Primary Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

Location: Nexus Children's Hospital – Shenandoah
Schedule: Full-Time

About Nexus Children's Hospital – Shenandoah

Nexus Children's Hospital – Shenandoah is a 50-bed specialty inpatient hospital providing advanced, integrated care for children and adolescents with complex medical and behavioral health needs. Our hospital serves patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chronic medical conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and co-occurring behavioral challenges.
We bridge medical and behavioral care so no child falls through the cracks—because at Nexus, we're mending minds.

Position Summary

The Psychotherapist provides direct clinical services to adolescents with co-occurring psychiatric and medical needs through individual, group, and family psychotherapy. This role works closely with the interdisciplinary treatment team to assess mental health needs, develop individualized treatment plans, support behavioral stabilization, and promote successful transition to the next level of care.

Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Care & Treatment Planning

• Develop, monitor, and document individualized mental health treatment goals as part of each patient's interdisciplinary treatment plan.

• Provide evidence-based individual, group, milieu, and family psychotherapy aligned with program standards and the patient's treatment needs.

• Conduct ongoing assessments to identify behavioral or psychiatric concerns interfering with rehabilitation or medical progress.

• Schedule and coordinate 1–2 weekly individual sessions and 1 family session per treatment plan expectations.

• Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences and collaborate closely with medical, psychiatric, and therapy staff.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Coordinate interventions with the full care team to ensure consistent, effective treatment across a specialized psychiatric-medical inpatient setting.

• Provide timely communication and clinical updates to the Program Director and Program Medical Director regarding treatment progress, concerns, and recommendations.

• Assist in establishing caseload and weekly group coverage with guidance from the Program Director.

• Contribute to discharge planning by providing recommendations and supporting transitions to outpatient, residential, or community-based care.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation for all therapeutic sessions and patient encounters.

• Ensure alignment with facility policies, regulatory standards, and program expectations.

• Present professionally when representing the hospital to families, referral sources, and community partners.

Staff Support & Education

• Provide both formal and informal guidance to staff regarding de-escalation techniques, psychoeducation, and effective clinical strategies.

• Support staff in managing behavioral concerns in a medically complex setting.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging research and therapeutic best practices related to adolescent psychiatric and behavioral health care.

• Participate in program development meetings to assess treatment fidelity and make recommendations for program refinement.

• Contribute to efforts that enhance the effectiveness, safety, and therapeutic quality of services delivered.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support clinical operations and patient care.

QualificationsEducation

• Master's degree required in a behavioral health field (e.g., Counseling, Social Work, Psychology).

Experience

• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring behavioral and therapeutic treatment programs.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an inpatient hospital or rehabilitation setting preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Must hold one of the following: LPC, LMSW, or LCSW.

• BLS certification required (must remain current).

• Must maintain all licensure and credentials in good standing throughout employment.

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