The Raleigh House is a leading behavioral healthcare provider dedicated to holistic, trauma-informed care. Our experiential Equine Therapy Program is an essential part of our therapeutic model, supporting clients with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. With a dedicated ranch and a carefully selected herd of 8 horses, we provide transformative healing experiences for individuals in our inpatient programs.
The Equine Therapist will facilitate and lead equine-assisted therapy sessions in partnership with our equine specialists. This role combines therapeutic expertise with experiential, somatic, and relational approaches—helping clients reconnect with their emotions, build trust, regulate their nervous systems, and process trauma through the horse-human relationship.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate individual and group equine therapy sessions
- Collaborate with equine specialists and clinical staff to align therapy goals with client treatment plans
- Incorporate trauma-informed, somatic, and relational techniques in equine sessions
- Observe and interpret client interactions with horses to inform therapeutic direction
- Maintain clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment planning, and outcomes tracking
- Support a safe and ethical equine environment, adhering to both therapeutic and animal care standards
- Participate in clinical and equine team meetings, offering insights from sessions to support overall client care
- Assist with developing and refining equine therapy curriculum and exercises
- Uphold and model the values of integrity, compassion, safety, and excellence in all client and team interactions
Education & Experience Requirements
- Master’s Degree or higher in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Marriage & Family Therapy (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC or license-eligible)
- Certification or formal training in equine-assisted therapy strongly preferred (e.g., EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, PATH Intl., or equivalent)
- Experience working with trauma, PTSD, and related mental health/SUD conditions
- Experience in equine handling and comfort working in a ranch or barn setting
- Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills
- Commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered care
Benefits:
- We offer training in EMDR, AcuDetox, LAC and other exciting opportunities.
- Health Insurance benefits including HSA options.
- Employer Paid Life/AD&D.
- Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life/AD&D plans offered.
- Paid Vacation - 60 hours a year!
- Paid Sick Leave - up to 48 hours a year!
- 401k Plans Offered with up to 4% match.
- Work with a deeply committed, mission-driven team
- Beautiful ranch setting and well-cared-for horses
- Opportunities for professional development in equine and trauma-informed therapy
- Clinical support, regular team collaboration, and supervision
Salary Starting at $65,000 - $90,000
