Mental Health Psychotherapist

he DBT Psychotherapist provides evidence-based mental health treatment to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families, with a primary focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This clinician will provide individual therapy, family therapy, parenting skills coaching, DBT skills training, group therapy, crisis management, and care coordination for youth clients. Clients may present with emotional dysregulation, suicidal ideation or behaviors, non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, depression/mood disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and related concerns.

Key Responsibilities
Clinical Services

Provide evidence-based psychotherapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and families

Individual therapy with phone coaching options

Family therapy and parenting skills coaching

Group therapy

Crisis intervention and risk management

Consultation and treatment planning

Conduct comprehensive clinical interviews with clients and caregivers

Develop case formulations and individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches

Monitor treatment progress and adjust interventions as clinically indicated

Provide collateral consultation with parents, schools, physicians, psychiatrists, and community providers

Participate in multidisciplinary care coordination with psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and education teams

Maintain appropriate risk assessment and safety planning practices for clients experiencing suicidality, self-harm, or significant emotional dysregulation

Participate in IEP meetings, school consultations, and other educational meetings when clinically indicated

DBT Program Responsibilities

Participate actively on a DBT consultation team

Support the development and maintenance of DBT programming and best practices

Provide education and training to clients, families, clinical staff, and community members regarding DBT principles and skills

Maintain fidelity to DBT treatment models and evidence-based practice standards

Contribute to DBT program development and expansion, quality improvement initiatives, and outcome monitoring

Administrative Responsibilities

Complete all documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, and reports, within established timelines

Meet productivity expectations established by Clinical Services leadership

Attend clinical meetings, consultation groups, clinical case conferences, and other required meetings

Adhere to all legal, ethical, and professional standards governing clinical practice

Maintain commitment to child safety, mandated reporting responsibilities, and professional boundaries

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or related field with active California LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC license

Minimum three (3) years of post-licensure experience working with children, adolescents, and families

Advanced training and experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Demonstrated experience treating high-risk youth, including emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality, and complex mental health presentations

Strong knowledge of DBT principles, interventions, and treatment hierarchy

Expertise in evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents

Knowledge of ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional dysregulation

Strong clinical assessment and case formulation skills

Ability to manage high-risk clinical situations effectively and independently, including 5150 processes

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Strong organizational and time management skills

Familiarity with electronic health records and telehealth platforms

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of intensive DBT training through Behavioral Tech or equivalent recognized training program

Experience providing comprehensive DBT programming including individual therapy, phone coaching, skills groups, family work, and consultation team participation

Experience supervising unlicensed trainees or early-career clinicians

Experience working in pediatric medical, behavioral health, or school-based settings

Experience providing family therapy and parenting skills coaching

Knowledge of child and adolescent development

Experience collaborating with schools and community providers

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods

Ability to occasionally lift and move materials up to 20 pounds

Ability to provide services in-person and via telehealth as clinically indicated

Special Requirements

Afternoon and evening hours in Palo Alto to accommodate clients' school schedules

This is primarily an in-person position

Extensive interpersonal interaction with peer colleagues and external clinic contacts

Strong interpersonal skills including communication, collaboration, openness to feedback, and commitment to ongoing learning

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're a dedicated DBT clinician looking to work with a supportive team and make a meaningful impact on young people's lives, we encourage you to apply. Join us in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to youth and families in our community.

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