Behavioral Health Consultant

About the position

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This is a behavioral health model that is interconnected with patients medical care and medical care team that requires specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. In addition, this role performs high-level consultation to physicians and other medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The BHC functions effectively in a fast pace, highly productive setting with the ability to successfully pivot from a patient facing to a physician facing role throughout the day. The BHC thrives on being adaptable, flexible, and able to independently function at a consistently high level. The individual in this position must be willing to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15- 30 mins) at a high volume, and adept in working closely with PCPs and other team members.

Responsibilities

• Apply solid working knowledge of biopsychosocial models of human behavior and development for assessment of patient care to include knowledge of the use of adult and pediatric screening instruments, as well as the ability to screen for and identify substance abuse problems.
• Apply first line interventions in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems experienced by patients and families throughout the lifespan as presenting in primary care (pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Family medicine populations) or Specialty Care (ob/gyn, dermatology, cardiology, etc.).
• Provide patient and family education effectively and sensitively to encourage compliance with medical and behavioral treatment plans.
• Effectively utilize electronic health record and verbal communication to concisely communicate relevant information to medical providers in a timely manner.
• Effectively assess for and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child or elder abuse and neglect, using effective and evidence-based methods.
• Provide consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in the areas of mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine.

Requirements

• Specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns.
• Ability to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15-30 mins) at a high volume.
• Comfort in providing consultation and training to other members of the primary care team.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with electronic health records.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, including indications, effects, and side effects.