clinician

therapist

health coach

youth counselor

teacher

Villages of California

Typical Day at Work:
Working as a School-based Clinician has been both challenging and rewarding. A typical day starts with reviewing case notes and preparing for therapy sessions with students. These sessions are incredibly fulfilling as they allow me to engage directly with students, providing therapeutic interventions tailored to their needs. Collaborating with teachers and school staff is a crucial part of the day, ensuring a holistic approach to supporting students' mental health and academic success.

What I Have Learned:
During my time at Villages, I have learned invaluable lessons in child psychology, trauma-informed care, and effective therapeutic techniques. The training and professional development opportunities provided have enhanced my skills in assessing and treating a diverse range of emotional and behavioral issues in children and adolescents. Moreover, I've gained insights into educational systems and the importance of integrating mental health support into school environments.

Management:
Management at Villages is supportive and responsive. Supervisors and team leaders are readily available for guidance and supervision, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere. Their commitment to staff well-being and professional development has been immensely important in my growth as a clinician.

Workplace Culture:
The workplace culture at Villages is one of compassion, collaboration, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families. There is a strong sense of teamwork among clinicians, educators, and support staff, all working towards a common goal of promoting mental health wellness in the school community. The organization encourages open communication and values diversity, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

The Challenging Part of the Job:
Undoubtedly, the most challenging aspect of the job is witnessing and addressing the emotional and psychological struggles that some students face. Balancing the demands of providing therapeutic support while navigating complex family dynamics and systemic barriers can be emotionally taxing. However, the comprehensive support network and clinical supervision provided by Villages of California have been crucial in managing these challenges effectively.

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job:
The most enjoyable part of working as a School-based Clinician is witnessing the positive impact therapy can have on a students' life. Building trusting relationships with students, seeing their progress in managing emotions and behaviors, and witnessing their academic achievements are incredibly rewarding experiences. Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of young people and contributing to their overall well-being is what motivates me every day.

A typical day as a school-based clinician is dynamic and fulfilling. It starts with planning sessions which include individual therapy and group therapy sessions where I get to see positive interaction among students. Crisis support, though intense, is crucial and keeps me on my toes throughout the day.

Working as an associate therapist in this role has been immensely rewarding. I've learned invaluable skills in clinical practice, particularly in adapting therapeutic approaches for diverse student needs. This experience has significantly enhanced my ability to navigate complex situations and offer effective support.


Management at our organization is exceptionally supportive. They prioritize our professional development by providing ample clinical supervision and opportunities for growth. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in my development as a clinician.

The workplace culture is both collaborative and empowering. There's a strong emphasis on independence and trusting our clinical judgment, which fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership over our work. Colleagues are supportive and readily share insights, contributing to a positive and enriching environment.

The most challenging aspect of my role is managing crises effectively in a school setting. It requires quick decision-making and a deep understanding of students' emotional needs. However, overcoming these challenges has been a significant learning opportunity and has contributed to my professional growth.

The most enjoyable part of my job is witnessing the progress students make in therapy. Whether it's a breakthrough in individual sessions or positive interactions during group therapy, seeing students thrive emotionally and socially is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces the impact our work has on their lives.

Working as a school-based clinician has been a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth. The role demands dedication and independence, but the support from management and the enriching workplace culture make it an ideal environment for learning and contributing meaningfully to students' lives.


This is a great company for a beginner therapist looking to experience a school setting. You will definitely get an idea of what it's like to work in schools and you will be provided with both individual and group supervision for licensure, which is amazing. In addition, the management is extremely supportive and available when you need them. As a starting therapist, the pay is good as well - though post licensure there could definitely be improvement. 

All of that being said, there are some frustrations that come with this job and a reason I noted it'd good for a beginner therapist. In the school based therapist role, you will get a caseload and get to do therapy but you will also get called into many "crisis" calls that consist of coddling crying kindergartners and this can even turn into what feels like babysitting depending on the staff at your school site. It's hard to review Villages as a whole because the experience is so different dependent on your school site and the respect the staff on site has for your role as a therapist. There doesn't seem to be a lot of room for growth currently, but I do see this improving as they continue to expand. There is a promising paid time off package promised upon hiring, but whether the days you ask for actually get approved is very much a hit or miss. 

Overall, my biggest qualm with this role has been that it seems like an overwhelming number of school sites value you as a babysitter rather than a therapist. The schools are so short staffed that they will pull you into any random task even if that means cancelling therapy sessions (which in my opinion would be your primary role). In addition, being a school, they tend to change things at any given moment (the hours you'll be working, whether you get summer off, if you need to come in for training, etc) and over time this can get frustrating because it feels like you are at their whim and they have no respect for your life outside of your job. 

I truly believe my time at Villages has fostered significant skill development and personal growth. Starting here right after graduate school was made easier by the immense support I received.

What I appreciate most is the autonomy within my role, balanced with the opportunity to collaborate closely with my school site team and learn how to work effectively with various personalities on campus. Villages has provided a valuable space for me to step outside my comfort zone, hone my problem-solving abilities, and apply clinical decision-making skills. While school site assignments may change, I've embraced each transition as a chance to excel and build strong working relationships with new staff and community members. I've always felt that Villages would support me through any challenges, encouraging me to develop my own strategies for creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

The hands-on experience across diverse areas, including therapy sessions, group activities, guidance lessons, parent workshops, crisis support, and family counseling, has made each day engaging and incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the positive impact of care and support on the children has been truly fulfilling.

Furthermore, the accessibility and support from leadership and my clinical supervisors have been invaluable, with regular check-ins providing guidance when needed. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to complete my clinical hours at Villages. It has allowed me to support children needing connection and a supportive space, and I now feel genuinely prepared and confident to excel in my career and handle whatever comes my way.

Working as a school-based therapist at VoC has been an incredibly fulfilling and professionally enriching experience. From the start, I felt welcomed into a supportive and mission-driven team that truly cares about both the well-being of students and the growth of its clinicians.

The work culture is one of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. There’s a strong emphasis on community—among therapists, supervisors, and school partners—and that sense of connection makes the day-to-day work feel purposeful and sustainable. Leadership is approachable, and I’ve consistently felt heard and valued as a clinician.

One of the biggest highlights is the high-quality clinical supervision. Villages provides both individual and group supervision, led by experienced professionals who are deeply invested in your growth. I always walk away from supervision with insight I can immediately apply in my sessions, and it’s also an opportunity to hear from peers on what’s working well/not well at their school sites. 

Clinically, Villages has a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)- there are a large amount on trainings throughout the year on different interventions/approaches/issues with the population. 

This role has allowed me to grow my clinical skills in real and meaningful ways while making a deep impact on students who need it most. Villages is a place where you can do important work and feel supported as a person and a professional. 

I have been with Villages of California for the past two year and have really appreciated my time with this company. The support from both colleagues and supervisors at Villages of California is exceptional. The leadership team aims to foster a collaborative environment where everyone is dedicated to improving their skills and the company as a whole. It's refreshing to be part of a newer company that actively seeks ways to grow and innovate within the mental health field.

Working  as a School Based Clinician has been an awesome experience as I work towards licensure as an LCSW. This company truly understands the importance of providing quality supervision with licensed professionals, tailored to each clinician's needs whether you are seeking your LCSW, LMFT or LPCC. As someone pursuing licensure, this aspect has been invaluable. Not only are you able to earn hours through supervision, but there is always a staff member available on-call if you are dealing with a crisis or need support at your site.

Overall, I appreciate how Villages of California's staff is committed to enhancing mental health services in Southern California and I find it's been a place where I can genuinely feel like I'm making a difference in my field. 

Villages of CA is by far the best company I have every worked for! The leadership and staff truly want to help and see their clients succeed. You are provided with both individual and group supervision and management is always readily available to provide support during crises or answer any questions you may have. Despite working across different school sites there is a sense of community among the clinicians and everyone truly enjoys working together and supporting one another. Leadership plans regular staff events to provide opportunities for everyone to come together and bond, which is great! 

Working on a school site is a great way to obtain a variety of experience both with clients and working on multi-disciplinary teams. School sites require you to be adaptable to fit the needs of the campus and your clients, but leadership is always supportive and available if challenges arise.

Villages continues to grow and expand which equates to room for growth. They are invested in providing training and development opportunities to staff to help you reach your career goals. Leadership regularly seeks feedback on how to improve the current programs and processes in place. Overall, Villages is a place that truly cares about it's clients, staff, and making a positive impact on the community. I would definitely recommend working here!

Working as an NPS Therapist has been an overwhelmingly positive and fulfilling experience. I truly enjoy my work, both in directly supporting students through individual sessions and in helping to guide and oversee the therapeutic culture and model of the school. Every day feels meaningful, and I leave work with a sense of purpose and pride in the impact we’re making.

One of the greatest strengths of this role is the incredible team I work alongside. The teachers, teaching assistants, director, and specialty staff (such as speech therapists) are exceptional professionals who care deeply about the students and about one another. The environment is collaborative and supportive, where ideas are welcomed and everyone works together toward shared goals.

What makes this school especially unique is that the same therapeutic values we use with students—empathy, collaborative problem solving, and active listening—are also embedded in the work culture itself. This creates a respectful, growth-oriented environment not just for students, but for staff as well.

I feel both challenged and supported here, and I’ve grown immensely in my practice. This is a workplace where you can truly thrive while making a real difference.

I am a current employee of Villages of Ca and I have been working here for over a year.  The work we do at Villages on a day-to-day basis truly feels meaningful and everyday I finish the work day feeling fulfilled about the work I did and the difference I made. When community members and parents express their gratitude for your work and helping them meet their needs it really makes the difficult days feel worth your efforts. I feel so grateful to be employed here the company has have been supportive, accommodating, and staff is highly appreciated by management. Every member of the leadership team has an open door policy and will always show up for you when you need support or have concerns. We also have team building and all staff events that are a fun, and a nice break from the day-to-day schedules. Since I've been with the company it has already grown so much leaving plenty of room for growth. I have personally seen myself grow within the company, developing my professional skills and acquiring new ones through trainings and hands on duties. I can continue seeing myself growing with this company!

You're assigned a school site by the company. The admin at the schools greatly affects your overall experience. Fingers crossed you get an amazing supportive school admin. A typical day is doing check-ins, individual and group sessions and supporting the school with any crisis but mostly you're utilized as a babysitter or a one on one aid since district staffing is hit or miss. Admin will expect you to cancel sessions to accommodate the school over your actual job. You can get more clinical hours and experience at another job that prioritizes therapy over being an overpaid sitter.  Management doesn't micro manage, work colleagues (other clinicians) are supportive. Hardest part of the job is being misused daily and not being allowed to voice your concerns because the overarching theme is "we are guest" . Most enjoyable part of the job is the children. You can build connections and make meaningful and impactful change. 
TIPS: Document everything, cover yourself

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Clinician 2 salaries reported	$70,000 per year
Therapist 4 salaries reported	$72,500 per year
Health coach 5 salaries reported	$25.11 per hour
Youth counselor 4 salaries reported	$24.53 per hour
Teacher 2 salaries reported	$75,000 per year

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