Employment Opportunities at CIFT
Forming Clinicians.
Caring for the Whole Person.
Join our growing team of 50+ staff therapists
At CIFT we offer employment within a Christ-centered, clinically rigorous, and relationally rich environment. As one of the leading faith-integrated training sites in our region, we are intentional and discerning about who we invite into this work.
As a Christian nonprofit counseling organization, we are committed to hiring and forming therapists who provide thoughtful, evidence-based care while learning how to integrate faith with humility, wisdom, and integrity when the client desires it.
For students seeking more than a clinical placement, CIFT offers a mentoring community where professional growth, spiritual formation, and collaboration are central to the training experience.
The Application Process
CIFT welcomes applications for positions at all levels through our clinical employment process.
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Applicants should be prepared to submit:
CV or résumé
A brief narrative describing your faith background and approach to integrating faith and clinical practice
Graduate program and degree track information (if applicable)
Confirmation of practicum or trainee status or valid Registration or License number with the Board of Behavioral Sciences
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Provide our simple reference form to 3 of your references and ask them to submit on your behalf.
Please copy and email the link below to 3 separate references and ask them to complete the reference questionnaire form and submit it on your behalf.➝CIFT Applicant Reference Questionnaire
Practicum - Please choose 1 academic, 1 practicum site (If you’ve not had a practicum site, please use 2 academic) and 1 pastoral
Associate / Licensed - Please choose 1-2 professional, 1 personal and 1 pastoral
If you have further questions, or would like to check on the status of references submitted on your behalf, please email us at info@ciftcounseling.com or reach out at 714-558-9266.
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As soon as we receive your application and 3 completed references, we’ll review your application. Selected applicants will be invited into an interview process focused on mutual discernment of fit.
What the Interview Process Is Like
Interviews at CIFT are relational, thoughtful, and discerning. We will explore your clinical readiness, experience, and understanding of faith-integrated care.
Applicants should expect conversation around:
Christian faith and church involvement
Integrating faith with evidence-based clinical practice
Openness to training, feedback, and growth
Readiness to serve within a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Who We Are
CIFT is a 501(c)(3) Christian counseling organization serving Orange County and the South Bay through multiple outpatient offices. Our mission is rooted in hope, healing, and growth through counseling, ministry care, and training for individuals, families, churches, and ministry leaders.
Our clinical team includes licensed MFTs and psychologists, as well as a large cohort of pre-licensed associates and practicum-level trainees, nearly half of our clinical staff. All pre-licensed clinicians work under licensed supervisors who are on staff at CIFT and deeply invested in the development of our therapists.
Spiritual integration is not peripheral to our work. It is thoughtfully woven into our clinical framework and supported through training and supervision. While not every client seeks faith integration, you will be well prepared to respond with clinical skill and spiritual sensitivity when they do.
What It’s Like to Work at CIFT
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Therapists at CIFT work with individuals, couples, and families seeking counseling for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational conflict, trauma, ministry stress, and family dynamics. Many clients are actively engaged in church life and may bring spiritual questions into the counseling room.
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CIFT values growth, curiosity, and collaboration. Pre-licensed therapists receive structured supervision and participate in weekly training that covers both clinical and integrative topics. Friday trainings often include expert guest speakers and seasoned clinicians who bring depth, experience, and practical insight to the learning process. Licensed therapists are supported with bi-weekly Licensed Consultation Group, free CE Courses when offered through CIFT, and many of our licensed staff are Clinical Supervisors as well.
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Prayer, scripture, and theological reflection are not required in every session. Staff are expected to be comfortable integrating faith when clinically and spiritually appropriate, and to conceptualize cases through both psychological and theological lenses with care and discernment.
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Caseloads typically build gradually and are designed to support learning, sustainability, and hours requirements rather than high-volume productivity. The emphasis is on depth, formation, and quality of care. Trainees are expected to see a minimum of 5 clients per week, while Associates and Licensed therapists are expected to see a minimum of 10 clients per week on average.
Who we’re looking for
Because CIFT is committed to excellence in training and care, we are thoughtful and selective in our hiring practices.
A strong fit includes:
An active Christian faith and involvement in a local church
Comfort integrating faith and clinical practice with appropriate boundaries
Openness to supervision, feedback, and collaborative learning
Desire to contribute to the greater good of the organization
Relational maturity, humility, and a desire to grow
Availability to see clients during evenings and weekends in addition to weekdays.
Ready to apply?
If CIFT feels like a place where you could grow both professionally and personally, we invite you to apply.
CIFT primarily brings on practicum students during spring and fall practicum site windows. If you are exploring placements early or find yourself between cycles, you are still welcome to apply.
Associate and Licensed therapists are welcome to apply at any time.
All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as opportunities become available.
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Applicants may apply directly through our online application. A reference form is also required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on placement availability.
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Trainees work with individuals, couples, and families seeking counseling for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational challenges, trauma, ministry stress, and family dynamics. Clients may bring both emotional and spiritual concerns into counseling, and integration is always guided by client choice.
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Trainees are expected to:
See clients during evenings and weekends
Attend weekly training and Group Supervision on Fridays in Santa Ana
Gradually build a caseload appropriate for their program requirements and level of training
This structure allows for meaningful clinical growth with strong support.
Associates and Licensed therapists are expected to carry a minimum case load of 10 clients per week in a part-time role. Full-time staff are expected to see an average of 23 clients per week.
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Yes. CIFT is a Christian counseling organization, and spiritual integration is an intentional and valued part of our clinical work. Staff are expected to be comfortable integrating faith and psychology with care, wisdom, and appropriate boundaries.
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CIFT offers placements for graduate students in MFT, LPCC, and MSW programs seeking practicum or trainee-level clinical experience within a faith-integrated outpatient setting. We may also have openings for Associate and Licensed clinicians who are looking for a site, based on need.
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Yes. Applicants should have an active Christian faith and ongoing involvement in a local church. Many of our clients are connected to churches and ministries, and familiarity with church life is important for this work.
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Hours vary based on availability, caseload, and program requirements. Caseloads typically build over time. Trainees typically carry between 5-10 clients per week, and Associate and Licensed therapists are expected to carry between 10-23 clients per week.
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All trainees and Associate therapists work under licensed supervision. In addition to supervision, pre-licensed therapists are required to attend weekly training and group supervision on Fridays at CIFT’s Santa Ana office. These gatherings are a central part of the training experience.
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CIFT is best suited for therapists seeking a training-oriented, faith-integrated outpatient experience rather than a high-volume community mental health setting.
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Faith integration is approached thoughtfully and ethically. Prayer, Scripture, and theological reflection may be used when clinically appropriate and aligned with client goals. Therapists are supported in developing discernment around when and how to integrate faith.
FAQs
Choosing a site that’s a good fit based on values, culture and mission is important. Here are some of the more common questions we receive to help you when deciding to apply.