Lead Clinical Therapist

About Wavecrest Behavioral Health

Wavecrest Behavioral Health provides an accessible, compassionate approach to complex mental health and addiction challenges. We are a growing organization committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health and substance use treatment to the communities we serve. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of our clients.

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled, licensed clinician ready to step into a leadership role without stepping away from client care. The Lead Clinical Therapist carries an active caseload while serving as a clinical resource for our therapy team, supporting day-to-day clinical operations, and working closely with the Clinical Director to uphold quality and consistency of care across the organization.

This role is a great fit for someone who loves clinical work but is also ready to take ownership, guide peers, and grow within a leadership track at an expanding behavioral health organization.

What You'll Do

Direct Client Care:

• Carry an active caseload providing individual, group, and family therapy
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
• Deliver evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as clinically indicated
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and safety planning as needed
• Engage clients and families in the treatment process and provide psychoeducation on mental health and substance use

Clinical Leadership & Team Support:

• Serve as a clinical resource for therapists and case managers on complex cases and treatment planning
• Review and co-sign clinical documentation for associate-level clinicians as applicable
• Mentor and support clinical interns under the direction of the Clinical Director
• Lead or co-lead multidisciplinary treatment team meetings
• Support onboarding and orientation of new clinical staff
• Assist with development and coordination of clinical programming and group curriculum

Clinical Operations & Compliance:

• Support the Clinical Director with quality assurance monitoring and documentation audits
• Monitor clinical documentation for quality and timeliness across the team
• Assist with scheduling, intake coordination, and utilization review as needed
• Ensure adherence to HIPAA, ethical standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements
• Participate in compliance and quality improvement initiatives
• Attend organizational and leadership meetings

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, marriage & family therapy, social work, or related field
• Active, unrestricted California licensure (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Licensed Psychologist)
• Minimum 3 years of clinical experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or related setting
• Experience with evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and/or motivational interviewing
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong documentation practices
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements

Preferred:

• Prior supervisory, lead clinician, or clinical coordination experience
• Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation standards (Joint Commission, CARF, or California state licensing)
• Experience developing clinical programming, therapeutic groups, or curriculum
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Experience with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

Why Join Wavecrest

• Competitive salary: $85,000 – $100,000 depending on experience and licensure
• A leadership role with real clinical impact — not just a title
• Collaborative, supportive team culture with experienced clinical leadership
• Clear opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a growing organization
• Meaningful work in a mission-driven environment serving clients who need it most

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Santa Ana, CA facility. Work is primarily conducted in an office and clinical setting. Must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods. Light lifting (up to 25 lbs) may occasionally be required. Must demonstrate the emotional resilience to work with high-acuity behavioral health populations and manage crisis situations as they arise.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience providing clinical supervision or serving in a lead/senior clinician role?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

• LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Licensed Psychologist (Required)

Work Location: In person