Lead Outpatient Therapist, Behavioral Health

Therapist, Lead Position Summary

The Lead Therapist is responsible for providing and overseeing therapeutic services within the behavioral health setting. This includes conducting therapy sessions, guiding treatment planning, and supervising key aspects of discharge and after-care coordination. The role supports high clinical standards and collaborative care delivery across the interdisciplinary team.

Essential Functions

• Monitor patients for safety and report concerns or potential substance use to the Program Manager.
• Conduct drug screenings as needed, in collaboration with outpatient nursing staff.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions for patients with behavioral health or substance use concerns.
• Actively engage patients in group settings, lead therapeutic discussions, and implement group programming tools and resources.
• Lead treatment planning and revise goals as patient progress is evaluated.
• Oversee patient discharges and develop thorough after-care plans with appropriate follow-up.
• Communicate proactively with patients, families, and referral sources in alignment with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Collaborate consistently with physicians, UR, and nursing staff on patient care and length of stay determinations.
• Complete documentation and assessments, including psychosocial evaluations and outcome measures such as Columbia, BASIS-32, or CABA.
• Participate in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed, and initiate facility code responses per protocol.
• Respond to crisis calls and support patient safety planning as necessary.
• Participate in discharge planning by coordinating appointments, referrals, and hand-offs to aftercare services.
• Support care coordination and assist in group therapy development.
• Ensure all clinical documentation is timely, thorough, and meets regulatory standards.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality and compliance with federal and state behavioral health regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• Reports to: Director of Clinical Services
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Strong clinical experience required; background in chemical dependency and dual diagnosis preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities