Why Joining CCA as an Employee is the Best Choice for Clinicians
A Pay Structure Designed for Stability and Professional Growth
At Christian Counseling Associates (CCA), we take a different approach to clinician compensation. While many outpatient practices use a fee-split model or contractor positions, we have designed our pay model to provide greater stability, financial security, and professional support.
As a CCA employee, you are part of a clinical team, not just an independent contractor managing everything alone. Our model ensures that you are paid for more than just client hours, while also offering the security of consistent scheduling and guaranteed payment for completed work, whether the client pays or not.
How the CCA Employee Model Works
Unlike contractors who are only paid when clients attend and pay for their sessions, CCA employees receive guaranteed compensation for completed sessions and additional clinical activities.
- Compensation for Indirect Time – You are paid for work that is essential to high-quality clinical care, including documentation, meetings, and training.
- Guaranteed Pay for Completed Sessions – Whether a client pays or not, you are still compensated for the session. Contractors take on financial risk, as a non-payment situation means earning $0. Smaller practices don’t tell you a harsh reality, non-payment can happen often, or at precisely at the time you need a whole paycheck.
- Full Schedule Commitment – CCA ensures that your caseload remains full and consistent. Unlike smaller practices relying on contractors, we have the resources to keep your schedule active, eliminating the uncertainty of inconsistent client flow.
- Tax & Social Security Contributions Covered – CCA handles tax withholdings and pays into Social Security and Medicare on your behalf. Independent contractors must pay a self-employment tax of 15.3% out of their earnings.
- Retirement Contributions – CCA provides a 5% employer-funded SEP contribution to help you build long-term financial security. Unlike a 401(k), you do not have to contribute to receive this benefit, which is an additional bonus on your annual earnings.
Employment models are superior to contractor models because they build certainty and financial stability into your professional schedule. Smaller organizations that are fee-splitting cannot provide this. Due to this instability and uncertainty in smaller contracted groups, your compensation is dramatically lowered.
Additional Benefits for Full-Time Employees
CCA is committed to providing a professional environment where clinicians can thrive. In addition to pay, security, and full scheduling, full-time employees have access to:
- Paid Time Off & Holidays – Every year, employees receive paid vacation time and recognized holidays. Contractors do not receive any paid time off.
- Continuing Education Credits at No Cost – CCA is an approved CE provider for ASWB and NCE, which means you obtain your required professional training and development hours without paying out of pocket.
- Healthcare Plan Access – Full-time employees have access to a Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, and vision plan. While employees contribute to the cost of their coverage, this employer-sponsored plan provides access to quality healthcare options that are not available to independent contractors.
- Clinical Consultation & Supervision – As a CCA employee, you are supported by a team of professionals who provide ongoing consultation, supervision, and collaboration. Contractors typically work in isolation without structured opportunities for professional growth.
The Reality: Employee vs. Independent Contractor
| Feature | CCA Employee | Independent Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Paid for Documentation, Training, & Meetings | Yes | No – Only paid for client sessions |
| Guaranteed Pay for Completed Sessions (Even if Client Doesn’t Pay) | Yes | No – No client payment means $0 per hour. |
| Consistent Full Schedule Commitment | Yes – Employer fills your schedule | No – Must generate your own clients |
| Paid Time Off & Holidays | Yes | No |
| Retirement Contributions | Yes – 5% Employer-funded SEP | No – Must self-fund |
| Access to Healthcare Plan | Yes – Employer-sponsored, employee pays a portion | No – Must purchase private insurance |
| Tax Withholdings & Social Security Contributions | Yes – Employer pays | No – Must pay 15.3% self-employment tax |
| Continuing Education Credits | Yes – No cost | No – Must pay independently |
| Team Collaboration & Supervision | Yes – Built into the employment model | No – Must seek out independently |
The Big Picture: Why CCA’s Employee Model is the Best Long-Term Choice
Many clinicians are drawn to independent contractor positions because the hourly rate seems higher at first glance. However, considering the unpaid time, tax obligations, risk of non-payment client sessions, and lack of schedule consistency, the long-term financial and professional advantages of being an employee at CCA become clear.
CCA provides:
- A full, consistent schedule without the uncertainty of finding your own clients
- Guaranteed pay for completed work, even if the client doesn’t pay
- Financial security through structured pay, retirement contributions, and tax coverage
- Professional growth through continuing education, team collaboration, and structured supervision
- Work-life balance with paid time off and the flexibility to build a sustainable career
For clinicians who are serious about long-term success and stability in their profession, joining CCA as an employee offers benefits that far outweigh the perceived advantages of contractor work.
If you’re looking for a career that supports your growth as a clinician while offering financial and professional security, we invite you to apply today.
Apply now and become part of a team that values your work and invests in your future.
Join our Team today! Click here to apply!
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