Therapist (LMFT) – Trauma & Addiction Specialist (AF-EMDR)
Organization: Heartland House (The Twelfth Step House of San Diego)
Location: San Diego, California
Status: Full-Time, Exempt (W-2 Employee)
Salary Range: $95,000 – $119,000 (Based on Certification and Experience)
Empower Healing. Reclaim Lives. Restore Families.
Heartland House is not just a treatment center; it is a community with a 66-year legacy of helping men regain their lives from the grip of addiction. As a non-profit organization with deep roots in San Diego, we provide a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where men can find the tools for lasting recovery. We believe that addiction is a "family disease" and that true healing requires a "whole person" approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
We are looking for a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is passionate about the intersection of trauma and addiction. Specifically, we are seeking a professional trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) to lead our trauma-informed care initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to work with a high-impact population in a setting that values clinical excellence, therapist self-care, and community connection.
The Role: Integrating Neurobiology into a 12-Step/Mutual Support Foundation
At Heartland House, we combine the wisdom of the 12-Step/ Mutual Support tradition with the latest advancements in evidence-based therapy. As our AF-EMDR Specialist, you will be the primary clinical voice for residents dealing with complex PTSD, attachment deficits, and forensic trauma history. You will have the "clinical freedom" to tailor your approach to each man’s unique story, helping them "rewire the addicted brain" and build the resilience needed for long-term independence.
Your Impact:
· Individual & Group Trauma Therapy: Deliver high-precision AF-EMDR sessions to a caseload of men, focusing on the repair of attachment wounds and the desensitization of traumatic triggers.
· Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct clinical assessments through an attachment lens, identifying "root targets" and developmental deficits that have previously served as barriers to recovery.
· Advanced Resourcing: Facilitate the installation of internal resources (Nurturing, Protective, and Wise figures) to help residents regulate their nervous systems and manage the stressors of the milieu.
· Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside our team of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Care Coordinator, and Medical Director to ensure a cohesive and holistic "Personal Recovery Plan" for every resident.
· Family System Healing: Lead our Saturday Family Program, helping residents redeem relationships with their families and create a supportive network for post-residential life.
· Clinical Leadership: Participate in weekly staff consultations with our Medical Director, LCSW, Certified SUD Counselors, Interns, and provide "trauma-informed" mentorship supporting our team.
· Excellence in Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with the standards of the ASAM, Drug Medi-Cal, County of San Diego, and other insurers, ensuring that our data continues to reflect the success of our program.
Who You Are: Qualifications and Clinical Heart
We are seeking a therapist who sees their work as more than just a job. You understand that our residents have often "hit the bottom" and that your empathy, combined with your technical skill, is the catalyst for their transformation.
Requirements:
· Academic: Master’s degree or higher in Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Psychology, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
· Licensure: Active, unrestricted license as an LMFT in the State of California.
· AF-EMDR Training: Completion of Parnell Institute AF-EMDR Basic Training (Parts 1-3) is required. Candidates on the path to full certification are highly encouraged to apply.
· Clinical Experience: At least 2 years of post-licensure experience, preferably in a residential, forensic, or VA setting.
· Cultural Competence: A commitment to serving a diverse demographic, including veterans, individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those with co-occurring conditions and some with a history of justice involvement.
· Ethical Standards: Unwavering adherence to professional ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality in a close-knit residential environment.
What Heartland House Offers You
We know that to care for others, you must first be cared for. Heartland House is committed to being one of the best places to work in San Diego for mental health professionals.
· Competitive Pay: A salary range of $95,000 to $119,000, reflective of your specialized training and the San Diego market.
· Comprehensive Benefits: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time W-2 employees.
· Peace of Mind Coverage: We offer employer-paid life insurance because we care about the long-term security of our team and their families.
· Professional Growth: An annual stipend for continuing education and reimbursement for licensure fees.
· Work-Life Balance: Two weeks of paid vacation, plus paid sick time and flexible scheduling. We believe in and enforce "counselor self-care".
· Stable & Purpose-Driven Environment: Join a fiscally responsible non-profit with a 66-year history of success and a clear sense of purpose.
· Community Milieu: Work where you are treated like family, not just an employee.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $119,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you completed the Parnell Institute AF-EMDR Basic Training (Parts 1-3)?
- Are you certified in Parnell Institute AF-EMDR or currently pursuing certification?
Education:
Experience:
- post-licensure: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Active LMFT license in the State of California (Required)
Work Location: In person
