic formulations, and risk assessments.
• Utilize DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria to inform individualized treatment plans and clinical decision-making.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT-informed treatment, MI, relapse prevention, solution-focused therapy).
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with state regulations, payer requirements, and organizational policy.
• Support clients through transitions in level of care, including step-down, referral, and coordination with external providers.
• Conduct crisis interventions, safety plans, and ongoing clinical monitoring as appropriate in an outpatient setting.
• Collaborate closely with the treatment team to ensure continuity of care and holistic support.
• Demonstrate strong professional boundaries, adherence to ethical standards, and trauma-informed communication.

Preferred Qualifications (Clinical Therapist)

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Active New Hampshire clinical licensure (LICSW, LCMHC, LMFT, or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of DSM-5-TR and co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses.
• Experience in outpatient, IOP, or community-based treatment settings.
• Experience using evidence-based therapeutic modalities.

Minimum Qualifications (Counselor)

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field.
• Eligible for, or currently recognized by the State of New Hampshire as, an LADC or MLADC (including Candidate status).
• Strong documentation and time-management skills.

Compensation

The base compensation range for this position is $60,000-$85,000K, based on experience and credentials.
This range reflects Ascension Recovery Services’ good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Placement within the range depends on experience, credentials, and internal equity. Candidates should be comfortable with an on-site presence to support collaboration and client care.

Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and perks, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) plan
• HSA/FSA options
• Employee discount programs

Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

EEO & Accommodations

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health and Ascension Recovery Services are committed to equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. ARS also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.

How to Apply

Apply directly through our careers portal. We look forward to meeting clinicians who are passionate about helping individuals and families create lasting change.