Mental Health Therapist

Mental Health Therapist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $60,000 - $70,000 per year

About Youth Opportunity & Elizabethton Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee is a secure Youth Academy providing trauma‑informed residential care for adjudicated boys. Youth benefit from structured education, clinical mental health treatment, restorative justice, and pre‑vocational training, delivered in a safe, therapeutic setting.

Youth typically remain in care for 6 to 9 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills and social skills training; victim‑impact awareness; and restorative justice. Small group living units support family engagement and prepare youth for successful transition to community life.

Position Summary – Mental Health Therapist Job in Elizabethton, TN 

We are hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our clinical team in Elizabethton, TN. This role is ideal for a therapist interested in youth behavioral health, juvenile care, or residential treatment. You will provide direct clinical care, support mental health needs, and assist in stabilizing youth throughout their treatment process.

Mental Health Therapist Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care
• Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Mental Health Therapist Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plans
• Provide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and their families under supervision of a licensed mental health professional
• Deliver individual, group, and family therapy sessions
• Document clinical progress through weekly notes, treatment plans, and aftercare plans
• Develop behavioral health discharge and aftercare plans
• Assess family dynamics and create intervention plans
• Collaborate with leadership to support compliance and performance improvement initiatives

Additional Duties

• Participate in daily group routines and activities with youth and counselors
• Model professional behavior and maintain high standards for youth engagement
• Attend required training and professional development sessions
• Report incidents and concerns per agency policy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, or related human services field from an accredited university
• Two years’ experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse preferred but not required with appropriate degree
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen

Preferred Experience

• Experience with group therapy techniques
• Strong clinical judgment and organizational skills
• Willingness to work with youth in challenging situations

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands: Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable. Able to move throughout the facility and actively participate in youth activities. Must be able to transport youth or staff. Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state.
• Other: Must maintain a valid state driver’s license and meet state criminal background check requirements. Occasional irregular hours may be required.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.