Behavioral Health Therapist

Behavioral Health Professional

As part of the psychiatry care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) identifies, assesses, treats, documents and manages patients with medical and behavioral health problems. In addition, this BHP will utilize skills training through psycho-education and patient education strategies to develop patient self-management and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients using best practice and evidence based treatment interventions. The BHP is a core member of a collaborative team, including the patient's psychiatrist and the psychiatric nurse. The BHP is responsible for supporting, coordinating and treating the mental health of patients on an assigned caseload, while also providing crisis intervention and short-term consultation for patients in urgent need of same-day contact.

The BHP assesses the clinical status of patients referred by the psychiatric or primary care provider. Assists in the detection of "at risk" patients and intervenes to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration. Consults with the psychiatric provider as necessary, and refers cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term specialty care as appropriate. Facilitates and ensures patient engagement and follow-up care. Works with psychiatric care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively. Provides cognitive-behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques. Assists in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time.

The BHP uses assessment tools with patients to assist in identifying concerns, triaging, and outcomes measurement. Systematically documents treatment response and monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Improves clinical outcomes with high prevalence medical and mental health conditions. Connects with new and established patients regarding person-centered care model and care team information. Evaluates patient care plans with psychiatric care team and develops appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Performs coding/billing following appropriate guidelines.

The BHP assists in program development for groups (e.g., depression, pain, insomnia, stress, etc.). Obtains and keeps available patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders and local available treatment options for distribution and education of patients and their family.

The BHP tracks patient follow up and clinical outcomes. Documents patient progress and treatment recommendations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems so as to be shared with medical providers, psychiatric team members and other treating professionals.

Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources. Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the health system (e.g., social services such as housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment).

Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.

Identify the need for and conduct family meetings, with or without the physician, that result in understanding, comfort, decision-making, and other important outcomes.

Integrate relevant theories of family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths based, solution focused, and meaning of illness into everyday casework.

Summarize a patient and family situation concisely, with helpful guidance to non-behavioral health staff members about recommendations for actions to be taken and barriers to wellness.

Actively participate in scheduled caseload consultations with psychiatric providers and communicates recommendations to the patient's medical provider or primary care team. Consultations will focus on patients new to the caseload and those who are not improving as expected under the current treatment plan.

Accepts accountability for the clinical outcomes.

Maintains timely, clear and concise documentation in all required systems.

Provides pertinent clinical data to designated outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements.

Assures compliance with regulatory requirements and acts a resource/liaison to physicians and other staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities.

Actively participates in practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities as scheduled. Provides education/training to practice staff when requested.

Builds professional relationships with patient, families, facilities and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes.

Completes formal outreach and training to other providers including community education as requested. Provides de-escalation and crisis intervention, and Identifies high risk patients and addresses opportunities for intervention.

Willingly and consistently offer to help peers as needed. Communicates teamwork, caring and compassion. Sustains productivity expectations established by Director.

Provide excellent customer service with internal and external customers.

Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for maintenance of professional licensure.

Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures.

All other duties as assigned

Certifications and Licensures

MSW: Masters of Social Work Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, Limited Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working to obtain full licensure, and obtain it within one year of employment.

Required Education

Masters degree is required

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.