Associate Mental Health Professional (LPC-Associate, LMSW, L

Paws for Reflection is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Licensed Associate Mental Health Professional to join our compassionate team. This is a unique and high-growth opportunity for a professional early in their career to integrate traditional talk therapy and play therapy techniques with Animal- and Equine-Assisted Counseling, working with a diverse population alongside our amazing animal partners. 

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the therapeutic power of the human-animal bond, eager to learn and grow their skills in working with children and adults, and committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment. 

• Provide Integrated Counseling: Conduct individual, family, and group counseling sessions under the supervision of an approved supervisor, utilizing a blend of evidence-based practices, including traditional talk therapy, play therapy, Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAC), and Equine-Assisted Counseling (EAC). 
• AAC and EAC Facilitation: Safely and effectively incorporate interactions with our small animals and horses into treatment plans to promote emotional regulation, communication skills, trust-building, and self-esteem. Note: Direct riding is generally not required for the therapist role. 
• Clinical Duties: 
• Complete comprehensive clinical assessments and intake evaluations. 
• Develop and implement individualized, measurable, and goal-oriented treatment plans. 
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA and ethical guidelines. 
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed. 
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the ranch team (e.g., animal handlers, operational staff, and other therapists) to ensure client safety, animal welfare, and seamless integration of therapeutic activities. 
• Program Support: Participate in the implementation of therapeutic programs, workshops, and retreats that leverage the ranch environment and animal resources. 

• Associate Licensure: Current, active Associate-level mental health license in Texas, fully registered with the appropriate state board. Examples include: 
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) 
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - working toward LCSW 
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-Associate) 
• Education: Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related mental health field. 
• Supervision: Must be actively receiving clinical supervision from a board-approved supervisor or be prepared to secure a Paws for Reflection-approved supervisor upon hire. 
• Skills: Strong critical thinking, excellent communication (verbal and written), organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Technology & EHR Proficiency: Demonstrated competence utilizing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and maintaining HIPAA-compliant client records. 
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, navigate ranch terrain, and assist with basic animal-related tasks (e.g., leading a horse, standing with a goat). 

• Experience in trauma-informed care (e.g., TF-CBT). 
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations and various age groups (children, adolescents, and adults). 
• General experience handling and caring for horses and small animals (e.g., farm, volunteer, or personal experience), demonstrating comfort and confidence in an animal-rich environment. 

 Join a supportive and innovative environment where you can truly practice therapy "outside the box" and gain valuable, specialized experience toward your full licensure. We offer: 

• Flexible Scheduling. 
• The unique joy of working in a peaceful, natural setting with a dedicated team and incredible animal co-therapists. 
• Structured opportunity for professional growth and training in animal-assisted modalities. 
• Opportunity to participate in fun community activities and outreach events. 

 Please submit your resume, a letter of interest detailing your experience and goals as a counselor, and three professional/personal references.