Are you a clinician who is interested in learning DBT or strengthening your skills?

We are hiring looking for passionate individuals to join our team!

Our half-time clinician positions are ideal for recent graduates of doctoral or master’s level programs who are seeking supervised professional experience towards licensure, and/or those who are interested in developing expertise and specialization in DBT.

  • Clinicians will provide individual DBT therapy (for adolescents and/or adults, depending on interest). 

  • Clinicians will participate in a DBT skills group (adult skills group or multi-family skills group for adolescents and their parent(s), depending on interest). Clinicians will first co-lead for six months, then lead the skills group with supervisor present. 

  • Clinicians will participate in our DBT consultation team weekly. 

  • Clinicians will provide phone coaching to their own individual clients (with extensive training and support to help this be sustainable and not burnout-inducing). 

  • Clinicians can anticipate 14 direct clinical hours per week, with a gradual ramp-up in the early months.

  • Clinicians are welcomed into a supportive team and professional community.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive DBT to fidelity for both adults and adolescents in the Tacoma area and across Washington state.

We are seeking applicants with a passion for learning behavioral treatments and working with clients from diverse backgrounds with a culturally-responsive and affirming approach.

We recognize that training in DBT and other behavioral interventions is specialized and that many potential candidates may not have had opportunities for this training already.

Our team is committed to meeting clinicians where they are and providing needed training and supervision to help you develop the skills, competence, and confidence in this treatment.

Job Details:

  • Options for in-person and hybrid work.

  • Drs. Dorian Hunter and Liz LoTempio, both experts in DBT and behavioral interventions for emotion dysregulation and out-of-control behaviors, will train and supervise clinicians. 

  • Additional supervisors may be provided based on clinician background and interest.  

  • The fellowship is 2 years at half-time and aimed at learning DBT well. This timeline could potentially be shortened based on desire and prior experience.

  • DBT Center of Tacoma is committed to providing evidence-based treatments for clients, while honoring the wisdom of the clinician and client in this work. We all make a commitment to continued learning, sharing of knowledge and struggles as a team in order to learn, and working collaboratively to create a validating & reinforcement-rich learning environment.

  • We aim to increase the diversity of DBT clinicians and encourage people of color and from other underrepresented backgrounds to apply.  

Ideal candidates:

  • Will have a graduate degree (PhD, PsyD, MSW, MS, MA) in the field of behavioral health and will have or be able to obtain an associate (or independent) license prior to their start date.

  • Will demonstrate an eagerness to learn DBT and a willingness to participate in DBT training and supervision.

  • Will have an ability to engage effectively and supportively in a DBT consultation team.

  • At this time we are only able to accept applicants who are authorized to work in the United States.

  • Prior DBT experience is not required. Experience in behavioral interventions and/or suicide assessment and management is helpful but not required.

  • Foundational DBT training is required before beginning the position.  If you have not yet received such training, we encourage you to still apply.  We can help facilitate obtaining the training at no or low cost.

What we offer our clinicians:

    • Clinicians will participate in a didactics series to enhance understanding and rehearsal of DBT strategies.

    • Clinicians will receive training in specific applications of DBT based on interest areas. Options include: PTSD, substance use disorders, couples therapy, eating disorders, parent training, etc.

    • Clinicians will gain experience with all modes of comprehensive outpatient DBT: consultation team, individual DBT therapy, skills group, and phone coaching.

    • Clients will be identified and screened by DBT Center of Tacoma, and will be assigned based on clinicians’ interest, expertise, and desired professional development whenever possible.

    • Clinicians will participate in weekly DBT consultation team, comprised of senior DBT clinicians and other trainees.

    • Clinicians will have the opportunity to work with several certified DBT therapists, experienced trainers and supervisors, including three hours of supervision weekly.

    • Clinicians have opportunities to observe DBT-certified clinicians delivering DBT.

    • Clinicians will have opportunities to receive live supervision to enhance real-time DBT skills.

    • Clinicians will be mentored in becoming licensed providers.

    • Clinicians will be mentored in becoming certified in DBT through the Linehan Board of Certification in DBT (DBT-LBC) (if interested).

    • DBT Center of Tacoma places strong value on a collaborative team environment. We seek to cultivate a collegial atmosphere that is inclusive and that values humility, lifelong learning, and professional development for all members. We also take work-life balance very seriously, and support one another in pursuing interests and goals outside of our work.

    • Clinicians will receive clinical coverage for time off, and will be encouraged to take their vacation time.

    • Flexible work hours – outside of scheduled team, supervision, and training meetings there is flexibility for when you see your clients to work best with your schedule.

    • Option to provide some services via telehealth.

    • Malpractice insurance paid for by DBT Center of Tacoma.

    • 401k with company match

Interested? To apply, please send us:

  • A letter of interest telling us about:

    • What you’re hoping to experience during your employment and training and why you think working with us at DBT Center of Tacoma would be a good fit for what you’re seeking.

    • Your interest in DBT and any experience with behavioral interventions and/or suicide assessment/management.

    • Your commitment to diversity and your commitments/needs related to pursuing antiracism and anti-oppression in your personal and professional life.

  • Resume/CV

Unsure if you meet the requirements?

Research shows that individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented and/or marginalized only apply for positions when they meet every requirement, whereas those who hold more privilege apply for positions even when they are underqualified for the role. DBT Center of Tacoma is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are committed to considering a wide range of candidates from a diversity of backgrounds and training experiences. If you believe that you could enjoy the work and excel with our team, we encourage you to apply. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in DBT and what you hope to add to our team. If you would like to speak with a director prior to formally applying, please email, call, or submit a contact form and we are happy to set up a phone call to provide more information and answer any questions you have.

About our hiring process:

  • Please send materials to directors [at] dbtcenteroftacoma [dot] com

  • If you have any questions or would like to talk before applying, feel free to reach out to us via the above email address or the contact form below.

  • We will review applications as we receive them and will update this page if we no longer have spots available.

  • We will conduct interviews individually with Dr. Hunter, Dr. LoTempio, and at least one member of our clinical staff.

  • We are committed to pay equity and providing a living wage.

  • Interviews may be conducted virtually or in-person, depending on candidate preferences.

Contact us.

directors [at] dbtcenteroftacoma [dot] com