Mental Health Therapist/Counselor - General Mental Health

Job description

JOB SUMMARY & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Mental Health Therapist/Counselor provides therapeutic services and care coordination using individual, group, family, and evidence-based treatment approaches based on patient needs. Mental Health Therapists/Counselors conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, provide clinical interventions, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support whole-person wellness and recovery. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented, and patient-centered approach, the Mental Health Therapist/Couonselor promotes patient engagement, symptom reduction, improved functioning, and positive health outcomes through integrated behavioral health services. Mental Health Therapists/Counselors may be assigned to one or more specialty populations, service lines, or care settings. Program assignments and responsibilities may change based on organizational needs and may include General Mental Health (GMH), Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Birth to Five/Early Childhood Services, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other specialty programs. Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning Conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments, reassessments, screenings, and evaluations to identify patient needs and determine appropriate levels of care. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, annual reassessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Develop, implement, and update individualized service plans, safety plans, crisis plans, and treatment interventions. Assign diagnoses and formulate clinical recommendations consistent with licensure, credentialing, and organizational standards. Monitor patient progress, acuity, and treatment outcomes, adjusting interventions as clinically indicated. Therapeutic Service Delivery Provide individual, family, and group therapy utilizing evidence-based and trauma-informed treatment approaches. Deliver specialty interventions and services based on program assignment and clinical competency. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, stabilization, and care coordination. Provide psychoeducation, skill development, crisis intervention, stabilization, and therapeutic support to patients and families. Maintain a clinically appropriate caseload while meeting quality, productivity, and service expectations. Care Coordination & Collaboration Coordinate care with patients, families, medical providers, psychiatric providers, schools, community agencies, and other stakeholders to support integrated, whole-person care. Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT), Adult Recovery Team (ART), interdisciplinary staffing, and treatment planning meetings. Facilitate continuity of care through referrals, transitions, discharge planning, and coordination of services. Assess and address social determinants of health and barriers impacting patient wellness and treatment engagement. Documentation, Reporting & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency, payer, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. Complete required assessments, screenings, treatment updates, and outcome measures within established timelines. Adhere to documentation standards, productivity expectations, and quality improvement initiatives. Maintain compliance with Arizona Vision, the 12 Principles, and applicable behavioral health regulations. Patient & Family Engagement Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that support patient engagement, recovery, and treatment participation. Utilize culturally responsive, person-centered, and trauma-informed approaches in all patient interactions. Engage caregivers, family members, and natural supports in treatment planning and service delivery as clinically appropriate. Professional Responsibilities Participate in supervision, training, credentialing, and professional development activities. Contribute to quality improvement, committee work, program development, and organizational initiatives. Demonstrate ethical, professional conduct consistent with Valle del Sol’s mission, values, policies, and standards. Perform other duties as assigned. CAREER LEVELS Mental Health Therapist I Performs core therapeutic services under routine clinical supervision. Develops proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, documentation, and clinical intervention. Manages routine and moderately complex cases while building clinical competency. Seeks consultation and guidance for complex clinical presentations, risk concerns, and treatment challenges. Participates in onboarding, supervision, and professional development activities. Mental Health Therapist II Independently provides therapeutic services with minimal clinical support. Manages moderate-to-high complexity patients and families across a variety of behavioral health needs. Demonstrates sound clinical judgment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and care coordination skills. Participates in multidisciplinary staffing, case consultation, and quality improvement activities. Assists with onboarding, peer support, and mentorship of newer clinicians. Supports specialty program initiatives and evidence-based practice implementation. Mental Health Therapist III Serves as an advanced clinical resource and subject matter expert. Provides services to highly complex, high-risk, or specialty populations. Demonstrates advanced competency in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and clinical consultation. Provides mentorship, coaching, and support to Mental Health Therapist I and II staff. Supports program development, workflow improvement, specialty service delivery, and quality initiatives. May assist with onboarding, training, peer consultation, and special projects based on organizational needs. PROGRAM-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES The following responsibilities may apply based on departmental assignment: General Mental Health (GMH) Provide outpatient individual, family, and group therapy services to children and adults. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, annual reassessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Maintain a clinically appropriate caseload based on patient acuity and program expectations. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, stabilization, and care coordination. Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning and team meetings. Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Provide therapy and recovery-oriented services to individuals designated as Seriously Mentally Ill. Coordinate care with psychiatric providers, hospitals, RBHA representatives, and community partners. Support transitions following hospitalization, crisis episodes, residential treatment, or incarceration. Assist patients with housing, benefits, transportation, employment, and community resource needs. Participate in ART meetings and recovery-focused service planning. Birth to Five Conduct developmental screenings and age-appropriate behavioral health assessments. Provide attachment-based, dyadic, and caregiver-focused therapeutic interventions. Conduct services in homes, childcare settings, preschools, and other natural environments as appropriate. Collaborate with caregivers, DDD, AzEIP, schools, pediatric providers, and community partners. Support healthy child development, caregiver-child attachment, and family functioning. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Provide counseling services for substance use and co-occurring disorders. Complete assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and recovery planning. Facilitate individual and group counseling utilizing evidence-based substance use treatment practices. Coordinate care with medical providers supporting medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Support relapse prevention, recovery maintenance, and community reintegration. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) services utilizing evidence-based interventions consistent with the DBT treatment model. Conduct assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, risk assessments, and safety planning for individuals participating in DBT services. Facilitate individual therapy, DBT skills training groups, and other program-specific interventions based on patient needs and program assignment. Collaborate with psychiatrists, case managers, care coordinators, primary care providers, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate comprehensive patient care. Participate in DBT consultation team meetings and maintain fidelity to the DBT treatment model through ongoing training and adherence to program standards. QUALIFICATIONS Education Required: Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Addiction Counseling, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution. Preferred Specialized coursework or training in trauma-informed care, integrated healthcare, child and family services, substance use treatment, or evidence-based practices. Experience Required : For purposes of job classification and compensation placement, experience is measured based on applied clinical experience at the employee's current licensure level. Mental Health Therapist I 0-2 years of applied experience at the licensure level Mental Health Therapist II 2-5 years of applied experience at the licensure level Mental Health Therapist III 5 or more years of applied experience at the licensure level Additional experience requirements may appear in program section. Preferred : Experience providing behavioral health services in community behavioral health, substance use treatment, or early childhood settings. Experience facilitating individual, family, and group therapy. Experience working with diverse and underserved populations. Qualifications Required : Active Associate-Level or Independent-Level license in good standing through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (LAC, LMSW, LAMFT, LAAC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LIAC, or equivalent). Must meet eligibility requirements for Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) designation. Must meet the licensure, certification, or credentialing requirements applicable to the position in accordance with Arizona law and applicable regulatory authorities. Must practice within the scope of applicable licensure and credentialing requirements. BLS certification, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date. Arizona Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date. Preferred : Independent licensure (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LIAC). Specialized certifications or advanced training in DBT, EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Substance Use Treatment, or other evidence-based practices. Other Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Must be able to pass pre- and continued employment screenings successfully. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, documentation standards, and community behavioral health systems. Knowledge of evidence-based treatment practices, behavioral health interventions, and recovery-oriented care principles. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, and integrated service delivery models. Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, and case conceptualization skills. Ability to provide effective individual, family, and group therapy utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches. Strong crisis intervention, risk assessment, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making abilities. Ability to develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, strengths, and goals. Ability to coordinate care and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and support systems. Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality, productivity, and compliance standards. Strong communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and integrated care environments. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, and community partners. Ability to maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulatory, accreditation, and payer requirements. Ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and patient-centered services. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work Environment This position may operate in clinical, office, or community settings including clinics, administrative offices, outreach locations, client homes, partner agencies, and community sites. Employees may interact with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, emotional distress, or complex social needs. Standard safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required as applicable. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical requirements may include: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods Operating computers, mobile devices, and standard office or clinical equipment Travel to various Valle del Sol locations or community sites when required Lifting or moving materials or equipment up to 25 pounds Schedule & Travel Work schedules may vary based on program needs and may include evening or weekend hours. Some positions may require local travel between Valle del Sol sites or community locations. Equipment Employees may operate standard office, clinical, and communication equipment including computers, phones, printers, electronic health record systems, laptops, and mobile devices. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Employees must maintain compliance with all Valle del Sol policies and applicable regulatory requirements, which may include: Licensure, certification, credentialing, and/or privileging requirements applicable to the position. Required immunizations and occupational health clearances. Tuberculosis (TB) testing and Hepatitis B screening or declination, when applicable. Arizona Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card when required by law or program. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record when operating a vehicle for company business. Completion and maintenance of required training, certifications, and continuing education. Failure to obtain or maintain required credentials, clearances, or compliance requirements may impact eligibility for employment or continued assignment in the role. Equal Opportunity Employer Valle del Sol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Valle del Sol is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in the interview process, please contact us at . Additional Information This job description has been reviewed to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities or a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Paid Life Insurance Paid Disability Insurance Paid time off Employee assistance program Employee discount Professional development assistance Referral program Particpation in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program for qualifying positions! Make an Impact Where it Matters Most Join Valle del Sol in our commitment to providing quality, culturally sensitive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to adults, children, and adolescents in need. Valle del Sol offers a diverse work environment, competitive pay and benefits, and the opportunity for training and advancement.