Open Associate Marriage & Family Therapist Position FAQs

Position Structure & Compensation
-In this position, am I considered an employee (W2) or an independent contractor (1099)? You will be considered an employee (W2), receiving a monthly paycheck with standard deductions for taxes, SSI, etc.

-What’s the profit split? Associates are paid in a profit-sharing model based on client session fees + paid non-client hours totalling 50% of the client’s established session fee.

-Are there any benefits? Associates are opted into a 401(k) (with ability to opt out) - this is the sole benefit offered at this time.

-Can I accept clients’ insurance as a Registered Associate MFT? No. Registered Associate MFTs are notoriously difficult to get paneled with insurance. All clients will pay out-of-pocket (cash or card) on a $95 - $185 sliding scale.

-What is the process for negotiating my hourly rate with clients? You will work with a pre-set sliding scale, starting with the fullest fee ($185) and adjusting down based on clients’ needs, under PatrickLyra Wilder LMFT’s guidance. PatrickLyra’s final approval is required for all client fees negotiations.

Work Expectations & Requirements
-How many Associates are being hired for this role? PatrickLyra Wilder LMFT will hire up to 3 Associate MFTs at this time, divided into triadic supervision units.

-Do I need to bring existing clients with me? Yes, you must transfer at least 3 existing private-pay clients within 2 weeks of start date.

-Is there a deadline to have a full client caseload? AMFTs must build toward 8–10 client caseload within 6 weeks of start date (42 calendar days).

-Does PatrickLyra Wilder LMFT supply clients for my caseload? No. All clients are achieved through each Associate’s independent networking, marketing, outreach and transfer of clients from previous positions. That said, PatrickLyra is strongly present via business coaching and sharing their own networks to help where they can, often referring from their own networks and caseload to the AMFT team.

-How many hours do I need to work each week? You must be able to guarantee weekly availability of: 10 client hours, 2.5 admin hours, 1 hour triadic supervision (Tues @ 5 PM or Weds @ 2 PM), 2.5 hours e-communication (all compensated in 50% of session fee). Maintain 12 of your 16 hours Mon – Fri between 12–8 PM.

-Can I work at other sites while holding this Associateship? Associates must disclose all current Associate placements at the time of hire, and notify the practice if they begin work at any additional sites during employment. While Associates are free to work at other sites, they are expected to prioritize this placement to ensure benchmarks are met. If benchmarks are unmet, due to an AMFT being stretched thin across multiple sites, that may lead to a termination of employment.

-Do I need to provide my own technology and workspace? Yes, you must have reliable internet, technological devices, and a private, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy space (can be from home). Your background on teletherapy should look as warm and inviting as a real therapy office (and not just be a blank wall).

-How will I get clients? You will be responsible for obtaining clients through your own networking and outreach efforts. It is recommended that you maintain a website and a Psychology Today profile for self-marketing - both of which will continue on with you into your solo private practice.

Clinical Approach and Experience
-What clinical approach is expected in this role? You should have an eclectic approach that includes at least one body-based modality.

-What experience is required with client populations? Candidates ideally have “good enough” competency and experience working with LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, and/or neurodivergent clients. Some additional training provided.

-What treatment units am I able to pursue? You can pursue treatment units within the MFT scope of practice, including individuals, couples, families, and implement theray groups (with a fellow Associate co-lead required).

Training and Supervision
-What is the Clinical Supervision structure? You will attend one triadic group supervision session weekly. Additional supervision units may be offered if you secure more than 10 clients.

-What training will I receive in this position? Based on need, Associates will complete LGBTQIA2S+ 101 training, focusing on Transgender identities, as well as the first level of the Community Resiliency Model (utilizing somatic tools from the Trauma Resiliency Model). Clinical supervision covers LGBTQIA+ mental health in depth, basic Autism & ADHD clinical care, cultural humility, somatic approaches to trauma, applied attachment science. PatrickLyra Wilder LMFT is in process of becoming a registered CEU provider with the CA BBS.

Administrative and Technical Responsibilities
-What personal responsibilities will I have for professional tools? It is recommend you maintain and pay for your own website and Psychology Today profile. It is required you maintain and pay for your own liability insurance, HIPAA-protected teletherapy platform, and active CAMFT membership for the duration of the Associateship. These are necessary parts of any private practice.

-Do I need to be “tech-savvy”? Yes, you must be “tech-savvy,” able to self-solve technical issues, and work independently, given the remote nature of the position. There is no IT team outside of those client support teams built into our various technological platforms (CarePatron EHR, Acuity for scheduling, Slack for internal direct messaging).

-How will I learn clinical & fee processing workflows? You are expected to learn workflows independently using written and video tutorials provided by the practice. PatrickLyra is available for some problem-solving not already addressed in written and video tutorials, but all Associates are expected to utilize tutorials solo and to the fullest extent before asking for direct support.

-Can I use AI to assist with clinical paperwork? No, absolutely no AI cannot be used in any clinical paperwork.

-What are the expectations for clinical notes and treatment plans? You must submit narrative SOAP notes within 24 hours of each session and a narrative treatment plan by the fourth session. Strong clinical reading and writing comprehension are necessary for this position (if you have just completed clinical paperwork via checklists, etc, this may be a significant learning curve).