Behavioral Health Therapist & Consultant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Consultant/Behavioral Health Therapist is an integral member of a multidisciplinary primary care team serving a diverse and underserved patient population.

This role delivers integrated behavioral health services within the medical clinic using the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model. The Behavioral Health Consultant/Behavioral Health Therapist provides brief, evidence-based interventions, crisis assessments, substance use evaluations, and care coordination to support whole-person health.

This position offers a unique balance of integrated consultation and traditional 1:1 therapy, allowing clinicians to practice full-scope behavioral health in a collaborative, mission-driven setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care & Assessment

• Conduct brief behavioral health screenings for adults, adolescents, and children.
• Perform comprehensive clinical assessments to determine diagnosis and appropriate level of care.
• Diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders within scope of licensure.
• Deliver brief, solution-focused, evidence-based interventions consistent with the PCBH model.
• Provide individual, family, couples, and/or group therapy as assigned.
• Facilitate evidence-based groups for conditions such as Substance Use Disorders, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, and behavioral concerns.
• Conduct crisis assessments and coordinate psychiatric hospitalization when clinically indicated.
• Develop integrated treatment plans that consider patient strengths, risk factors, and family/community supports.
• Monitor treatment progress and adjust care plans accordingly.
• Assess discharge readiness throughout the course of treatment.

Integrated Care & Collaboration

• Participate in same-day access and warm handoffs from medical providers.
• Provide consultation to physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and care team members.
• Collaborate to address psychosocial factors impacting chronic disease management and overall health outcomes.
• Coordinate care with internal and external providers, with patient consent.
• Facilitate referrals to specialty behavioral health and community-based services.
• Participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations.
• Engage in community collaboratives to strengthen integrated service delivery.

Education & Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training related to behavioral health and integrated care.
• Provide consultation and education to primary care staff on topics including:
  • Brief interventions
  • Behavioral activation
  • Substance use and recovery
  • Medication use and misuse
  • Communication strategies
  • Wellness and self-management

Model of Care

• Practice within a population-based, time-limited intervention framework consistent with PCBH.
• Deliver patient-centered care integrating clinical expertise, research evidence, and patient preferences.
• Promote health literacy, self-sufficiency, rehabilitation, and recovery.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with organizational standards.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Collaboration & Communication

• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment and timely decision-making.
• Communicates clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats.
• Works effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Values diverse perspectives and promotes inclusive dialogue.

Professionalism & Integrity

• Upholds ethical standards and organizational values.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and respect for diverse populations.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality (HIPAA compliant).
• Welcomes feedback and foster a positive team culture.

Organizational & Strategic Awareness

• Completes documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Adapts to changing patient acuity and clinic workflows.
• Demonstrates initiative in improving care delivery and patient outcomes.

Safety & Compliance

• Adheres to regulatory, accreditation, and licensure standards.
• Follows clinic safety protocols and risk management procedures.
• Protects patient confidentiality and maintains EMR security standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensure (Required)

• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or related behavioral health field.
• Current, active Michigan licensure: LMSW, LLMSW, LPC, or LLPC.
• Must be in good standing with the State of Michigan.
• Limited license candidates must be actively working toward full licensure and eligible for clinical supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience treating both mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience providing individual and group therapy.
• Experience delivering brief, solution-focused interventions.
• Experience working in an integrated or primary care setting.
• Familiarity with the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model.
• Experience serving diverse and underserved populations.
• Experience in an FQHC or community health setting preferred.
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a clinical primary care setting with direct patient interaction.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and healthcare-related conditions.
• May require response to urgent or crisis situations.
• Environment may occasionally involve emotionally charged interactions.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking within the clinic environment.
• Regular use of hands for documentation and EMR use.
• Occasionally lifting supplies or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Clear verbal communication and active listening required.
• Visual acuity is necessary for documentation and patient assessment.

Why Join Our Team

• Mission-driven FQHC serving diverse and underserved communities
• Collaborative, team-based integrated care environment
• Opportunity to practice full-scope behavioral health
• Commitment to professional development and clinical excellence