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Clinical Therapists (Masters) - Mental Health & Addictions - Job Opportunity at Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre

Halifax, Canada
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
Hybrid
CAD 35.83-54.14 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive dental care coverage providing financial security for oral health maintenance and treatment
Relocation assistance package to support geographical transitions and reduce financial barriers for qualified candidates
Life insurance coverage ensuring financial protection and peace of mind for employees and their families
Disability insurance providing income protection and security during periods of inability to work
Provincial pension plan enrollment offering long-term retirement security and financial planning benefits
Continuous clinical education and professional development support enhancing career advancement opportunities
Comprehensive health benefits package including medical coverage for holistic employee wellness

Key Responsibilities

Deliver comprehensive psychosocial assessments and evidence-based treatments within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams, directly impacting patient outcomes and recovery trajectories across mental health and addiction services
Provide crisis intervention and urgent care assessment services that serve as critical safety nets for vulnerable populations, ensuring stabilization and appropriate care transitions
Lead collaborative person-centered care initiatives that transform traditional treatment approaches and improve patient engagement and satisfaction metrics
Implement virtual care delivery models that expand healthcare accessibility and represent the future of mental health service delivery in underserved communities
Facilitate evidence-based group interventions and therapeutic programs that maximize resource utilization while delivering scalable mental health solutions
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical pathway development that shapes organizational standards and influences provincial healthcare delivery models
Provide specialized school-based mental health services through SchoolsPlus partnerships that address critical gaps in youth mental health support systems

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in a clinical health-related discipline (Masters in Social Work, Psychology, Masters in Counseling, Masters in Nursing, or Masters in Occupational Therapy)

Experience

Minimum two (2) years' related experience required including assessment and planning, treatment and intervention, and discharge planning

Required Skills

Current registration with relevant provincial regulatory body or eligible Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience required Assessment and planning capabilities Treatment and intervention skills Discharge planning expertise Crisis management abilities Evidence-based psycho-social assessment delivery Virtual care technology proficiency Multi-disciplinary team collaboration

Certifications

Current registration with relevant provincial regulatory body or eligible for registration
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The mental health sector is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by increased awareness of mental health issues, post-pandemic psychological impacts, and reduced stigma around seeking treatment. Healthcare systems are investing heavily in expanding mental health services and integrating them into primary care models. Virtual care delivery has become a permanent fixture in healthcare, with organizations investing in technology infrastructure and training to provide accessible mental health services. This shift represents a fundamental change in service delivery models that will continue expanding. Integrated care models combining mental health, addiction services, and primary care are becoming the standard approach, requiring therapists to work collaboratively across disciplines and understand complex patient needs holistically. There is a significant push toward evidence-based practice and measurable outcomes in mental health services, with organizations implementing clinical pathways and quality metrics to demonstrate effectiveness and secure continued funding.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of CAD 35.83-54.14 per hour (approximately CAD 74,500-112,600 annually) is competitive for mid-level clinical therapist positions in Canada's public healthcare system. This range reflects Nova Scotia's cost of living adjustments and the premium placed on specialized mental health expertise in underserved regions.

Role Significance

Clinical therapists typically work within teams of 8-15 professionals including psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and support staff. In specialized programs, they may lead smaller focused teams of 3-5 clinicians while collaborating with broader organizational networks.
This role represents a mid-level clinical position with significant autonomy and decision-making authority. Clinical therapists operate independently while contributing to multi-disciplinary teams, making critical assessments that directly impact patient care pathways and treatment outcomes.

Key Projects

Implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols and clinical pathways that standardize care delivery and improve patient outcomes across the healthcare system Development and facilitation of specialized therapeutic programs targeting specific populations such as youth, adults with complex trauma, or individuals with concurrent disorders Integration of virtual care technologies and hybrid service delivery models that expand access to mental health services in remote and underserved communities Quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing wait times, improving patient satisfaction, and demonstrating clinical effectiveness through measurable outcomes

Success Factors

Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based therapeutic interventions combined with the ability to adapt treatment approaches based on individual patient needs and cultural considerations within Nova Scotia's diverse communities Strong crisis intervention and risk assessment capabilities that ensure patient safety while maintaining therapeutic relationships and supporting recovery-oriented care principles Excellent collaborative skills for working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and building partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other healthcare providers Adaptability to work across multiple service delivery models including in-person, virtual, and community-based settings while maintaining consistent quality of care Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with evolving best practices in mental health and addiction treatment methodologies

Market Demand

Demand for qualified clinical therapists is exceptionally high due to critical shortages in mental health professionals across Canada, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The combination of increasing mental health needs and limited qualified professionals creates significant career security and advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Evidence-based therapeutic intervention skills are essential as the healthcare system increasingly demands measurable outcomes and adherence to clinical best practices. These skills directly impact patient recovery rates and program effectiveness metrics that determine funding and resource allocation. Crisis intervention and risk assessment capabilities represent core competencies that ensure patient safety and legal compliance while maintaining therapeutic relationships. These skills are particularly crucial given the high-acuity patients served across emergency and urgent care settings. Virtual care delivery competency has become indispensable as healthcare systems permanently integrate digital technologies to expand access and improve efficiency. Therapists must master virtual assessment techniques and online therapeutic interventions to remain relevant in modern healthcare delivery.

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities, particularly French proficiency, provide significant advantages in Nova Scotia's bilingual healthcare environment and expand career opportunities within federal healthcare initiatives and specialized programs serving Acadian populations Experience with integrated care models and collaborative practice enhances effectiveness in multi-disciplinary settings and aligns with healthcare system trends toward holistic, team-based care delivery approaches Quality improvement and program evaluation skills become increasingly valuable as healthcare organizations focus on demonstrating effectiveness and optimizing resource utilization in constrained funding environments

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work across multiple specialized service areas including adult outpatient services, child and adolescent programs, school-based initiatives, urgent care, and virtual care delivery, providing diverse clinical experiences
Integration with the SchoolsPlus program represents an innovative approach to delivering mental health services directly within educational settings, addressing youth mental health at the point of need
Access to advanced virtual care technologies and training that positions therapists at the forefront of digital health innovation in mental healthcare delivery
Comprehensive support for professional development and continuing education within Canada's publicly funded healthcare system, providing stability and growth opportunities
Opportunity to serve diverse populations across urban and rural settings, gaining experience with varied cultural backgrounds and healthcare access challenges unique to Atlantic Canada

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated clinical excellence and leadership capabilities, though opportunities for specialization and increased responsibilities may be available sooner given the high demand for experienced professionals.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Clinical Therapist or Clinical Supervisor positions overseeing teams of therapists and providing clinical guidance and mentorship Program Manager or Clinical Coordinator roles responsible for developing and managing specialized mental health programs and services Clinical Specialist positions focusing on specific populations or treatment modalities such as trauma therapy, addiction counseling, or youth mental health Training and Education roles within academic institutions or healthcare organizations, developing curriculum and training new mental health professionals

Company Overview

Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre

Nova Scotia Health Authority represents the largest integrated healthcare system in Atlantic Canada, serving as the primary provider of healthcare services across Nova Scotia with specialized services extending throughout the Atlantic provinces. The organization operates a comprehensive network of hospitals, community health centers, and specialized programs.

As the provincial health authority, Nova Scotia Health holds a dominant market position in the region's healthcare landscape, functioning as both the primary employer for healthcare professionals and the main service provider for the province's nearly one million residents.
The organization maintains a significant regional presence with healthcare facilities and services distributed across urban centers like Halifax and rural communities throughout Nova Scotia, making it a key employer and economic driver across the province.
The work environment emphasizes collaborative care, innovation in service delivery, and commitment to improving health outcomes for diverse populations. The organization promotes work-life balance and professional development while operating within the structured framework of public healthcare delivery.
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