Behavioral Health Therapist Associate

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports mental health programs and initiatives developed through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, with a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of mental health care for children and adolescents across Texas. This position includes structured clinical supervision to support progression toward independent licensure in Texas: an LPC-Associate must be supervised by an LPC-S, and an LMSW by an LCSW-S, in accordance with state rules. The Behavioral Health Therapist, Associate (LPC-Associate or LMSW) supports children and adolescents enrolled in programs like the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, which provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Under the supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor consistent with the appropriate licensure (LCSW-S or LPC-S), the therapist associate provides counseling and care management using a patient-centered, collaborative approach with an interdisciplinary team. Key responsibilities include conducting behavioral and mental health assessments, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and participating in team-based consultations to support comprehensive care. The therapist associate works with program patients, guardians, and schools to improve a child’s overall functioning through evidence-based care. This position has an end date of 8/31/2027, but may be renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward goals. Funding is expected to continue. A flexible working arrangement agreement will be required upon offer.

Requirements

Requires a Master's Degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Psychology or a related field.
1000 hours towards full clinical licensure.
Experience working with children, adolescents, and/or family systems.
Current licensure in the State of Texas as one of the following: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate)
Eligibility for clinical supervision under an LPC-S or LCSW-S toward LCSW or LPC licensure.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Proficiency in at least one electronic medical records systems (e.g. Epic, Athena).
Experience with telehealth platforms and school-based interventions.

Responsibilities

Conducts Behavioral Health Assessments and Provides Psychotherapy: Under the supervision of an LPC-S or LCSW-S (consistent with the appropriate licensure), completes biopsychosocial assessments using CBT, motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, and other clinically indicated modalities.
Develops and implements individualized treatment plans.
Provides individual and family psychotherapy.
Participates in screening, tracking, and reporting of patient outcomes.
Documents all clinical interactions in accordance with ethical, federal, and state standards.
Provides Interdisciplinary Consultation and Clinical Expertise: Offers discipline-specific knowledge to interdisciplinary teams.
Advises on mental health, cultural competency, and social determinants of health.
Contributes to innovative approaches for behavioral health management.
Participates in value-based care and research initiatives.
Supports operational improvements in patient care.
Delivers School-Based Support and Care Management: Provides clinical support to interdisciplinary teams coordinating services for schools, guardians, and patients.
Shares insights on life factors affecting mental health and medical conditions.
Helps school staff, guardians, and patients build coping strategies and psychological skills to improve the patient’s daily functioning.
Connects patients to community mental health services and other resources.
Offers evidence-based consultation to schools on campus mental health needs.
Builds Collaborative Networks and Community Relationships: Develops and maintains relationships with community behavioral health providers.
Maintains a collaborative approach with clinical team members and professional communities.
Engages in Professional Development and Supervision: Takes part in departmental meetings and continuing education.
Engages in academic and research opportunities.
Participates in clinical supervision under an LPC-S or LCSW-S, consistent with licensure and experience.
Contributes to interdepartmental collaboration and best practice development.
Assists with crisis intervention and safety planning during acute episodes.
Participates in community outreach and mental health education events.
Provides input on program development and evaluation.
Performs other related duties as assigned.