Licensed Primary Therapist - TN (PHP)

The Licensed Primary Therapist provides direct clinical services to patients receiving care in IOP, PHP, and Residential treatment programs. This role delivers high-quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including services for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Placement within Primary Mental Health or Primary SUD/Dual Diagnosis programming will be determined based on organizational need.

This position functions in compliance with Joint Commission standards, Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) regulations, professional licensing requirements, and Centric Behavioral Health policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based practices appropriate to patient population and level of care.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and risk assessments in accordance with program standards.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on clinical necessity and medical necessity criteria.
• Provide services for patients with mental health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions, as assigned.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case reviews, and discharge planning.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all clinical documentation accurately, thoroughly, and timely within the EMR, in compliance with Joint Commission, TDMHSAS, and payer requirements.
• Maintain documentation that demonstrates medical necessity, treatment effectiveness, and continuity of care.
• Comply with HIPAA, confidentiality laws, and ethical standards of practice.

Collaboration & Quality

• Collaborate with nursing, medical providers, case management, and operations staff to support coordinated patient care.
• Participate in performance improvement initiatives, clinical audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain professional competency through supervision, training, and continuing education.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or related behavioral health field.

Licensure – Tennessee (Required)

Candidates must hold either full licensure or temporary licensure in Tennessee to qualify.

Accepted Licensure Types Include:

• LPC-MHSP or Temporary LPC-MHSP
• LCSW or Temporary LCSW
• LMFT or Temporary LMFT

Temporary license holders must be eligible for supervision and actively working toward full licensure.

Experience

• Experience providing therapy in mental health, substance abuse, or co-occurring treatment settings preferred.
• Experience with IOP, PHP, or Residential programs strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience treating co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis)
• Familiarity with evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, MI, trauma-informed care
• Prior experience in Joint Commission–accredited or TDMHSAS-licensed facilities
• EMR documentation experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the facility.
• Ability to participate in group facilitation and patient interactions.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions

• Clinical and office-based treatment environment.
• May require evening or weekend hours depending on program schedule.
• Exposure to patients experiencing emotional or behavioral distress.

Compliance and Ethics

The Licensed Therapist is expected to uphold Centric Behavioral Health’s Code of Conduct, ethical standards, and all Joint Commission, TDMHSAS, and HIPAA requirements while promoting a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment.