Psychology, Psychologist in Child Acute Behavioral Health Unit-Oklahoma City

Job Description

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Oklahoma Children's Hospital is seeking a  Psychologist to join our expanding Behavioral Health Center.  The licensed psychologist (or license-eligible psychologist) in the State of Oklahoma will provide care as part of our growing healthcare system and will be an essential part of the interdisciplinary team at OU Health by providing assessment, treatment, and consultation for individuals with behavioral health needs that may be associated with their health conditions.

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Psychologist in Child Acute Behavioral Health Unit

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General Description

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The Oklahoma Childrens Hospital Behavioral Health Center seeks psychologists experienced in Child acute behavioral health treatment to provide empirically supported assessment and treatment of children who present with serious mental illness, and complex behavioral problems in the context of acute psychiatry services. The purpose of psychologists in Child acute care is to demonstrate leadership in the areas of clinical service, research, and excellence in the provision of care for youth and families with serious behavioral health difficulties in the context of acute psychiatric services. The roles of the Psychologist in the Child Acute Behavioral Health Unit at Oklahoma Childrens Hospital Behavioral Health Center include oversight of individualized consultation and assessment of behavioral interventions across the Child acute units, partial hospitalization program, and intensive outpatient program, as well as collaboration with a team of masters level Behavioral Health Consultants and supporting multi-disciplinary treatment teams. Other responsibilities are dedicated to training and development of direct-care staff competence in implementing behavioral strategies across the inpatient system, as well as supervision of trainees in psychology. The psychologist is integral to the multidisciplinary patient team including psychiatrists, pediatricians, advanced nurse practitioners, therapist(s), behavioral health technicians, speech therapist(s), occupational therapist(s), social worker(s), nurses, medical residents, and support staff. Involvement in other academic activities include research, clinical supervision and mentoring of psychology and medical learners, and program development.  

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Clinical Responsibilities  

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• Provide pediatric psychology/behavioral health services focusing on child patients with behavioral health complexities: This includes psychological assessment, short-term intervention, and consultation/liaison services.
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• Provide crisis-focused individual and family interventions, risk and lethality assessments, and diagnostic assessments.
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• May facilitate evidence-based skills groups (e.g. DBT, CBT) on the inpatient psychiatric units or within other programs, such as PHP or our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
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• Provide ongoing therapy services for patients and families within treatment programs.
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• Participate in inter-disciplinary rounds and case conferences, provide consultation and collaboration in development of treatment plans.
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• Provide consultation services to the multidisciplinary care team. 
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• Assist with the development and dissemination of psychoeducational resources for patients. 
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• Participate in treatment team meetings to address program flow and operation procedures.
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• Obtain 20 pediatric psychology continuing education credits (3 in ethics) to meet Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists licensure requirements related to declared specialty.
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• Complete documentation within 48 hours of the date services rendered. 
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Administrative Responsibilities  

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• Provide oversight and ensure excellence in behavioral health services. 
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• Engage in quality improvement, program development, and research related to clinical interests that enhance behavioral health services. 
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• Support development, coordination, and implementation of psychological services. 
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• Develop partnerships with community mental health organizations.
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• Ensure adherence to OU Health standards of service and practice. 
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• Develop screening processes to meet standards of care and Medicaid requirements.
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• Lead huddles/meetings of team members to improve patient care. 
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Academic Responsibilities   

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• Be eligible for a faculty appointment in the Department of Pediatrics and/or Department of Psychiatry. 
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• Provide supervision and mentoring of psychology practicum students, interns, and residents. 
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• Participate in development and implementation of psychology trainee performance evaluations.
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• Involvement in the teaching and research supervision of medical residents, interns, and students.
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• Collaborate in securing extramural funding to support programs.
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• Serve as primary investigators on research projects approved by the IRB and disseminate research findings at the local and national levels.
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Qualifications  

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• Doctoral degree (PhD/ PsyD) in clinical, counseling, or school psychology. 
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• Completion of an APA/CPA accredited internship.
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• Licensed as a Health Service psychologist in the state of Oklahoma.
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• Specialized training, such as postdoctoral residency/ fellowship in clinical child, pediatric, or acute care psychology.
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• Clinical experiences and advanced competencies in the specialty area of acute psychiatric care
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• Competency in administration, scoring, report writing and feedback of psychological assessments including intellectual, adaptive, executive, and academic functioning as well as symptom specific and personality assessment measures.
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• Competency in evidenced based treatments including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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• Experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including evidence-based interventions for common psychological problems, physical health issues, and prevention.
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• Experience in an integrated care setting. 
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• Experience in research, research training, or program development.
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• Demonstrated potential to contribute to the OU Health missions of patient care, education, and research.
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Compensation & Benefits

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• Salary: Competitive starting salary based on experience
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• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% employer match + additional 3% employer contribution
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• Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage
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• Relocation assistance available
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About Oklahoma City

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Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the U.S., home to over 1.4 million residents. The city offers the perfect blend of affordability, cultural richness, and opportunity. With top-rated schools, short commutes, diverse dining, and a welcoming community, it's an exceptional place for families and professionals.

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In 2025,  U.S. News & World Report ranked Oklahoma City the #1 Best Big City to Live in the nation, citing its affordability, strong job market, and vibrant cultural amenities. Becker's ASC Review also reports that Oklahoma City has the fastest-growing physician salaries among major U.S. cities (6.3% increase).

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