Job Summary
The Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist, Outpatient will be responsible for conducting behavioral health assessments, ensuring patient safety, providing supportive psychotherapy, and recommending outpatient treatment under the supervision of an ambulatory provider. This role includes performing initial psychiatric consultations, crisis management, therapeutic support, and psychotherapy for patients in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings.
Typical Duties
- Collaborates closely with the patient's provider and, when necessary, other mental health professionals to coordinate mental health care.
- Conducts screenings and assessments for common mental health and substance use disorders.
- Monitors patients either in person or by phone to track changes in clinical symptoms, side effects, and treatment complications.
- Supports psychotropic medication management, ensuring adherence, managing side effects, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.
- Provides brief interventions using evidence-based methods such as Behavioral Activation, Problem-Solving Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, and other appropriate treatments for primary care settings.
- Participates in weekly caseload consultations with the Psychiatric Consultant, discussing treatment plans for new or non-improving patients and sharing recommendations with the patient's provider.
- Provides mentorship to staff on clinical cases and professional development.
- Facilitates treatment plan modifications for patients who are not responding to treatment, in consultation with the provider and Psychiatric Consultant. This may involve adjustments to medications, psychosocial interventions, or referrals for additional services.
- Analyzes information, applies critical thinking, and communicates findings clearly and compassionately to patients, families, and clinical teams.
- Actively pursues professional development opportunities and stays updated on clinical theories, evidence-based practices, and relevant policies, especially regarding crisis and behavioral health care.
- Contributes positively to team operations both within the hospital and in the community. Maintains professional boundaries with staff, trainees, and patients.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree from an accredited institution with a clinical focus in mental health.
- Valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Illinois, or the ability to obtain licensure within two weeks of employment start date.
- At least two years of experience providing individual therapy to individuals with mental health disorders, including experience gained through training or internships.
- Proficiency in using evidence-based counseling techniques (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy).
- Eligibility for successful completion of credentialing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).
- Experience working with patients with co-occurring mental health, substance abuse, and physical health issues.
For California Applicants:
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) , and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).
This position is subject to a background check based on its job duties, which may include patient care, working with vulnerable populations, access to financial and confidential information, driving, working with heavy machinery, or working in a warehouse or laboratory environment. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.
