Provider

Mental Health Therapist – Outpatient Behavioral Health

Story County Medical Center – Nevada Clinic

Story County Medical Center is seeking a Mental Health Therapist – Outpatient Behavioral Health to join our team at the Nevada Clinic. This position provides comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to patients across the lifespan and works collaboratively with primary care providers, nursing staff, care coordinators, psychiatry providers, and community resources to provide integrated, patient-centered care.

Position Overview

The Mental Health Therapist provides behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation services. This position promotes emotional wellness, recovery, resiliency, and improved quality of life through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options may be available, depending on patient care needs, department operations, and the responsibilities of the position. We strive to provide flexibility while maintaining high-quality, accessible behavioral health services for our patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial, behavioral health, and risk assessments.
• Evaluate patients for mental health, emotional, behavioral, and substance use concerns.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.
• Provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy as appropriate.
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic modalities and monitor patient progress.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation in the electronic health record.
• Collaborate with Family Practice providers, nursing staff, care managers, and specialists regarding patient care needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews and care coordination.
• Support behavioral health integration within primary care settings.
• Provide consultation and education to medical staff regarding behavioral health concerns.
• Assist with transitions of care and referrals to community resources or higher levels of care.
• Assess patients for suicide risk, homicide risk, abuse, neglect, self-harm, and other safety concerns.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services as appropriate.
• Coordinate emergency referrals when necessary.
• Fulfill mandatory reporting responsibilities in accordance with federal and Iowa state law.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, coping skills, and available resources.
• Promote patient engagement, self-management, and treatment adherence.
• Participate in quality improvement, outcome measurement, community outreach, and behavioral health integration initiatives.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or another closely related behavioral health field that qualifies the individual for independent clinical licensure in Iowa.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current Iowa licensure allowing independent practice as one of the following:
  • Mental Health Counselor (MHC)
  • Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
• Licensed or certified as a mental health counselor, clinical professional counselor, or professional counselor by the State of Iowa.
• RQI Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Experience:

• At least two years and/or 3,000 hours of post-master's clinical supervised experience providing psychotherapy services.
• Two or more years of outpatient behavioral health experience.
• Experience in integrated behavioral health or primary care settings.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.
• Experience providing EMDR therapy or an interest in pursuing EMDR training is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment practices.
• Knowledge of DSM diagnostic criteria.
• Strong clinical interviewing and counseling skills.
• Ability to assess and respond appropriately to crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain therapeutic boundaries and professional relationships.
• Knowledge of community behavioral health resources.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems and documentation requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound clinical judgment.

Why Join Story County Medical Center?

At Story County Medical Center, we are committed to delivering healthcare excellence by listening to, partnering with, and caring for the communities of Story County — one person, one experience, one story at a time.

Our S.T.O.R.Y. Values guide how we serve our patients and work together:

• Service – Deliver exceptional, quality care and customer service.
• Teamwork – Support one another and work together toward shared goals.
• Openness – Communicate openly, respectfully, and effectively.
• Relationships – Build healthy, collaborative professional relationships.
• Your Story – Recognize and value each person's unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Story County Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and federal law, SCMC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Additional Requirement: Individuals cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Excluded Provider List.