Mental Health Therapist - BH Crisis Center - FT (Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm)

University Health

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Therapist provides clinical screening, assessment, and service coordination within the Hospital Diversion/Emergency Room Enhancement Program, a short-term bridge to ongoing care for people with complex and intersecting behavioral health, physical health, substance use, and basic support needs. The therapist determines whether individuals are appropriate for program services, identifies presenting needs and risk factors, and guides individualized short-term stabilization and care coordination. The role includes conducting clinical screenings and risk assessments, developing diagnostic impressions using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), providing crisis intervention when appropriate, and recommending services and referrals in accordance with program criteria and identified needs. The therapist provides clinical guidance on service planning and interventions, collaborating with the case manager to coordinate care, address treatment barriers, and connect individuals with community resources and ongoing supports. Using sound clinical judgment, evidence-informed practices, and a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach, the therapist supports stabilization and transitions from the emergency department or Crisis Center to ongoing treatment. The position also involves outreach, follow-up, and case management to encourage service engagement, continuity of care, and reduced barriers to participation. The therapist collaborates with hospital personnel, Crisis Center staff, case managers, behavioral health and substance use treatment providers, and other community partners to coordinate care, support transitions between settings, promote appropriate use of crisis and hospital services, and reduce avoidable emergency department utilization.

Requirements

Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, family therapy, or a related field.
Hold or be working toward one of the following Missouri licenses: LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PLPC, LMSW, or PLMFT.
If not yet licensed, agree to begin the licensing process upon hire and complete required steps under supervision.
Knowledge of mental health terminology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
Basic research skills and a solid understanding of mental health theory and practice.
Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
Good judgment, adaptability, and leadership qualities.
Complete training as assigned during onboarding.
If driving is part of the role, meet and maintain company driving policy standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct clinical screenings and risk assessments.
Develop diagnostic impressions using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Provide crisis intervention as appropriate.
Determine recommended services and referrals based on program criteria and individuals’ identified needs.
Provide clinical guidance regarding service planning and interventions.
Collaborate with the case manager to coordinate care, address treatment barriers, and connect individuals with community resources and ongoing supports.
Use evidence-informed practices and a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach to support stabilization and transitions to ongoing treatment.
Conduct outreach, follow-up, and case management activities to promote engagement, continuity of care, and participation in treatment.
Collaborate with hospital personnel, Crisis Center staff, case managers, treatment providers, and community partners to coordinate services and transitions across care settings.
Promote appropriate use of crisis and hospital services, strengthen connections to community-based care, and reduce avoidable emergency department utilization.