Mental Health Therapist - Youth Behavioral Health
Location : Ocala, Florida - Ocala Youth Academy
Job Type : Full-Time
Pay : $50,000 - $55,000 per year
About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy (Ocala, Florida)
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth.
Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15-18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence-based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian-managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma-informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes.
Position Summary - Mental Health Therapist Job in Ocala Florida
We are hiring a Mental Health Therapist to join our clinical team in Ocala, Florida. This role is ideal for a therapist interested in youth behavioral health, juvenile care, or residential treatment. You will provide direct clinical care, support mental health needs, and assist in stabilizing youth throughout their treatment process.
Mental Health Therapist Job Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays - Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
- Free RX delivery on most medications
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development
- Robust Employee Assistance Program
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
Why Join Youth Opportunity?
Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youthGain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential careWork in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environmentDevelop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunitiesMental Health Therapist Responsibilities
Coordinate the implementation of individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment plansProvide ongoing evaluation, assessment, and counseling to youth and their families under supervision of a licensed mental health professionalDeliver individual, group, and family therapy sessionsDocument clinical progress through weekly notes, treatment plans, and aftercare plansDevelop behavioral health discharge and aftercare plansAssess family dynamics and create intervention plansCollaborate with leadership to support compliance and performance improvement initiativesAdditional Duties
Participate in daily group routines and activities with youth and counselorsModel professional behavior and maintain high standards for youth engagementAttend required training and professional development sessionsReport incidents and concerns per agency policyPerform other duties as assignedRequired Qualifications
Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, or related human services field from an accredited universityTwo years' experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse preferred but not required with appropriate degreeAbility to pass background check and drug screenPreferred Experience
Experience with group therapy techniquesStrong clinical judgment and organizational skillsWillingness to work with youth in challenging situationsOther Requirements
Physical Demands : Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable. Able to move throughout the facility and actively participate in youth activities. Must be able to transport youth or staff. Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state.Other : Must maintain a valid state driver's license and meet state criminal background check requirements. Occasional irregular hours may be required.How to Apply
Click "Apply Now" through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.
Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.