Behavioral Therapist

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation: DOE

About the Role

Our client, an established behavioral health organization serving individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs, is seeking a Mental Health Therapist to join its clinical team in Bakersfield.

This position will provide therapeutic support to individuals experiencing a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. The Mental Health Therapist will conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, provide individual and group therapy, respond to crisis needs, and coordinate appropriate resources to support positive treatment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments
• Assess and diagnose mental health and substance use disorders within the scope of professional credentials
• Develop individualized treatment plans, goals, and steps based on client needs and progress
• Provide individual, conjoint, marital/family, and group therapy
• Provide therapeutic services to clients experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders
• Evaluate and respond to crisis situations and psychiatric emergencies, coordinating appropriate referrals when necessary
• Coordinate client services and referrals with community, medical, psychiatric, and behavioral health resources
• Maintain timely and accurate progress notes, treatment documentation, and other required clinical records
• Utilize electronic health record systems to maintain client documentation
• Collaborate with clinical staff, community agencies, and other treatment partners to support continuity of care
• Maintain compliance with applicable confidentiality, documentation, regulatory, and professional standards

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
• California licensure, completed or in process, as an LCSW, MFT/LMFT, or LPCC; OR completion of a Doctorate in a Behavioral Science with eligibility for a licensing waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services
• Candidates hired without an active license must obtain licensure within an acceptable timeframe following hire
• Working knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment principles, diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities, HIPAA and confidentiality standards, and applicable Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations
• Ability to conduct effective clinical interviews and apply appropriate diagnostic and treatment frameworks
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups to support behavioral change
• Proficiency with computers and electronic health record systems
• Valid California driver's license
• Ability to successfully complete required background investigation and fingerprinting

Ideal candidate: A behavioral health professional who is licensed or actively working toward California clinical licensure and has experience providing therapeutic services to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs. Candidates with strong assessment, treatment planning, individual or group therapy, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation experience are encouraged to apply.