Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist Outpatient

Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist – Outpatient

Pathways to Wellness – In-Person; Clarksville, Tennessee
Job Description

Reports To: Clinical Director
Classification: Exempt

Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience; includes paid time off (PTO) and benefits package.

Position Summary

The Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist provides high-quality, client-centered outpatient counseling services consistent with the mission and values of Pathways to Wellness. The therapist upholds all safety protocols, maintains confidentiality, and adheres to all professional, ethical, state, and federal standards. The therapist is responsible for maintaining appropriate Tennessee licensure, supervision (when applicable), and CPR certification.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Provides individual, family, and group therapy as medically necessary and aligned with treatment goals.
• Conducts comprehensive clinical assessments to determine appropriateness for outpatient services and informs diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Develops and updates individualized treatment plans in accordance with state and licensing standards.
• Coordinates discharge planning and continuity of care for clients transitioning to other services or levels of care.
• Makes referrals to primary care providers, specialists, and community agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in the electronic health record.

Client Support & Collaboration

• Creates a therapeutic environment that promotes safety, trust, and high-quality care for clients and their families.
• Engages with clients who are non-compliant with treatment recommendations to encourage successful participation.
• Collaborates with internal team members and external referral sources to support client progress.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings, clinical meetings, and treatment team meetings as required.

Professional Practice

• Maintains professional competence through ongoing continuing education and training.
• Practices in accordance with HIPAA requirements and ethical obligations to protect client privacy.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respects differences in gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, sexual orientation, and other factors relevant to client identity.
• Supports adherence to accreditation and certification standards within the outpatient clinical program.
• Understanding of CPT and ICD10 coding and clinical documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Uses effective verbal and written communication skills in all professional interactions.
• Maintains positive working relationships with clients, coworkers, external partners, and community agencies.
• Uses independent judgment and initiative within policy guidelines.
• Participates in problem-solving and clinical collaboration with colleagues and leadership when needed.

Required Knowledge

• Health care laws and regulations, including HIPAA and relevant accreditation standards.
• Best practices for behavioral health treatment, assessment, and care coordination.
• Principles of program planning, clinical documentation, and professional ethics.
• Understanding of community mental health resources and referral processes.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage caseload efficiently.
• Ability to recognize and solve clinical or procedural problems.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Effective organization, time management, and use of independent judgment.
• Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

Education & Experience Requirements

• LCSW, LMSW, LPC-MHSP, LPC or related Tennessee licensure (or working toward licensure with required supervised hours).
• Minimum 1 year of experience providing counseling services in behavioral health, substance use, or mental health settings (outpatient experience preferred).