Day Treatment Therapist

Day Treatment Therapist (Children’s Program)

Astra Behavioral Health, LLC

Realistic Job Preview – Please Read Before Applying

This is not a traditional outpatient therapy role.

As a Day Treatment Therapist, you will work with children with significant behavioral, emotional, and trauma-related needs in a structured, school-like environment. Many of the children we serve have experienced instability and may struggle with emotional regulation, aggression, defiance, and attention challenges.

This role requires you to be:

• Comfortable managing high-energy, sometimes chaotic environments
• Able to respond calmly and therapeutically during behavioral escalations
• Willing to be actively engaged on the floor, not just behind a desk
• Skilled at balancing clinical documentation with real-time intervention

If you are looking for a quiet, low-interaction setting or primarily talk therapy—this role may not be the best fit.

However, if you are passionate about making a visible, daily impact in a child’s life, this role can be incredibly rewarding.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing

This role is a combination of therapy, crisis intervention, and team collaboration.

Direct Clinical Work

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy to children in the Day Treatment Program
• Implement trauma-informed and behavior-based interventions
• Help children develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills

Behavioral Support & Crisis Response

• Actively support children during behavioral escalations
• Use de-escalation techniques and follow program protocols
• Collaborate with staff to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with:
• Community Support Associates (CSAs)
• Program leadership
• Participate in treatment team meetings and care planning

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete clinical documentation in a timely and compliant manner
• Maintain treatment plans, progress notes, and required assessments
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory and billing standards

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• You stay calm and clinically focused, even in stressful situations
• You are present, engaged, and visible with patients throughout the day
• You build trusting relationships with children who may be resistant to care
• You complete documentation accurately and on time
• You contribute positively to team culture and communication

Who Thrives Here

This role tends to be a great fit for individuals who:

• Have experience in behavioral health, schools, or residential settings
• Are comfortable with structure, routine, and teamwork
• Can be both firm and compassionate at the same time
• Enjoy working with children who require extra patience and consistency
• Want to see progress happen in real time, not just session-to-session

Challenges to Be Aware Of

We believe in transparency so you can make the best decision for yourself.

• The environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable
• Some days are emotionally and mentally demanding
• You may work with children who:
• Refuse participation
• Exhibit disruptive or aggressive behaviors
• Balancing clinical work and documentation requires strong time management

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Active or eligible for licensure (CSW, LPCA, LCSW, LPCC, etc.)
• Experience working with children or adolescents preferred
• Strong clinical judgment and de-escalation skills

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday – Friday
• Daytime hours (aligned with program schedule)

Why Astra

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives every day
• Collaborative, team-based environment
• Growth opportunities within a multi-site behavioral health organization
• Support from leadership and clinical team

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person