Job Summary
Purdue University seeks a dynamic and experienced Lead Staff Therapist to coordinate and advance Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) services within Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). In this pivotal role, you’ll offer direct clinical support to Purdue students through individual, couples, and group therapy, as well as assessment, triage, on-call interventions, and substance use services. Working closely with the Associate Director of Clinical Services, you will take the lead in shaping and expanding DBT programming—overseeing psychotherapy groups, individual counseling, and developing new initiatives tailored to evolving student needs.
Your leadership will drive the ongoing evaluation, improvement, and documentation of DBT services, using data-driven insights to ensure effective delivery and continuous growth. You’ll collaborate regularly with the Clinical Director on program status and strategic planning, supervise therapists-in-training, and offer consultation to clinical staff across the department. At Purdue, you’ll join a campus deeply committed to innovation, professional development, and the well-being of our student community—where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential guide every step of our shared mission to support student success.
Who We Are
At Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), our mission is to help Purdue University students maximize the value of their life experiences. As we develop collaborative relationships in a safe and respectful environment, the unique value and dignity of each individual and group are held paramount. For more information about our team and services, please visit: https://www.purdue.edu/caps/
What We Are Looking For
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling & Counselor Education, or related and two (2) years of general therapy experience; OR
- Master’s in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling & Counselor Education, or related and four years (4) of general therapy experience
- Will accept MSW from an accredited program, licensed as an LCSW, LMHC or LMFT or related. Current license or immediately license eligible, must obtain license as a Health Service Provider in Psychology in the state of Indiana no later than six months after start date.
Preferred:
- One (1) year of Dialectical Behavior Therapy informed clinical experience; Current license or immediately license eligible, must obtain license as a Health Service Provider in Psychology in the state of Indiana no later than six months after start date.
Skills:
- Strong general therapy skills
- Ability to evaluate and diagnose clients, make decisions about urgency of clients’ problems, and design and implement appropriate treatment interventions
- Skills and interest in group therapy
- Confidentiality and adherence to ethical practices
- Independent judgement and discretion
- Must relate well to students, medical and professional personnel, faculty and other members of the University community
- Interest in group therapy, substance use, abuse, and dependence issues; ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorders; Eating Disorders; Outreach and Consultation; International students, and/or working with underserved populations
Additional Information
- International candidates are encouraged to apply. Employment-based visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates
- Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
Career Stream
- Professional 4
- Pay Band: S070
- Job Code: 20003422
- Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker
EOE
Purdue University is an EO/EA University.