Welcome to The Sandhill Center!
At Sandhill Center, we are deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care for children experiencing significant emotional dysregulation. With integrity at the core of our work, we integrate cutting-edge therapeutic practices to help children build self-regulation, strengthen connections, and develop the confidence to navigate daily life more successfully.
We are hiring a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Therapist to join our nationally recognized residential program serving children and adolescents. This is a rare opportunity for a Trauma-Informed Therapist or Child & Adolescent Therapist to do deep, meaningful clinical work with a low caseload of just six clients.
Position: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Licensed or License-Eligible)
Location: Los Lunas, NM (in-person)
Compensation: $75k to $95k, depending on experience and licensure status.
Requirements:
- Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
- Licensed or license-eligible Mental Health Therapist / Counselor (New Mexico)
- Interest in trauma-informed therapy and child/adolescent work
- Experience in EMDR, DBT, TF-CBT, or similar modalities (preferred, not required)
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off + 13 paid holidays
- Ongoing training & professional development
- Supportive team culture
Schedule:
- Full-time, in-person
- Monday–Friday (some flexibility based on needs)
Why Join The Sandhill Center?
We know how rare it is to find the right clinical home. Here's what makes us different:
A caseload that lets you do the work you trained for. Our Mental Health Counselors / Therapists carry a caseload of just six clients. That's it. You'll have time to build real therapeutic relationships, develop thoughtful treatment plans, and do deep, meaningful clinical work — not triage.
A nationally recognized, trauma-informed program. Sandhill was the first official Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Partner Site in the country, and we've trained directly with Dr. Bruce Perry and the Child Trauma Academy ever since. Every clinician here receives paid, ongoing training and a path toward NMT Certification, plus optional training in EMDR, DBT, TF-CBT, EFT, Polyvagal Theory, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP certification provided — we have 12 horses on campus).
A campus that doesn't feel like a facility. Our 13-acre southwestern-style campus in Los Lunas, NM (just outside Albuquerque) is home to therapy dogs, peacocks, horses, and Socks the cat. Our program is relationship-based and non-institutional — and yes, you're welcome to bring your personal pet to work (per policy).
Room to grow as a clinician. You'll join a collaborative clinical team with opportunities to present at national conferences and build specialized expertise that's hard to come by outside of a focused program like ours.
Therapist Responsibilities:
As a Mental Health Counselor / Therapist, you will:
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy to youth
- Function as a Residential Therapist, engaging clients throughout the milieu
- Develop and implement trauma-informed treatment plans
- Collaborate with youth mentors and provide clinical guidance
- Deliver therapeutic interventions that support emotional regulation and development
- Build strong therapeutic relationships that create lasting change
Training & Clinical Development:
This role is ideal for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Therapist who wants to grow in their specialization and expertise:
- Intensive training in trauma-informed therapy
- Certification track in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)
- Optional training in:
- EMDR
- DBT
- TF-CBT
- EFT
- Polyvagal Theory
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
About the Program:
Our program serves youth (ages 8–14) who benefit from structured, relationship-based care. As a Residential Therapist, you’ll work in a non-institutional setting designed to foster connection, growth, and emotional development.
- 13-acre therapeutic campus
- Southwestern-style environment (not clinical/institutional)
- Animals, recreation areas, and outdoor therapeutic spaces
- Located in Los Lunas, NM (near Albuquerque)
Who Should Apply:
Candidates with experience or exposure to trauma-informed care, child and adolescent therapy, residential treatment, behavioral health, emotional dysregulation, attachment-based and relationship-based care, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), clinical treatment planning, individual, group, and family therapy, as well as evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, DBT, TF-CBT, EFT, Polyvagal Theory, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), are strongly encouraged to apply. Backgrounds in psychology, counseling, or social work and experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary clinical environments are highly valued.
Apply Today:
If you’re a passionate Mental Health Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Trauma-Informed Therapist looking for meaningful work, advanced training, and a low caseload—this is your opportunity to do your best clinical work!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
https://www.sandhillcenter.org
Pay: Up to $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Work Location: In person
