07/18/2026
Simple Changes is hiring for a licensed mental health specialist!
Job Title:.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Specialist.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or other licensed mental health provider.
Location:
Simple Changes Farm, Lorton, Virginia. Beautiful farm in Fairfax, VA with indoor arena
Job Type:
Approximately 10-15 hours per week. Can be shared with multiple mental health specialists. Competitive hourly or contract wage. Commensurate with industry standards and experience.
Position:
Work under an existing grant that provides free, equine assisted mental health services to appropriate individuals and groups. Partner with a certified Equine Specialist that is provided by us and has at least one of the following credentials: PATH Intl., Eagala, Equine Experiential Education (E3A) and Coaching with Horses.
About Us:
Simple Changes opened in 2005 to enable individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges to develop meaningful connections with horses, helping people to grow stronger physically and experience more joy and independence in their lives. We provide therapeutic riding and horsemanship, hippotherapy, equine assisted learning and equine assisted psychotherapy at our farm in Lorton, VA.
At Simple Changes, we believe that true mental health breakthroughs often happen outside an office setting. Our facility provides a safe, serene setting where clients can connect deeply with themselves through the healing power of our experienced horse and the guidance of a mental health professional and equine specialist. Mental health sessions are unmounted. We prioritize clinical excellence, safety, and evidence-based practices in all of our sessions.
The Role:
Simple Changes is seeking a dedicated, trauma-informed LCSW or other licensed mental health professional to join our team. In this role, you will facilitate ground-based equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) sessions for individuals,
groups, and families navigating anxiety, PTSD, grief, and life transitions. Please note that all EAP work is ground-based; no riding or equestrian background is required for clients.
Key Responsibilities:
● Conduct clinical intakes, assessments, and treatment planning.
● Co-facilitate ground-based equine-assisted therapy sessions.
● Collaborate closely with our certified Equine Specialists before, during and after sessions.
● Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and progress notes.
● Report clinical documentation to grant as required
Requirements & Credentials:
● Licensure: Active and unrestricted license to practice in Virginia.
● Prefer Specialized Training: Certification or documented advanced training in an established EAP framework (e.g., EAGALA, PATH Intl., Natural Lifemanship).
● Experience: Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience, with at least several months specifically integrating equines into practice.
● Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions alongside large animals.
● Connections: Ability to bring in individual, group and family clients ready for treatment within your area of expertise in order to meet grant-required client contact hours. Services are free to clients.
What We Offer:
● Competitive compensation
● Access to a well-maintained herd of horses trained in therapeutic activities
● Collaborating with a highly trained, dedicated Equine Specialist
● Availability of stipends for EAP certifications and CEUs as appropriate
● Flexible scheduling
How to Apply: Ready to take your practice outdoors? Send your resume, cover letter, and proof of licensure and EAP certification or experience (if any) to [email protected]
