Clinical Therapist at Thrive Now Recovery Center – Iowa City, Iowa

Join a team that’s changing lives.
At Ascension Recovery Services and our affiliated treatment centers, we are building something different—programs that deliver exceptional, person-centered care and restore hope for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care, compassion, and integrity, and every team member plays a meaningful role in a client’s recovery journey.

Whether you’re bedside in medical, guiding clinical programming, supporting recovery services, or ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that shows up for one another and the people we serve. We offer modern, well-trained workplaces, opportunities for growth, and leadership that invests in your success.

If you’re looking for a place where your work truly matters—and where you’ll make a lasting impact—this is it. We’re glad you’re considering joining our team.

The Clinical Therapist is a licensed behavioral health professional responsible for delivering individual, group, and family therapy services within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented treatment setting. This role includes conducting diagnostic assessments, developing and updating treatment plans, coordinating care, and ensuring high-quality documentation aligned with state, federal, and payer standards.

The Clinical Therapist functions as a collaborative, engaged member of the multidisciplinary team and plays a key role in supporting client safety, stabilization, and long-term recovery outcomes.

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and risk screenings in accordance with DSM-5 and state guidelines.

• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans aligned with ASAM criteria and client needs.

• Provide structured individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, MI, etc.).

• Respond to crises according to facility policy, ensuring safety and clinical integrity.

• Document all therapy services accurately and on time, following Medicaid, payer, and licensing standards.

• Maintain clinically appropriate progress notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and incident documentation.

• Uphold confidentiality, ethical guidelines, and trauma-informed documentation practices.

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and utilization management reviews.

• Coordinate with internal clinical, medical, and RSS staff to support integrated care.

• Communicate with external partners, referral sources, and family systems as appropriate.

• Provide mentorship or consultation to interns or unlicensed staff within scope.

• Maintain active licensure and credentials; complete required CEUs and trainings.

• Engage in supervision (if applicable) and performance evaluation processes.

• Participate in program improvement initiatives and clinical projects as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.

• Current, unrestricted independent clinical license in the state of employment (e.g., LMHC, LPC, LCSW, LISW, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist).

• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• State-recognized addiction counseling certification (e.g., CADC, IADC, LADC).

• Experience in residential, detox, or ASAM 3.5/3.7 levels of care.

• Knowledge of Medicaid and commercial payer documentation requirements.

• Training in trauma-specific models, culturally responsive care, or specialty treatment modalities.

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors in a climate-controlled clinical setting.

Physical Demands:

• Regular sitting, walking, standing, and use of hands for documentation or therapeutic activities.

• Occasionally lifting (<25 lbs) or assisting with routine clinical tasks.

Mental & Emotional Demands:

• High-level critical thinking, emotional resilience, and ethical judgment in complex clinical scenarios.

• Ability to balance clinical workload, documentation accuracy, and interdisciplinary communication.

The work you do truly changes lives. We recognize the importance of supporting the people who make that impact possible. When you join our team, you’re stepping into a place that invests in your growth, wellbeing, and long-term career success.

Comprehensive Benefits & Support

We offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support you at work and at home, including:

• Health Benefits

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage

• 401(k) Retirement Plan (no employer match)

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays

• Paid Training & Continuing Education (CEU reimbursement)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Clear Career Pathways & Professional Growth

• Safe, Trauma-Informed Work Environment

• Modern Facilities & Clinical Tools

• Supportive Clinical Leadership committed to your success

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of care we provide. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.