Licensed Mental Health Therapist

The Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHT) plays a key role in supporting the health and well-being of medically complex patients in an outpatient setting. This position emphasizes a whole-person approach to care, integrating the social determinants of health into comprehensive, individualized treatment planning.

Working in close collaboration with primary care and specialty programs, including behavioral health, chronic pain management, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the LMHT helps establish long-term goals aimed at improving patient quality of life. Treatment plans address a range of behavioral health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and include non-pharmacologic and complementary therapies for symptom management.

The LMHT utilizes evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, to ensure the delivery of effective, culturally responsive, and person-centered mental health support.

Building and maintaining positive, professional relationships with Tribal community members, Tribal staff, licensed medical providers, and external government agency personnel is essential for this role. In addition to direct clinical care, the LMHT may participate in program improvement initiatives and works in partnership with Quality Improvement teams to promote best practices, enhance care delivery, and support continuous improvement in patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

Provide age and culturally appropriate comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments for mental health, substance abuse, and medical needs in the primary care setting.

Provide direct services to patients including screening, assessment, brief intervention, and appropriate referrals.

Utilize evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, to support patient care.

Provide education and training to patients, families, and staff on specific behavioral health issues.

Provide liaison services, support, and referrals to hospital resources and community agencies, including medication assistance programs.

Collaborate with specialty care services (e.g., BH, MAT, Chronic Disease Management) to develop and facilitate the group visit model.

Collaborate with Quality Improvement teams to support data collection, process improvement, and the implementation of best practices in behavioral health care.

Provide consultation and feedback to primary care providers.

Complete patient behavioral records, including progress notes within 48 hours of patient encounters, and respond to inbox messages within 72 hours.

Develop and maintain familiarity with MH/SA related psychopharmacology, and assist in identifying, developing, and integrating new BH treatment opportunities for MH/SA patients when possible.

Remain current on local and regional resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment, developing collaborative relationships where possible.

Participate in outreach educational activities in the community as assigned.

When necessary, independently conduct patient telehealth visits using a secure video conferencing platform provided by the JFHC IT department.

Ability to work independently, manage a flexible schedule, and effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, both in the clinic and while working remotely.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate effectively with colleagues and patients in person and remotely. This includes proficiency in using communication tools such as video conferencing platforms, and instant messaging.

Participate in ongoing discussions to improve the quality and organization of patient records and care plans.

Participate in all JFHC meetings and training as directed or assigned.

Work collaboratively with colleagues in Primary and specialty care teams, BH, and Chronic Disease Management services.

Adhere to all JST and JFHC policies and procedures, including standards for safety, and work practices as described in the JFHC Occupational Exposure Control Plan and HIPAA.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work along with licensure at the LICSW, LMPHP or LMFT level and three (3) years post licensure experience.

Must possess knowledge of counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and have the ability to make independent judgment related to counseling as a direct service is essential.

Experience in group facilitation and collaborative care planning.

Must maintain relevant Washington state Professional License.

Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.

Excellent organizational, coordination, and management skills with experience working in simultaneous, often diverse programs to effectively manage time, resources and client caseload.

Analyze, evaluate and diagnose situations and adopt effective plans of action.

Assess physical and mental health concerns.

Demonstrates strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suites, as well as knowledge of data management (EMR) and analysis.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, including effective verbal and written communication with demonstrated willingness to work within a team environment.

Knowledge of and the ability to apply ethical, legal, and regulatory standards specific to social services, mental health practice, and professional licensure requirements.

Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations impacting healthcare, behavioral health services, and patient rights.

Demonstrate initiative, work independently with little supervision.

Knowledge of Indian culture and communities.

Ability to travel locally and regionally as assigned.

Must maintain a valid Washington state driver’s license with insurance.

Must be able to successfully pass criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of office administrative operations, including personnel management, and compliance.