LICENSED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST, OUTPATIENT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist, Outpatient will provide behavioral health assessment, determine safety, provide supportive psychotherapy, and recommend outpatient treatment under the direction of the ambulatory provider. Specifically, the role involves initial psychiatric consultations, crisis management, therapeutic support, and psychotherapy for patients across all inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings for Cook County Health (CCH). This is a grant-funded position, with Grant 2025 CCH HIV SVCS-POP CENT H H-HRSA set to expire on February 28th, 2026, with potential for renewal.

Requirements

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university focusing on clinical concentration on mental health is required
License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW), License Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFP) in the State of Illinois OR the ability to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to starting this employment is required
Two (2) years of experience performing individual therapy to individuals who have mental illness in a mental health setting, which includes experience gained during training/internship is required
Experience using evidence-based counseling techniques (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CST) or Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is required
Must be eligible to successfully complete Credentialing is required

Nice To Haves

Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is preferred
Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health, substance abuse, and physical health problems is preferred

Responsibilities

Supports and closely coordinates mental health care with the patients' provider and, when appropriate, other treating mental health providers.
Screens and assesses patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications.
Support psychotropic medication management prescribed by patient’s providers, focusing on treatment adherence, side effects and other complications, and effectiveness of treatment.
Provides brief interventions using evidence-based techniques such as Behavioral Activation, Problem-Solving Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, or other treatments appropriate for primary care settings.
Participates in regularly scheduled (usually weekly) caseload consultation with the Psychiatric Consultant and communicate resulting treatment recommendations to the patient's provider.
Mentors staff on clinical cases and professional development.
Facilitates treatment plan changes for patients who are not improving as expected in consultation with the provider and the Psychiatric Consultant; may include changes in medications or psychosocial treatments or appropriate referrals for additional services.
Assesses information, apply critical thinking to determine course of action, and relay this information to patients, families, and clinical staff in a professional and compassionate manner.
Identifies professional goals and enhances job-related skills through staff development activities. Remains current on trends in clinical theory and evidence-based practice. Stays abreast of policies and procedures, pertaining to crisis/behavioral health acts accordingly.
Actively participates in team activities, in the larger hospital and in the community in ways that make a positive contribution to team operations. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with all staff, trainees, and patients at all times.