Clinical Program Director / Lead Therapist

The Mindful Lemon | Villa Canyon Residential Treatment Center

Location: Castaic, CA 91384

Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site | Monday–Friday

Compensation: Starting at $102,000 annually, based on experience

About the Position

The Mindful Lemon is seeking an experienced, motivated Clinical Program Director / Lead Therapist to oversee our 6-bed residential behavioral health treatment center in Castaic, California.

This is a unique opportunity for a licensed clinician who enjoys providing direct therapy while also taking ownership of an entire residential treatment program.

The Clinical Program Director serves as both the primary treating therapist and the overall program leader, responsible for clinical excellence, daily operations, staff performance, resident outcomes, and the continued growth and success of the facility.

Working closely with our Lead Behavioral Health Technician, psychiatric providers, business development team, and executive leadership, this individual will help ensure our program delivers exceptional care while operating efficiently and sustainably.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, proactive, organized, and comfortable taking responsibility for both the clinical and business aspects of a residential treatment program.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Leadership

Serve as the primary therapist for residents, providing individual, family, and group therapy.

Conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and oversee discharge planning.

Lead clinical programming, treatment team meetings, and crisis intervention.

Coordinate psychiatric care, medication management processes, and utilization reviews.

Ensure high-quality clinical documentation, treatment outcomes, and regulatory compliance.

Program Operations & Management

Provide overall leadership and accountability for the residential treatment program.

Partner with the Lead BHT to oversee staffing, training, facility operations, and regulatory readiness.

Establish clear expectations and promote staff accountability, teamwork, and professional development.

Monitor program performance, identify operational challenges, and implement improvements.

Ensure the facility maintains a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.

Program Performance & Growth

Monitor key performance indicators, including occupancy, revenue, expenses, and program efficiency.

Collaborate with business development and admissions teams to maintain strong referral relationships and maximize appropriate bed occupancy.

Oversee resident retention, treatment completion, discharge outcomes, and overall quality of care.

Work with executive leadership to develop and implement strategies for continued program improvement and growth.

Qualifications

Required

Active California clinical license (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Licensed Psychologist).

Minimum 2 years of leadership or management experience in behavioral healthcare.

Experience providing clinical services in residential, inpatient, or other high-acuity behavioral health settings.

Strong clinical assessment, crisis intervention, and group facilitation skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and take initiative.

Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

Experience managing or directing a residential behavioral health treatment program.

Familiarity with California Community Care Licensing and Joint Commission standards.

Experience with utilization review, insurance authorizations, and interdisciplinary treatment coordination.

Understanding of program budgets, census management, and operational performance.

Schedule & Benefits

Full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site in Castaic, CA.

Monday–Friday schedule with assigned on-call responsibilities.

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.

401(k) with employer match.

4+ weeks PTO (holidays, vacation, and sick time)

Wellness and lifestyle savings (Active&Fit Direct™, gym access, discounts, and more)

Employee Assistance Program.

Performance-based salary growth opportunities.

About The Mindful Lemon

The Mindful Lemon is a growing behavioral health organization committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based, whole-person mental healthcare.

Our residential treatment program provides a supportive, structured environment where individuals can focus on recovery, develop meaningful coping skills, and build a foundation for lasting wellness.

We are seeking a leader who wants to make a meaningful clinical impact while helping build an exceptional residential treatment program.

Join our mission to create a more mindful world!

Pay: From $102,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Can you work Full Time Onsite?
• Do you have a valid CA License (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Psychologist)
• Are you willing to take a drug test, in accordance with local law/regulations?
• Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?

Work Location: In person