Now hiring across San Diego & Orange County
Launch your career.
Not just your caseload.
Join a compassionate, collaborative team of therapists across greater San Diego and southern Orange County, supported by real mentorship, from your first clinical hours to leadership and beyond.
We believe exceptional client care begins with exceptional clinicians. WAVE exists to invest in therapists, helping them grow, develop mastery, and build meaningful careers so they can make a lasting difference in the lives and relationships of the people they serve.
Total Career Value
Over $45,000–$55,000+ a year, beyond your salary
Total Career Value
Why clinicians choose WAVE
The strongest careers are built on more than a paycheck.
Client referrals and marketing support to help you build your caseload
Individual and group clinical supervision
Est. $5,000–$10,000/yr value
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Est. $8,000–$12,000/yr value
Billing, credentialing, and scheduling handled for you
Est. $6,000–$10,000/yr value
Professional office space and technology
Est. $5,000–$8,000/yr value
Weekly lunch and learns, plus paid continuing education
Est. $2,000–$5,000/yr value
Total Career Value
A career path with purpose
We invest in your journey, from your first clinical hours to leadership and beyond.
Associate Clinician
Build your skills and confidence with strong support.
Licensed clinician
Grow your caseload and expertise with ongoing mentorship.
Senior clinician / Team lead
Lead, mentor, and make a greater impact across WAVE.
Supervisor / Director
Shape the future of mental health and develop other leaders.
Your Office
Create a space for meaningful work
Your office is part of the therapeutic experience.
Clinicians have the opportunity to personalize their space and create an environment that feels welcoming to clients while reflecting their own approach to practice.
Real Support. Real Impact.
Clinician name
Associate Therapist — video placeholder
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about working at WAVE before you apply.
Employment & Pay
Am I hired as a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor?
All WAVE clinicians are W2 employees. That means you get the security and protections that come with employee status, including withholding for Social Security, Medicare, and disability, rather than managing that yourself as a contractor.
Is there a bonus program?
Yes. WAVE offers a quarterly bonus program based on client growth and retention, so your impact on the practice is recognized and rewarded beyond your base pay.
What benefits are included?
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, personal sick leave, and employee perks. Eligible clinicians also receive a complimentary membership to RISE Spiritual Center for mindfulness, yoga, and wellness classes.
How much is WAVE's support worth beyond salary?
We estimate the total value of referrals, supervision, benefits, administrative support, office space, training, and community at more than $45,000 to $55,000+ annually, in addition to your salary.
Supervision & Licensure
Will WAVE supervise my hours toward licensure?
Yes. You’ll receive individual clinical supervision and weekly group supervision, with guidance throughout the licensure process, not just a signature on your hours log.
Who provides supervision?
Please visit our Supervisors page to learn more about our incredible supervisors.
What happens once I'm licensed?
Licensed clinicians continue to grow their caseload and expertise with ongoing mentorship. WAVE also offers opportunities for professional growth into Senior Clinician, Team Lead, Supervisor, or Director roles.
Caseload & Clients
How do I build my caseload?
There are multiple ways therapists can build their caseload at WAVE. Our dedicated intake and marketing teams work to connect clients with clinicians who are a good fit based on their needs, availability, and areas of expertise. You are not required to market yourself or network to receive referrals. However, we encourage clinicians to take an active role in building their caseload independently.
Is there a minimum caseload or productivity requirement?
Yes. Caseload expectations vary by position, but clinicians are expected to maintain the caseload associated with their role. We understand that building a caseload takes time, and WAVE’s intake and leadership teams work with new clinicians to support a healthy and sustainable ramp-up.
What populations or specialties does WAVE work with?
WAVE provides therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families across a range of clinical needs, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and active duty military support.
Our clinicians bring different specialties, interests, and treatment approaches, allowing us to connect clients with therapists who are a good fit for their needs. We also encourage clinicians to continue developing areas of specialization that align with their interests and professional goals.
Schedule & Locations
What locations are you hiring for?
WAVE has offices in Mission Valley, Laguna Hills, Vista, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, and Carlsbad Village, with online opportunities available across California.
Can I work remotely or hybrid?
WAVE offers in-person, hybrid, and fully virtual opportunities depending on the position and current needs of the practice. Availability may vary by location and role, so we encourage candidates to discuss scheduling preferences during the interview process.
Do I get to set my own schedule?
Flexible scheduling support is part of our wellness commitment. Clinicians are able to build a schedule that fits their lives, with in-person, virtual, or hybrid options depending on the role.
Growth & Professional Development
What does ongoing training look like?
WAVE is committed to creating opportunities for clinicians to continue learning and growing throughout their time with us. We offer ongoing clinical training, focus groups, consultation, and other professional development opportunities throughout the year. Training may focus on different clinical approaches, populations, and topics based on the needs and interests of our team.
Is there room to grow into leadership?
Yes. WAVE offers opportunities for clinicians who want to grow into leadership roles. Career pathways can include Associate Clinician, Licensed Clinician, Senior Clinician or Team Lead, and Supervisor or Director.
What's the culture like?
WAVE is built around collaboration, kindness, respect, and integrity. Clinicians are part of supportive teams with opportunities for connection, professional development, and team-building throughout the year.
Application & Hiring Process
How do I apply?
Browse current openings by location on our Open Positions page, then submit your resume along with your specialties, languages, and license status through our application form.
How long does the hiring process take?
The hiring process varies by position, but we work to keep it straightforward and timely. Candidates typically begin with an initial interview with our Growth and Talent team, followed by an interview with the appropriate office or team leader. Depending on the role, additional conversations may occur before a final decision is made.
What does onboarding look like once I'm hired?
Once you’re hired, our goal is to make your transition to WAVE as organized and supportive as possible. Before your start date, you’ll receive information about what to expect, along with a schedule for your initial onboarding and training.
Your first week includes dedicated, paid onboarding and training time to help you get comfortable with WAVE’s systems and processes. This includes setting up and learning our EHR and other technology, reviewing documentation and clinical expectations, learning how our intake and billing processes work, and becoming familiar with the resources available to you.
You’ll also meet with key members of the WAVE team and connect with your office or team leader. For associates, onboarding includes getting connected with your clinical supervisor and beginning the supervision process.
We know there is a lot to learn when joining a new practice, so we don’t expect you to have everything figured out in your first week. Support continues beyond initial onboarding as you begin seeing clients, build your caseload, and settle into your role.
Who do I contact with questions before applying?
Reach out to [email protected]. A member of the WAVE team will be happy to help answer your questions.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about working at WAVE or the application process, reach out to our team.