Behavioral Health Therapist

The Behavioral Health Therapist requires a broad and thorough understanding of human behavior, theories of counseling, and psychopathology. May work with a wide range of patient populations and presenting issues, requiring a foundation in a variety of treatment modalities. This role has total independence and responsibility for patient well-being. The Behavioral Health Therapist provides diagnostic assessment, onsite crisis assessment and intervention, and determines need for ongoing care according to level of clinical ability, medical, and psychosocial complexity. Develops treatment plans and implements treatment interventions specific to patient needs. Continually assesses patient's progress and revises diagnosis(es), treatment plans, and interventions accordingly. Documents treatment sessions. Provides patient progress updates to interdisciplinary team, as needed. May educate patient support members about patient issues and interventions. May refer for additional clinical services or to specialists, as needed. Must stay current on emerging issues in the profession.

The Behavioral Health Therapist may work in a variety of settings, with duties varying by setting:

In a clinic setting (other than primary care), the Behavioral Health Therapist conducts scheduled face-to-face therapy sessions designed to assess and improve patient's emotional, mental, and behavioral health.

In a community setting, the Behavioral Health Therapist provides treatment for patients with severe and persistent mental illness. This may include community-based interventions aimed at improving daily living skills, social skills, and self-regulation skills. The community-based Behavioral Health Therapist serves as a consultant for a multi-disciplinary team to ensure treatment interventions are implemented and that the patient is in compliance with treatment.

In a residential setting, the Behavioral Health Therapist provides treatment for patients requiring a higher level of care than outpatient therapy; however, do not meet the criteria for psychiatric inpatient treatment. Treatment occurs at the residential treatment facility and includes a broad range of duties: assessment and diagnosis, individual and group therapy, development, implementation, and evaluation of therapy programs, and consultation and coordination with a multi-disciplinary team.

Credentialing through the Allied Health Staff of the organization where you will be working will be required.

• Maintain contact with contracted behavioral health providers, as well as community-based behavioral health clinics and services
• Evidenced based and culturally competent therapy and brief behavioral health interventions
• Implement systems to assure appropriate utilization of behavioral health services
• Engage the family in outpatient mental health treatment
• Provide behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families