Associate Therapist (APCC, AMFT, ACSW)

Aspen Therapy — San Diego, CA 92108 W-2 Position

About Aspen Therapy

Aspen Therapy was founded in July 2024 by Savannah Henderson, LPCC, providing individual and couples/partner psychotherapy in California. Originally a solo practice, Aspen Therapy is now expanding by hiring Licensed and Associate Therapists interested in private practice work.

We're committed to giving clinicians real direction over their counseling focus, niche, and patient populations — and to providing new clinicians a supported, structured path toward licensure within a private practice setting.

Office Space

This is a remote, telehealth position. For clinicians interested in providing in-person psychotherapy, two options are available:

• Use of Practice office space: Aspen Therapy plans to establish office space in the future. Clinicians who use this space will not be responsible for any separate rent, lease, or furnishing costs — this is covered as part of the practice's share of the revenue split.

• Independent office space: Clinicians who prefer to secure their own office may do so, with a negotiated base rate compensation arrangement. In this case, the clinician is responsible for their own lease, rent, and furnishing.

Office space is not currently available through the practice (subject to change).

What Makes This Role Different

Associate therapists practice under the license of Savannah Henderson, LPCC, while building their own clinical focus and patient population, with billing and credentialing support from the practice. Aspen Therapy provides referrals when possible and supports marketing efforts, though associates should be motivated to build their own referral base aligned with their niche.

This role is designed for a newly licensed associate who wants dedicated, hands-on supervision and mentorship . It's an ideal launching pad for an associate working toward full licensure who is also considering their own private practice down the road.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples/partners, families, and/or children, using approaches and modalities within the scope of your education and training

• Ramp up gradually to an approximate caseload of 15–20 patients per week, at a pace appropriate for a clinician new to the field (see Caseload Ramp-Up below)

• Complete a minimum of one (1) hour of individual clinical supervision weekly with the designated supervisor. 

• Submit progress notes within 48 hours of each session to ensure timely compensation and compliant documentation. Make necessary changes and edits to documentation when needed

• Build professional visibility through online directories, networking events, and referral partnerships

• Provide appropriate referrals and resources to patients as needed

• Collaborate with other providers as needed for coordinated patient care

• Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards under the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

• Maintain professional boundaries and cultural humility with diverse patient populations

Caseload Ramp-Up

Because this role is designed for clinicians early in their careers, caseload will build gradually rather than starting at full capacity. The Practice Owner and Associate will agree on a ramp-up schedule during onboarding, working toward a steady caseload of 15–20 patients per week at a pace that supports clinical quality and sustainable growth, not speed. 

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field

• Active California associate registration in good standing (APCC, AMFT, ACSW)

• Ability to pass a background check 

• 1+ year of experience in counseling (practicum/internship time included)

Preferred Qualifications

• Private practice exposure a plus, not required

• Openness to feedback and active engagement in the supervisory relationship

• Emerging sense of personal therapeutic approach, theoretical orientation, and desired patient population

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation begins as a 50/50 revenue split (associate/practice), with the possibility of moving to a 60/40 split after the associate's first year of employment, contingent on caseload, clinical progress, and supervisor recommendation. In exchange for the practice's share, Aspen Therapy covers insurance credentialing, billing and collections, EHR access, clinical supervision, a CEU stipend, marketing support, and (for associates using Practice office space) office rent — see Office Space above.

Benefits:

• 40 hours annual sick leave

• Workers' compensation, payroll taxes, SDI withholding

• Retirement savings access through CalSavers (employee-funded Roth IRA via payroll deduction)

• Medical/dental/vision benefits and PTO are not currently offered

Associate Autonomy

You'll have control over:

• Caseload selection, within the agreed ramp-up plan (15–20 patients/week target)

• Scheduling and availability

• Insurance panel participation

Because associates practice under the Practice Owner's license, the following are set by the Practice Owner rather than the associate:

• Session fees: set by the Practice Owner for all associate clinicians

• Therapeutic approach and modalities: must remain within the scope of the associate's education, training, and supervised competence

Clinical Supervision

• Minimum of one (1) hour of individual supervision weekly, in addition to any group/case consultation offered

• Supervision hours are logged in accordance with California BBS requirements toward licensure

• Supervision agreement will be executed as part of onboarding paperwork, outlining supervisor qualifications, cadence, and documentation process

Continuity of Care

Clients retain the right to choose their provider. If an associate transitions out of the practice, patients may continue care with the departing associate (where appropriate given licensure status) or remain with the practice and transfer to a new provider. Associates agree to provide reasonable notice to support continuity of care in the event of separation or extended leave.

What's Provided

• Simple Practice EHR access

• General liability and professional liability/malpractice insurance through the group practice (personal malpractice coverage optional, at associate's own cost)

• Insurance panel credentialing and CAQH creation/maintenance

• Claims submission and billing support

• Psychology Today membership

• Weekly individual clinical supervision

• Annual professional development/CEU stipend

• Negotiated compensation for computer/internet use

• Monthly supply stipend

How to Apply

In your cover letter, please address:

• Any therapeutic approaches/modalities, patient populations, or niche areas that you are interested in exploring as a clinician.

• What draws you to a private practice setting, specifically, at this point in your career