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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Licensed Clinical Therapist

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

HealthcareMental HealthSocial ServicesTherapyCounseling

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Therapist passionate about empowering individuals to achieve mental and emotional wellness? This role requires a skilled professional to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the cornerstone of our clients' therapeutic journey, providing high-quality, evidence-based care to a diverse population. You will have the autonomy to manage a caseload while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive and integrated care. This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community, fostering resilience, growth, and hope.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Associate Social Worker (ASW)
  • Associate Professional Counselor (APC) or Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC-I)
  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)

Advancement To:

  • Clinical Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Program Director or Clinical Manager
  • Private Practice Owner or Group Practice Partner

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Wellness Consultant
  • School-Based Mental Health Specialist
  • Healthcare Case Management Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and diagnostic assessments to accurately identify client needs, presenting problems, and diagnoses using the DSM-5-TR criteria.
  • Develop, implement, and periodically review collaborative and individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives tailored to each client's unique situation.
  • Provide high-quality individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions utilizing a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR.
  • Maintain a full caseload of clients, ensuring consistent and effective delivery of therapeutic services and monitoring client engagement and progress.
  • Perform immediate crisis intervention, risk assessment, and de-escalation for clients experiencing acute distress, including developing and implementing robust safety plans.
  • Meticulously maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, in compliance with all legal, ethical, and agency standards.
  • Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, case managers, and medical staff, to coordinate client care and participate in case conferences.
  • Act as a client advocate, providing comprehensive case management services to connect clients with essential community resources, including housing, employment, and social services.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups on topics such as anger management, coping skills, mindfulness, and relapse prevention.
  • Uphold strict confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA regulations and professional ethical guidelines established by state licensing boards and professional organizations.
  • Administer and interpret various clinical screening tools and psychological assessments to inform diagnosis and measure treatment outcomes.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain clinical licensure by attending workshops, trainings, and seeking continuing education units (CEUs).
  • Provide culturally competent and sensitive therapeutic services to a diverse client population, recognizing and respecting individual differences in background, identity, and values.
  • Assess for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions, providing integrated treatment or appropriate referrals for specialized care.
  • Participate actively in regular clinical supervision, peer consultation, and team meetings to review cases, enhance clinical skills, and ensure quality assurance.
  • Communicate with insurance companies for treatment authorization and utilization reviews, effectively articulating the medical necessity of services.
  • Establish and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance with clients, fostering an environment of trust, safety, and non-judgment.
  • Contribute to program development initiatives by providing clinical insights and feedback to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
  • Manage client discharge planning, ensuring a smooth transition of care and providing appropriate aftercare referrals and resources.
  • Respond to clinical emergencies and provide on-call support as needed, demonstrating sound judgment and decisive action under pressure.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in community outreach and mental health awareness events to promote services and reduce stigma.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to clinical interns, students, or newly licensed professionals within the organization.
  • Contribute to the development and revision of clinical policies, procedures, and best practice guidelines.
  • Assist in quality improvement projects and data collection for program evaluation and reporting purposes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expertise in Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis (DSM-5-TR)
  • Proficiency in Evidence-Based Practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing)
  • Advanced Treatment Planning and Goal Formulation
  • Crisis Intervention and Suicide Risk Assessment
  • Psychotherapy Techniques (Individual, Group, and Family)
  • Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping (EHR/EMR Systems)
  • Case Management and Resource Navigation
  • Knowledge of HIPAA, State Laws, and Ethical Codes
  • Safety Planning and De-escalation Strategies
  • Administration and Interpretation of Clinical Screening Tools

Soft Skills

  • Empathy, Compassion, and Strong Rapport-Building
  • Exceptional Active Listening and Communication Skills
  • Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking
  • Cultural Competency and Humility
  • Professionalism and Strong Ethical Boundaries
  • Patience, Resilience, and Emotional Regulation
  • Adaptability and Flexibility in a dynamic environment
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented Mindset
  • Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice
  • Time Management and Organizational Skills

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Master's Degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field.
  • Active, unrestricted clinical licensure in the state of practice (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT).

Preferred Education:

  • Doctorate (PsyD, PhD) in Psychology or related field.
  • Additional certifications in specialized modalities (e.g., Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified DBT Clinician).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Marriage and Family Therapy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of post-licensure experience providing direct clinical services.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience working with specific populations (e.g., adolescents, veterans, individuals with severe and persistent mental illness).
  • Demonstrated experience in both individual and group therapy settings.
  • Experience with crisis management and higher levels of care.
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