Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of mental health, the focus on child and adolescent behavioral therapists has never been more profound.

Societal understanding advances, and with each stride, the demand for skilled professionals who can understand, nurture, and guide our young generation’s mental health grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a child and adolescent behavioral therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of child and adolescent behavioral therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unfold a customizable child and adolescent behavioral therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists provide support and therapy to young clients who may be dealing with mental health conditions, emotional challenges, or behavioral issues.

They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help children and adolescents cope with their issues and improve their quality of life.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of clients through interviews, observation, and testing
• Creating individualized treatment plans based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances
• Implementing therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, or family therapy
• Teaching clients and their families about their conditions and providing them with strategies to manage symptoms and improve behaviors
• Documenting all therapy sessions and tracking progress over time
• Working closely with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and educators to coordinate care
• Staying updated on the latest research and advancements in child and adolescent therapy
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Adhering to ethical and professional standards, including maintaining client confidentiality

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will specialize in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions to children and adolescents struggling with behavioral issues and mental health disorders.

You will be responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating a broad spectrum of behavioral and emotional difficulties in young patients while helping them develop effective coping mechanisms.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to establish therapeutic needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual and group therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders to implement effective treatment strategies.
• Regularly review and update treatment plans according to patient progress.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and progress.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training activities.
• Adhere to all professional, ethical, and legal regulations as determined by relevant regulatory bodies and the law.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a related field.
• Current, valid state licensure as a Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or similar.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a therapeutic capacity.
• Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic modalities suitable for children and adolescents.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with occasional need to travel for home visits or consultations at schools or other community settings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Lead Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $48,000 minimum to $78,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Do?

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists typically work in private practices, schools, hospitals, or mental health clinics.

Their main responsibility is to provide therapy to children and adolescents who are struggling with various mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.

They assess their clients through interviews, observations, and tests to identify the type and extent of the problems they are facing.

This could include issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, and autism.

Once they have a clear understanding of the client’s issues, they develop a treatment plan tailored to the child’s needs.

This plan often involves a combination of individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

The therapy methods used can vary widely, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to play therapy, depending on the age of the child and the nature of their problems.

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists also work closely with parents, teachers, and other relevant adults in the child’s life.

They provide them with guidance and strategies to help support the child’s progress outside of therapy sessions.

Additionally, they maintain accurate and detailed client records, monitor the client’s progress over time, and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

They may also refer the client to other services or specialists if needed.

Their ultimate goal is to help the child or adolescent develop healthier thought patterns, manage their emotions more effectively, and improve their behavior, so they can thrive in their daily life.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist should possess a multitude of skills and qualifications that align with this specialized role, such as:

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, along with appropriate licensure and certification to practice as a therapist.
• Proficiency in child and adolescent psychology and an in-depth understanding of various behavioral disorders and their treatments.
• Exceptional communication skills to connect with children and adolescents, understand their concerns, and explain treatment plans to them and their parents or caregivers.
• Empathy and compassion to effectively deal with the emotional and mental health issues of young clients.
• Strong observational skills to accurately identify and assess behavioral issues.
• Problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective treatment plans.
• Patience and resilience to deal with challenging behaviors and emotional ups and downs of young clients.
• Cultural competency to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of clients and their families.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and confidentiality norms related to therapy and counseling.
• Ability to work in a team with other healthcare professionals, teachers, and social workers for holistic care of the client.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Experience Requirements

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists generally require a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.

The academic journey provides students with a significant amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience through internships or practicum courses.

These internships and courses usually take place in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or social service agencies, providing real-world exposure to dealing with child and adolescent behavioral issues.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through an internship or a part-time role as a Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, or Social Worker.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience have typically worked in roles such as an Associate Therapist or Mental Health Counselor, and have gained more hands-on experience dealing with behavioral, emotional, and mental issues among children and adolescents.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often well-equipped to handle more complex cases and may have experience in specialized areas like trauma counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

They may also be prepared to take on leadership roles in their organizations or open private practices.

Additionally, some states require therapists to be licensed, which generally involves gaining supervised clinical experience, passing an exam, and completing continuing education requirements.

In addition, therapists must often engage in ongoing professional development activities and training to stay current with the latest research and treatment techniques.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists typically need a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health field.

During their studies, they gain a strong understanding of child and adolescent development, psychology, mental health disorders, and therapeutic techniques.

Many programs also require supervised internships, giving students practical experience in a clinical setting.

After obtaining a master’s degree, these therapists must complete a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience.

The specific number can vary by state, but is typically between 2,000 and 4,000 hours.

All states require Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists to obtain licensure before they can practice.

Licensing requirements typically involve passing a state-administered examination.

Additionally, therapists may pursue certification from a professional organization such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

While not always required, such certification can enhance career prospects by demonstrating advanced competence and dedication to the field.

Continuing education is essential in this role to keep up with advancements in the field and maintain licensure and certification.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Salary Expectations

A Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist earns an average salary of $46,240 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on the therapist’s level of education, years of experience in the field, and the geographical location of the employment.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist need?

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with young clients and their families.

They should also have a strong understanding of child and adolescent psychology and behavioral modification techniques.

Patience, empathy, and the ability to work well under stress are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists typically require a Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.

They also need to be licensed in the state where they practice, which usually involves passing a state-recognized exam and completing a certain amount of supervised clinical experience.

 

What should you look for in a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist resume?

A Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist’s resume should highlight their education, licensure, and any specialized training or certifications, such as in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Play Therapy.

It should also detail their clinical experience, especially any experience working with children and adolescents.

Other valuable information could include their familiarity with specific conditions or disorders, like ADHD or anxiety.

 

What qualities make a good Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist?

A good Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapist is compassionate, patient, and empathetic.

They should be able to build strong relationships with their young clients while maintaining professional boundaries.

They should be skilled at assessing and diagnosing behavioral issues and developing appropriate treatment plans.

A strong ability to communicate with both children and their families is also crucial.

 

Is it challenging to hire Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists?

Hiring Child and Adolescent Behavioral Therapists can be challenging due to the specific education and licensure requirements.

Additionally, the nature of the work requires individuals who are not only qualified but also have the right temperament and interpersonal skills.

As such, it’s important to carefully screen candidates to ensure they are a good fit for the role and your organization.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate and rewarding world of a child and adolescent behavioral therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about counseling sessions.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

With our comprehensive child and adolescent behavioral therapist job description template and practical examples, you’re prepared to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ally in creating precisely tailored listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you help is a step towards a better future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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