Behavioral Health Therapist

Job Summary:

As a Behavioral Health Therapist, you will be part of the primary care treatment team identifying, assessing, triaging, documenting, and managing primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. You will utilize skill training through psycho-education and patient education strategies to develop patient self-management, population health programs, and create specific behavioral change plans for patients using best practice and brief evidence-based treatment interventions.

Responsibilities:

• Assess the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider, assist in detecting at-risk patients, and intervene to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration.
• Work with primary care providers to recognize and treat mental disorders and psychological problems, consult with physicians as necessary, and refer cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term care when appropriate.
• Facilitate patient engagement and follow-up care, work with the primary care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively.
• Provide brief behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate.
• Assist in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time.

Other Responsibilities:

• Track patient follow-up and clinical outcomes using a registry, document in-person and telephone encounters in the registry, and use the system to identify and re-engage patients.
• Document patient progress and treatment recommendations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems to share with medical providers, psychiatric consultants, and other treating professionals.
• Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources.
• Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the health system.
• Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.
• Identify the need for and conduct family meetings with or without the physician that result in understanding, comfort, decision-making, and other important outcomes.

Education and Experience:

• Required Education: Masters Degree
• Comments: Knowledge of psychology or social work as normally acquired through completion of a MA or Ph.D./Psy.D. in psychology or master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
• Preferred Equivalent Experience: Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master's Social Worker in the State of Michigan.

Additional Requirements:

• Membership in at least one professional organization preferred.
• Training and experience, and/or demonstrated competency in casework principles, including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment, and transition planning.
• Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices, processes, and procedures as normally acquired in a primary care setting.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.