Mental Health Therapist

PRIMARY ROLE OBJECTIVE:

The Mental Health Therapist (MHT) is primarily responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered outpatient mental health counseling within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The MHT provides diagnostic assessments, evidence-based treatment, some crisis intervention, and treatment planning for individuals experiencing behavioral health needs. In alignment with integrated care models, the MHT may collaborate with primary care teams and participate in coordinated treatment efforts to support whole-person care within the FQHC environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide individual, family, and/or group counseling using evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches.

2. Conduct diagnostic assessments, including psychosocial histories and behavioral health screenings, consistent with Washington State WAC requirements.

3. Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals, updating and reviewing per agency and regulatory timelines.

4. Maintain a patient caseload appropriate to FQHC behavioral health standards and encounter expectations.

5. Deliver some crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning when indicated.

6. Provide referrals to internal or external services when clinically appropriate.

7. Participate in multidisciplinary care coordination, including consultation with primary care providers, care managers, and nursing staff

8. Contribute to integrated care workflows, such as warm handoffs, collaborative care, and population-based treatment planning when needed.

9. Communicate patient progress, treatment goals, and recommendations while adhering to HIPAA and FQHC regulations.

10. Complete documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with WAC requirements, agency policies, and FQHC billing standards.

11. Participate in chart reviews, quality assurance, and performance improvement activities.

12. Provide trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally sensitive services.

13. Promote patient empowerment, recovery, and resilience through shared decision-making and strengths-based care.

14. Support access and reduce barriers for underserved, rural, or high-needs populations consistent with FQHC mission.

15. Attend required trainings, supervision, and team meetings.

16. Maintain credentials, licensure, and continuing education consistent with Washington State requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health problems; familiarity with screening and assessment, differential diagnoses, evidence-based psychosocial treatments and psychopharmacology for common mental health/substance use disorders.

Experience with evidence-based counseling techniques (e.g., CBT, DBT, or SFT).

Willingness to work with underserved, transient populations.

Ability to work with Medicaid eligibility programs.

Ability to effectively document services in the patient record, using Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and Electronic Practice Management (EPM) systems.

Ability to create, send and manage email.

Ability to access and use web-based applications and other computer programs including telehealth.

Ability to facilitate group-based services for adults and teens within the patient population.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Job duties require knowledge and training in the field of behavioral and mental health typically acquired through a formal Master or Doctorate level degree program in counseling, social work or psychology.

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensed Independent Professional or Candidate to become licensed in their respective specialty field within 6 months to 1 year of hire date - according to all regulations in Washington State. (RCW 18.225 and WAC 246-809).

OTHER DUTIES CLAUSE:

This job description is a summary only and not meant to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities for the job. Changes to current duties and new duties and responsibilities can be assigned at any time without notice. Performance will be evaluated in relation to this job description to include any potential changes or addition to duties as assigned.