Mental Health Therapist Associate

Mental Health Therapist Associate

The Mental Health Therapist Associate is primarily responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered outpatient mental health counseling within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) under clinical supervision consistent with Washington State requirements.

The Mental Health Therapist Associate provides diagnostic assessments, evidence-based treatment, crisis intervention as appropriate, and treatment planning for individuals experiencing behavioral health needs. Services are delivered in accordance with agency policy, FQHC standards, and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requirements for associate-level clinicians.

This position participates in structured clinical supervision toward independent licensure, providing a valuable opportunity for professional growth, skill development, and mentorship. Through regular guidance from a licensed supervisor, the Mental Health Therapist Associate gains hands-on experience in assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions, preparing them for successful full licensure while contributing meaningfully to the FQHCs integrated care team.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

1. Provide individual, family, and/or group counseling using evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches under clinical supervision.
2. Conduct diagnostic assessments, including psychosocial histories and behavioral health screenings, consistent with Washington State WAC requirements for associate-level providers.
3. Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals, updating and reviewing per agency, supervisory, and regulatory timelines. Maintain a patient caseload appropriate to FQHC behavioral health standards and encounter expectations, with regular supervisory review.
4. Deliver crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning when indicated, consulting with supervisor as appropriate.
5. Provide referrals to internal or external services when clinically appropriate.
6. Participate in multidisciplinary care coordination, including consultation with primary care providers, care managers, and nursing staff.
7. Contribute to integrated care workflows, such as warm handoffs, collaborative care, and population-based treatment planning when needed.
8. Communicate patient progress, treatment goals, and recommendations while adhering to HIPAA, WAC, and FQHC regulations. Complete documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with WAC requirements, agency policies, FQHC billing standards, and supervisory expectations.
9. Participate in chart reviews, quality assurance, and performance improvement activities.
10. Provide trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally sensitive services.
11. Promote patient empowerment, recovery, and resilience through shared decision-making and strengths-based care.
12. Support access and reduce barriers for underserved, rural, or high-needs populations consistent with FQHC mission.
13. Attend required supervision, trainings, and team meetings.
14. Maintain active associate-level licensure and progress toward full independent licensure in Washington State.

Clinical supervision is provided by a qualified licensed supervisor in accordance with Washington State licensing requirements. Supervision includes review of clinical cases, documentation, ethical decision-making, professional development, and monitoring of progress toward full licensure. The associate is responsible for tracking supervised hours and meeting state licensure requirements.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health concerns.
• Familiarity with screening and assessment, differential diagnosis, evidence-based psychosocial treatments, and basic knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience with evidence-based counseling techniques (e.g., CBT, DBT, SFT).
• Willingness to work with underserved, transient populations.
• Ability to work with Medicaid eligibility programs.
• Ability to effectively document services in the patient record using Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Electronic Practice Management (EPM) systems.
• Ability to access and use web-based applications, telehealth platforms, and other computer programs.
• Ability to facilitate group-based services for adults and teens within the patient population.

Education and experience required:

Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy or related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.

Eligibility qualifications:

Licensed Independent Professional or Candidate to become licensed in their respective specialty field within 6 months to 1 year of hire date - according to all regulations in Washington State. (RCW 18.225 and WAC 246-809).