Behavioral Health Counselor MS Licensed

IU Health•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor facilitates patient involvement in treatment and education through individual, group, and family counseling. This role includes discharge planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure safe, timely, and resource-supported care. The counselor also serves as a liaison for protective services and provides specialized mental health interventions for diverse patient needs.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in a mental health field such as Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related discipline.
3-5 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience.
Current license in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, or HSPP.
Certification in crisis intervention (may be required).
BLS certification (may be required).
Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT).
Understanding of the disease process and human behavior related to social needs.
Knowledge of legal mandates for protective services.
Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct daily activities.
Proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office applications.
Ability to develop strong working relationships with community and healthcare partners.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual, group, and family counseling to support emotional and behavioral health.
Facilitate patient participation in treatment and education activities.
Perform utilization review and develop discharge plans to ensure safe patient transitions.
Collaborate with healthcare team members to coordinate care and resources efficiently.
Interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs, modeling caring practices.
Assess psychosocial risks based on prior functioning, support systems, and coping abilities.
Counsel patients and families on emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness/disability.
Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs.
Conduct mental health assessments upon physician referral and provide therapeutic interventions.
Serve as primary point person for cases involving child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence, coordinating with protective agencies.
Maintain principles and techniques of crisis intervention and de-escalation.
Support guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health placements.
Provide specialized mental health services, including crisis management and addiction assessments.
Lead clinical interventions during dangerous or potentially violent situations, emphasizing safety and de-escalation.
Ensure a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct patients in daily activities and programming.
Document all clinical activities accurately in electronic medical records and MS Office tools.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.