Lake Cumberland Recovery

IOP/OP INDIVIDUAL THERAPIST – JOB DESCRIPTION**

Position Title: IOP/OP Individual Therapist

Reports To: Director of Clinical Services & Compliance

Employment Type: Full-Time

Caseload: Approximately 40 clients

POSITION SUMMARY

The IOP/OP Individual Therapist is responsible for the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical services within the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Outpatient Program (OP). This position ensures that every client receives individualized treatment, ongoing assessment, and therapeutic support that aligns with ASAM Criteria, Kentucky Medicaid requirements, and Joint Commission standards.

The Individual Therapist will complete comprehensive treatment planning for all IOP/OP clients, provide required individual therapy sessions, support Utilization Review (UR) processes, complete ASAM assessments for ongoing care needs, and collaborate with group therapists to ensure continuity across all clinical services. The position also provides clinical coverage for group therapy on an as-needed basis.

This role fills a current service gap by ensuring that each client receives consistent, individualized clinical care in addition to group services.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Individual Therapy Services

• Provide weekly individual therapy sessions for all IOP clients according to program standards.
  
  

• Offer individual therapy for OP clients as clinically indicated or assigned.
  
  

• Utilize evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT skills, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and relapse-prevention strategies.
  
  

• Document all individual sessions within 24 hours, including interventions, client engagement, progress toward objectives, and plan.
  
  

2. Comprehensive Treatment Planning

• Complete Comprehensive Treatment Plans for all assigned IOP and OP clients within required timelines.
  
  

• Ensure treatment plans include:
  
  

  • ASAM 4th Edition risk ratings and rationale
    
    

  • Measurable goals, objectives, and interventions
    
    

  • Evidence-based practices matched to client needs
    
    

  • Integration of co-occurring disorders, medical, legal, vocational, and family needs
    
    

• Update treatment plans when clinically indicated, during reviews, or when major changes occur.
  
  

3. ASAM Assessments & Ongoing Care Reviews

• Complete all ASAM Continuing Care Reviews for ongoing level-of-care determinations (IOP → OP → Aftercare).
  
  

• Provide clear medical necessity justification tied to ASAM risk ratings, functional impairments, and symptom changes.
  
  

• Collaborate with UR team to ensure documentation supports authorization requests.
  
  

• Attend UR meetings as needed to support clinical rationale.
  
  

4. Clinical Assessment Updates

• Complete Clinical Assessment Updates when:
  
  

  • Major changes in condition occur
    
    

  • Client completes a milestone or phase
    
    

  • A new level-of-care recommendation is required
    
    

• Ensure updates include new ASAM ratings, risk changes, biopsychosocial updates, and revised treatment needs.
  
  

5. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all documentation meets Kentucky AODE/BHSO standards, Joint Commission standards, and Medicaid requirements.
  
  

• Adhere to strict documentation timelines, including:
  
  

  • Individual session notes within 24 hours
    
    

  • ASAM reviews within UR timelines
    
    

  • Updated treatment plans per program guidelines
    
    

• Maintain accurate caseload management and ensure all assigned clients are receiving required services.
  
  

6. Group Therapy Coverage (As Needed)

• Provide group therapy coverage when group therapists are out or during high-volume times.
  
  

• Ensure groups follow evidence-based curriculum, LCR program design, and treatment plan alignment.
  
  

7. Collaboration & Communication

• Attend weekly clinical meetings, treatment team discussions, and supervision sessions.
  
  

• Communicate client progress, barriers, and risk concerns to the clinical leadership team.
  
  

• Work collaboratively with:
  
  

  • Intake/Admissions
    
    

  • Case management
    
    

  • Peer support
    
    

  • UR Team
    
    

  • Medical and psychiatric providers
    
    

8. Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment

• Conduct risk assessments (C-SSRS, SAFE-T model).
  
  

• Maintain safety planning documentation and notify leadership when risk elevation occurs.
  
  

• Coordinate with medical, psychiatric, and emergency resources as needed.
  
  

9. Professional Development

• Attend required LCR training, supervision, and competency checks.
  
  

• Maintain all professional licenses and certifications according to Kentucky Board requirements.
  
  

• Stay current on evidence-based practices and ASAM criteria updates.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• LPCA, LPCC, CSW, LCSW, LMFT, LMFTA, CADC, or other approved behavioral health credential (per Medicaid & AODE).
  
  

• Experience providing individual therapy in SUD and co-occurring mental health settings.
  
  

• Strong understanding of ASAM Criteria (3rd and 4th editions) and medical necessity documentation.
  
  

• Competency in treatment planning, differential diagnosis, and clinical documentation.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in IOP/OP levels of care.
  
  

• Familiarity with Kentucky Medicaid BHSO requirements.
  
  

• Experience working in multidisciplinary treatment teams.
  
  

• Strong skills in CBT, MI, relapse-prevention, and trauma-informed interventions.
  
  

WORK EXPECTATIONS & CASELOAD MANAGEMENT

• Maintain a caseload of approximately 40 clients.
  
  

• Complete weekly individual sessions for all IOP clients.
  
  

• Complete monthly or as-needed sessions for OP clients.
  
  

• Ensure all clients have updated treatment plans and ASAM reviews.
  
  

• Maintain appropriate documentation for UR and audits.
  
  

PHYSICAL & SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

• Full-time, on-site position.
  
  

• Some evening availability may be required depending on program schedule.
  
  

• Ability to manage a structured workload with competing deadlines.
  
  

ROLE OUTLINE SUMMARY

Primary Duties

• Individual therapy (primary caseload responsibility)
  
  

• Comprehensive treatment planning for all IOP/OP clients
  
  

• ASAM ongoing assessments
  
  

• Clinical assessment updates
  
  

• UR support and documentation
  
  

• Group therapy backup coverage
  
  

Secondary Duties

• Crisis intervention
  
  

• Collaboration and communication
  
  

• Documentation compliance
  
  

• Participation in supervision and professional training