How to progress from Therapist to Clinical Director
The progression from Therapist to Clinical Director is a pivotal one in the career of any behavioral health professional. At Discovery Behavioral Health, we recognize the importance of growth opportunities that allow our colleagues to grow both professionally and personally.
If you are a talented therapist ready to advance your career into a leadership role, we will ensure you have a clear development path. This means you’ll know exactly what you need to accomplish to advance your career and gain fulfilment from your role.
Begin your transformative journey with Discovery today and learn about:
- The key differences between a Therapist and a Clinical Director
- How to progress to a Clinical Director role
- What skills you’ll need as a Clinical Director
What are the key differences between a Therapist job and a Clinical Director job?
Clinical Directors provide therapy, clinical supervision, training, and clinical oversight. They are responsible for ensuring patient safety, leading psychoeducational opportunities, and providing milieu interventions.
Whereas, Therapists primarily focus on providing therapeutic services and interventions to clients. They are directly involved in patient care and treatment delivery and their responsibilities include leading therapy groups, facilitating clinical assessments, and conducting individual sessions.
How do I progress to a Clinical Director role?
There are many ways to make the jump from Therapist to Clinical Director. Everyone has their own path but here are some tips that will help you navigate this exciting career transition:
- Gain experience as a Therapist - the stronger your foundation of clinical experience and knowledge, the more expertise you will be able to bring to your new role. Obtain appropriate licensure or certification required for a Clinical Director role, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or any other relevant credential in your jurisdiction.
- Shadow a Clinical Director or seek Directory experience - this can help you to understand the dynamics and responsibilities of a Director. This could look like supervising students completing a field placement, building positive relationships with staff and physicians, or reviewing, assessing, and evaluating patient treatment plans and clinical records.
- Express your interest - communicate your interest in transitioning to a Clinical Director role with your current Directors or management. Express your dedication, interest, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. And remember, we are always looking for ways to help you advance your career. So, if you take the first step, and let your team know of your career aspirations, we can get the ball rolling for you.
What skills will I need as a Clinical Director?
Another great way to bridge the gap between your career as a Therapist and your aspirations of becoming a Clinical Director is by developing your skillset.
As you will be progressing to a leadership position, you’ll need to develop your leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, just to name a few.
Developing and honing these skills will enable the successful execution of your new responsibilities such as quality oversight, effective team communication, staff supervision, and maintaining collaborative relationships.
Seize your next growth opportunity at DBH
Are you ready to be part of an organization that prioritizes your growth, unlocks career opportunities, and provides you with the support and tools you need to build a rewarding career?
Whether you are a Therapist or Clinical Director, there will be opportunities for you to grow at Discovery. Explore our job opportunities today.
Receive articles like this
Tags
Check Out the Discovery Benefits & Perks
We value our employees, which is why we provide ways to help their personal needs and professional growth
Discover DBH BenefitsSome roles you might be interested in
Salary
Location
Granite Bay,CA
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Granite Bay
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Associate Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, pr
Reference
83ed60f9-7bfe-4405-b69f-f6d0dd1fbf4a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Columbia,MD
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Columbia
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, providing mi
Reference
8ada3dc6-516b-4726-bfa4-a1197937f4ac
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Cypress,TX
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Cypress
Brands
Center for Discovery
Description
The Associate Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Center for Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient
Reference
9056f4f9-777f-4a6c-aa90-0f8e91e4c621
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Crownsville,MD
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Crownsville
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Group Facilitator provides therapeutic treatment, with an emphasis on evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment methods. You will do this through facilitating scheduled groups and documenting the
Reference
9311ebe0-e750-4d0d-868b-ad2077f96f42
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Baltimore,MD
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Baltimore
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Clinical Intake Coordinator is responsible for coordinating admissions with the admissions’ department and the facility. They also will support the patient and their support system through the ons
Reference
b5053c46-324c-4ed3-942b-5791ef4a9ae1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Tacoma,WA
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Tacoma
Brands
Prosperity Wellness Center
Description
The Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) and/or Trainee (SUD P/T) will conduct case management duties for each patient on his or her caseload, under the guidance their designated supervisor.Resp
Reference
0e612311-f56e-44ab-93b6-e7c4691a24d4
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Crownsville,MD
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Crownsville
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Clinical Director (CD) is responsible for the supervision and management of the treatment program, facility, staff and clients. Consults with the Division Leader, Director of Operations and the Ch
Reference
952a71dd-51d8-4045-b540-312423bd901a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Annapolis,MD
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Annapolis
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, providing mi
Reference
77862c31-f37a-48eb-bdec-83063162de62
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
McLean,VA
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Clinical
Location
McLean
Brands
Center for Discovery
Description
The Associate Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Center for Discovery Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient
Reference
5b8f7cbc-1746-4656-9788-ab001c84a873
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dade City,FL
Workplace type
On-site
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Clinical
Location
Dade City
Brands
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Description
The Clinical Intake Coordinator is responsible for coordinating admissions with the admissions’ department and the facility, supporting the patients and their support system through the onsite assessm
Reference
33e970b5-d676-4c94-9c68-191e05179399
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Articles you might like
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/12/2024
Summary
At Discovery Behavioral Health, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license represents a cornerstone in our commitment to providing comprehensive behavioral healthcare. LCSWs play a vital
by
Kevin Piday
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/07/2024
Summary
A Clinical Therapist is a highly trained mental health professional dedicated to helping people navigate and overcome various psychological and emotional challenges. Clinical Therapist's respons
by
Haylee Breitinger
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2024
Summary
At Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH), our commitment to providing unparalleled care is exemplified through the pivotal role of the Clinical Manager. We delve into the multifaceted responsibilitie
by
Haylee Breitinger
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/12/2024
Summary
A Clinical Therapist is a highly trained mental health professional dedicated to helping people navigate and overcome various psychological and emotional challenges. These professionals employ a
by
Haylee Breitinger
Teaser
Eating DisordersContent Type
BlogsPublish date
08/29/2023
Summary
According to ANAD’s eating disorder statistics, 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. As society recognizes the importance of mental health, the demand for specia
by
Amy Patnode