What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate position at Embers of Empowerment?
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA)
1099 Independent Contractor | Private Practice Training & Mentorship
Location: Downtown Spokane, WA (In-Person)
Compensation: Fee-for-service based on direct client service hours
Build Your Private Practice While Receiving Clinical Support
Are you a Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) who wants more than just a job? We are seeking a motivated, ethical, and growth-oriented clinician interested in building a sustainable private practice while receiving the supervision, mentorship, and administrative support needed to thrive.
This unique independent contractor opportunity is designed for clinicians who want the autonomy of private practice without navigating every aspect alone. You'll operate your own business while receiving guidance in developing a successful and ethical practice that meets Washington State requirements.
What Makes This Position Different?
As a 1099 independent contractor, you will:
- Operate under your own Washington State business license.
- Maintain your own independent contractor status.
- Receive education and mentorship on establishing and maintaining a legally compliant private practice.
- Learn business practices that support long-term success beyond associate licensure.
- Build your own client caseload at a pace that works for you.
- Have the flexibility to determine your own schedule and availability.
- Receive ongoing support as you develop your professional identity and clinical specialties.
Our goal is not simply to employ clinicians—we aim to help associates develop the skills, confidence, and infrastructure necessary to become successful independently licensed private practitioners.
What We Provide:
Clinical Supervision
- Weekly individual clinical supervision that meets Washington State requirements for LMHCA licensure.
- Supervision hours eligible toward Washington licensure requirements.
- Consultation on ethical decision-making, documentation, treatment planning, and clinical development.
- Support in developing your theoretical orientation and clinical strengths.
Practice Development
- Guidance in establishing your own private practice business.
- Education regarding Washington State legal and ethical requirements.
- Assistance understanding documentation standards, informed consent, HIPAA compliance, and professional responsibilities.
- Mentorship in developing sustainable clinical workflows and professional boundaries.
Administrative Support
We handle many of the administrative tasks that often overwhelm new clinicians, including:
- Client scheduling support (as applicable)
- Insurance billing and claims submission
- Payment processing
- Administrative billing services
- Assistance with onboarding new clients
- Office support
This allows you to focus on providing quality clinical care while learning how a successful practice operates.
Office Space
- Fully furnished professional therapy office.
- Convenient downtown Spokane location.
- Comfortable environment for in-person sessions.
- Professional setting suitable for building your practice.
Schedule & Caseload
This position offers significant flexibility.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Create your own schedule.
- Determine the number of clients you wish to see.
- Gradually increase your caseload as you become established.
- Develop a practice that aligns with your professional goals and work-life balance.
Compensation:
This is a 1099 independent contractor position.
Compensation is based on direct client service hours, meaning payment is earned for completed billable therapy sessions.
Because this is an independent contractor role:
- There are no guaranteed hours.
- Income is directly related to your caseload and billable sessions.
- Associates have the opportunity to increase earnings as they build and maintain their practice.
Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Active Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) credential in good standing.
- Master's degree in Counseling or a closely related behavioral health field.
- Ability to obtain and maintain professional liability insurance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State business license as an independent contractor.
- Commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed clinical practice.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred:
- Experience providing psychotherapy in outpatient, community mental health, internship, or practicum settings.
- Interest in developing a long-term private practice.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently while utilizing consultation and supervision.
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR) is helpful but not required.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal clinician is someone who:
- Is excited to build a career in private practice.
- Values autonomy while appreciating mentorship and collaboration.
- Is committed to lifelong learning and professional development.
- Enjoys working with diverse populations.
- Is organized, reliable, and professional.
- Understands the responsibilities associated with independent contractor status.
Why Join Us?
This position is ideal for associates who want the freedom of private practice without feeling like they have to figure everything out on their own.
You'll receive:
- Weekly supervision toward independent licensure.
- Administrative support that reduces paperwork and billing responsibilities.
- A furnished professional office in downtown Spokane.
- Flexibility to create your own schedule.
- Assistance building your client caseload.
- Mentorship in creating a legally compliant and sustainable private practice.
- A collaborative and supportive professional environment focused on your growth as both a clinician and future independent practice owner.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Brief cover letter describing your interest in private practice and your career goals
- Current Washington LMHCA license number
Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. This position begins September 1, 2026 and applicant selection will close August 10, 2026.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive professional environment and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Pay: $65.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65