Trauma Therapist

Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist

Position: Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist Reports To: Program Director / Program Coordinator Employment Status: Full-Time Location: Media

Position Summary

The Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist provides trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral health services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and co-occurring mental health concerns. The therapist will provide individual and group therapy with a primary focus on trauma treatment utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other evidence-based clinical interventions.

The ideal candidate is clinically skilled, trauma-informed, collaborative, and comfortable working with individuals who have complex histories of trauma and substance use. The therapist is expected to integrate trauma treatment within the client's overall recovery plan while maintaining a strong focus on substance use recovery and clinical stability.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide groups and individual outpatient psychotherapy to clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns.
• Provide trauma-focused treatment utilizing EMDR in accordance with established EMDR protocols and clinical best practices.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical assessments, client needs, and level-of-care requirements.
• Utilize evidence-based interventions including EMDR, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and other appropriate therapeutic approaches.
• Assess client readiness and clinical stability prior to initiating trauma processing.
• Monitor client response to trauma treatment and modify interventions based on clinical presentation and progress.
• Maintain a recovery-oriented approach that prioritizes substance use treatment while appropriately addressing trauma and co-occurring mental health concerns.
• Collaborate with medical providers, psychiatric providers, case managers, recovery specialists, and other members of the treatment team.
• Participate in clinical staffing, case consultation, supervision, and treatment planning.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention when clinically indicated.
• Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, and discharge documentation.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, applicable state regulations, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.

• Current, active independent clinical license required.

• Examples may include LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or another applicable independent behavioral health license.

• EMDR certification required.

• 3 Year Minimum with Substance Abuse Population

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved populations, treatment courts, or other mandated populations.
• Experience with ASAM-informed treatment planning and level-of-care recommendations.

Clinical Expectations

The Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist is expected to practice within their scope of licensure and training. EMDR should be incorporated based on clinical readiness, stability, and appropriateness, rather than solely based on a client's request for trauma processing.

The therapist will:

• Establish safety and stabilization before beginning trauma processing when clinically indicated.
• Assess for current substance use, emotional regulation, safety concerns, and other factors that may affect readiness for trauma processing.
• Utilize appropriate preparation and resourcing interventions.
• Monitor for increased symptoms, destabilization, or other clinical concerns throughout treatment.
• Coordinate with the treatment team when trauma processing impacts substance use recovery or overall functioning.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and recognize when a client requires a higher level of care or specialized services.

Documentation & Compliance

The therapist is responsible for completing all clinical documentation within required timeframes, including:

• Treatment plans and treatment plan updates
• Individual progress notes
• Risk and safety assessments as clinically indicated
• Discharge summaries
• ASAM
• Case Consultation
• Insurance Auth's

All documentation must support medical necessity, reflect the services provided, and comply with organizational, regulatory, and ethical requirements.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism and reliability.
• Maintain appropriate clinical boundaries.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and required training.
• Utilize consultation and supervision appropriately.
• Demonstrate cultural humility and provide respectful, person-centered care.
• Maintain current licensure and EMDR certification/training requirements.
• Practice within the therapist's scope of competence and professional license.

Physical/Work Environment

This position primarily involves providing outpatient behavioral health services in an office and/or clinical treatment setting. The position requires regular interaction with clients, families, and multidisciplinary treatment team members and may involve both in-person and telehealth services, as permitted.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Schedule: M-F 8AM-4PM, Flexible Benefits: Medical, Dental, Visual

Equal Opportunity Employer: MVP Recovery is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive and supportive workplace.