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Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPCC) - Job Opportunity at Brighter Day LLC

Pensacola, United States
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 1, 2025
On-site
USD 35-45 per hour

Benefits

Competitive sign-on bonus up to $3,000 providing immediate financial incentive and demonstrating company investment in talent acquisition
Flexible W2 fee-for-service arrangements offering both employment security and performance-based earning potential
Comprehensive medical and dental insurance coverage ensuring healthcare security for therapists and their families
Free continuing education units supporting professional development and license maintenance requirements
401(k) retirement plan enabling long-term financial planning and wealth building
Standard Monday-Friday schedule with no on-call, nights, or weekends promoting work-life balance
Mileage reimbursement for travel between facilities reducing personal vehicle expenses

Key Responsibilities

Deliver individualized, group, and family therapy interventions specifically designed for elderly and subacute populations, directly impacting quality of life and emotional well-being in critical care settings
Conduct comprehensive diagnostic assessments including Alzheimer's screening and cognitive evaluations, serving as the primary mental health diagnostic authority for facility residents
Design and implement evidence-based behavior management strategies and pain management protocols, influencing facility-wide care approaches and resident outcomes
Facilitate resident adjustment to institutional care while addressing complex grief, loss, and emotional challenges inherent in long-term care transitions
Lead interdisciplinary care coordination efforts with facility staff, families, and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans that influence overall resident care strategies
Provide specialized training and education to facility staff on behavioral health best practices, extending therapeutic impact beyond direct patient care
Ensure regulatory compliance with facility, state, and federal mental health standards while advocating for alternatives to psychotropic medications and restraints

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy

Experience

Experience working in long-term care, skilled nursing, or similar settings preferred

Required Skills

Strong understanding of the mental health needs of elderly and subacute populations Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills Knowledge of dementia care and behavior management techniques

Certifications

Active Florida licensure as LMFT or LPCC
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aging baby boomer population is driving unprecedented demand for geriatric mental health services, with the 65+ population expected to reach 95 million by 2060. This demographic shift is creating sustained growth opportunities in long-term care mental health positions, particularly for therapists specializing in age-related conditions like dementia, depression, and adjustment disorders common in institutional settings. Healthcare policy reforms are increasingly emphasizing mental health parity and integrated care models in long-term care facilities. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has implemented new requirements for behavioral health services in nursing homes, creating mandatory positions for licensed mental health professionals and driving up demand for qualified therapists. There is a significant industry movement toward reducing psychotropic medication use and physical restraints in long-term care, replaced by therapeutic interventions and behavioral management strategies. This trend is creating specialized roles for therapists who can provide evidence-based alternatives, making this position particularly valuable and forward-thinking in the current healthcare landscape.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $35-45 per hour ($72,800-$93,600 annually) is competitive for the Pensacola market and reflects the specialized nature of geriatric mental health work. This compensation is approximately 15-20% above the national average for LMFTs/LPCCs due to the specialized population served and the current shortage of qualified geriatric mental health professionals in institutional settings.

Role Significance

Typically works within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 professionals including nursing staff, social workers, physicians, and facility administrators. The therapist often serves as the sole mental health specialist, requiring strong leadership and consultation skills to influence care across multiple departments.
This is a mid-level position requiring independent clinical decision-making, diagnostic authority, and staff training responsibilities. The role carries significant autonomy in treatment planning and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning the therapist as the primary mental health expert within the facility network.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of facility-wide behavioral health protocols and staff training programs Creation of specialized therapy programs for dementia patients and their families Leading quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing psychotropic medication use and improving resident mental health outcomes Establishment of grief and loss support programs for residents transitioning to long-term care

Success Factors

Deep understanding of geriatric psychology and the unique mental health challenges faced by elderly individuals in institutional settings, including knowledge of age-related cognitive changes, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors affecting this population Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills and the ability to effectively communicate mental health concepts to medical professionals, facility staff, and family members who may have varying levels of mental health literacy Expertise in evidence-based interventions specifically designed for older adults, including cognitive-behavioral therapy adaptations, reminiscence therapy, and behavioral management techniques that work effectively in group care settings Regulatory knowledge and compliance expertise related to long-term care mental health requirements, including understanding of Medicare/Medicaid billing, documentation standards, and facility inspection requirements

Market Demand

High demand driven by demographic trends, regulatory requirements, and specialized skill shortage in geriatric mental health care.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Geriatric mental health expertise is absolutely essential as the elderly population presents unique challenges including cognitive decline, medical comorbidities, medication interactions, and psychosocial factors related to aging and institutionalization that require specialized knowledge and intervention approaches Interdisciplinary collaboration skills are critical because effective care in long-term care settings requires seamless coordination with nursing staff, physicians, social workers, and family members, each bringing different perspectives and priorities to patient care Regulatory compliance knowledge is essential as long-term care facilities operate under strict federal and state oversight, and mental health services must meet specific documentation, billing, and care standard requirements to maintain facility licensure and funding

Beneficial Skills

Training and consultation skills would be highly valuable as the role involves educating facility staff, and therapists who can effectively teach and mentor others become more valuable to organizations seeking to improve overall care quality Experience with group therapy modalities would be beneficial given the efficiency needs of serving multiple residents and the social benefits of group interventions for elderly individuals who may be experiencing isolation Knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid billing and documentation requirements would be advantageous for ensuring proper reimbursement and compliance, making the therapist more valuable to the organization's financial sustainability

Unique Aspects

Specialized focus on long-term care and skilled nursing facility populations, providing deep expertise in a growing niche market with limited competition from general mental health practices
Emphasis on evidence-based alternatives to psychotropic medications and restraints, positioning the role at the forefront of progressive geriatric mental health care and regulatory compliance
Combination of direct patient care and staff training responsibilities, offering diverse professional experiences and the opportunity to influence care quality beyond individual therapy sessions
Fee-for-service W2 structure providing both employment benefits and performance-based earning potential, which is relatively uncommon in traditional employed positions

Career Growth

Advancement to supervisory or director-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years given the high demand and limited supply of experienced geriatric mental health professionals.

Potential Next Roles

Clinical Director or Director of Behavioral Health Services within long-term care organizations, overseeing multiple facilities and therapists Private practice specializing in geriatric mental health with contracts to multiple facilities Corporate roles in healthcare organizations focusing on behavioral health program development and implementation Supervisory positions training and mentoring other therapists entering the geriatric specialty

Company Overview

Brighter Day LLC

Brighter Day LLC appears to be a specialized behavioral health services company focused specifically on serving long-term care and residential facility populations. The company's mission statement emphasizes quality of life improvement and evidence-based care, suggesting a clinical rather than purely business-focused approach to service delivery.

As a specialized provider in the growing geriatric mental health market, Brighter Day is positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for these services. The company's focus on alternatives to medication and restraints aligns with current healthcare trends and regulatory preferences, indicating strong market positioning.
Operating in the Pensacola, Florida market positions the company well within a state with one of the largest elderly populations in the nation. Florida's retirement-destination status creates a sustained market for geriatric mental health services, providing stable business opportunities.
The emphasis on work-life balance (no nights, weekends, or on-call), professional development support, and competitive compensation suggests a company culture focused on therapist retention and job satisfaction, which is crucial in addressing the shortage of qualified mental health professionals.
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