Child and Adolescent Therapist

Columbia Mental Health is seeking a compassionate and skilled Child and Adolescent Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team in Washington, DC. In this role, you will provide comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, and their families within a practice known for advanced therapeutic approaches and individualized treatment. You will conduct diagnostic assessments, develop collaborative treatment plans, and deliver individual, family, and group therapy aimed at improving emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. As a Child and Adolescent Therapist, you will complete thorough biopsychosocial evaluations, formulate DSM-5–aligned diagnoses, and create goal-oriented treatment plans tailored to each young person’s developmental level, strengths, and needs. You will utilize a range of evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, trauma-focused CBT, play-based interventions, and family systems approaches. You will regularly monitor progress, adjust interventions, and engage parents and caregivers as partners in care, offering psychoeducation and guidance to support the child’s functioning at home, in school, and in the community. You will work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health professionals to coordinate holistic, integrated care. This includes collaborating on medication management plans, participating in case consultations and case conferences, and providing timely, clear communication to the broader care team. You will complete all required documentation in our electronic health record system, maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant clinical notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries in line with regulatory and organizational standards. Risk assessment and safety planning are essential components of this position. You will identify and respond to concerns such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, aggression, or acute psychiatric crises, using trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate strategies. When indicated, you will coordinate with schools, pediatricians, and community agencies, and help connect families with additional resources and supports. Throughout your work, you will uphold strict confidentiality, ethical standards of practice, and culturally responsive care that respects each child’s background, identity, and lived experience. The culture at Columbia Mental Health is inclusive, supportive, and empathetic. We prioritize innovation and collaboration to improve patient outcomes and encourage staff professional growth. You will participate in regular clinical supervision, team meetings, and multidisciplinary case reviews, and you will have opportunities to contribute to program development, quality improvement initiatives, and the implementation of emerging therapeutic approaches. Our environment emphasizes continuous learning, and you will have access to trainings, workshops, and professional development resources to deepen your expertise in child and adolescent mental health. Working at Columbia Mental Health offers the chance to engage with leading mental health professionals and contribute meaningfully to holistic patient care. You will help shape treatment experiences for children and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and other emotional or developmental concerns. This role is well suited for a therapist who is collaborative, curious, and motivated to grow in a setting that values both clinical excellence and human connection. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, and support for licensure maintenance and ongoing education. The ideal candidate holds at least a master’s degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a closely related field, and is licensed or license-eligible in Washington, DC (such as LICSW, LPC, or LMFT). Prior experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and families in outpatient, community, or hospital-based settings is expected. Comfort working with diverse populations, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. This position follows a primarily outpatient schedule with some flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement, including in-person services and limited telehealth, to best meet patient needs and support work-life balance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Columbia Mental Health