Primary Therapist

Job Summary:

The Primary Therapist serves a critical role by administering comprehensive therapeutic interventions for individuals impacted with co-occurring disorders. This position is responsible for conducting thorough assessments, devising personalized treatment plans, and implementing evidence-based therapy modalities tailored to address both substance abuse and mental health issues. This position collaborates closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the seamless delivery of integrated care, fostering communication and coordination among professionals involved in clients' treatment journeys. Drawing upon expertise in therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care, this position provides empathetic support to clients as they navigate the complexities of recovery. Additionally, this position is responsible for maintaining meticulous documentation, actively participates in treatment team meetings, and remains aware of advancements in dual-diagnosis treatment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts Comprehensive Assessments: Performs thorough evaluations of clients' substance abuse and mental health histories, including diagnostic interviews, assessment tools, and collateral information gathering.
• Develops Individualized Treatment Plans: Collaborates with clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs, integrating goals related to substance abuse recovery and mental health stabilization.
• Implements Evidence-Based Therapy Modalities: Administers evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care, to address both substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Provides Individual and Group Therapy: Conducts regular individual therapy sessions to address clients' specific concerns and facilitates group therapy sessions to promote peer support, skill-building, and relapse prevention.
• Monitors Progress and Modifies Treatment: Continuously assesses clients' progress throughout the treatment process, adjusting interventions as needed to optimize outcomes and address emerging needs or challenges.
• Coordinates Care with Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborates closely with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care delivery, sharing relevant information and participating in treatment planning meetings.
• Educates Clients and Families: Provides psychoeducation to clients and their families about substance abuse, mental health disorders, treatment options, coping skills, and resources for ongoing support.
• Maintains Accurate Documentation: Documents all client interactions, treatment plans, progress notes, and treatment outcomes in compliance with contract, funding agency, organizational policy, and/or regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Participates in Professional Development: Remains updated on current research, best practices, and emerging trends in the fields of substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling through ongoing training, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Advocates for Clients' Needs: Advocates for clients' rights and access to quality care within the healthcare system, assisting them in navigating barriers to treatment and advocating for appropriate services and support.
• Promotes Wellness and Recovery: Fosters a strengths-based, recovery-oriented approach that empowers clients to achieve their goals, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives free from substance abuse and mental health interference.
• Performs specimen collection and drug testing as required.
• Transports clients when necessary.
• Complies with all program rules, policies and procedures including HIPAA standards

Education and/or Work Experience Requirement:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field 
• Active or registered intern status with State Licensing agency.
• Active Insurance Panels Preferred
• Meet all necessary state licensure requirements (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
• 2+ years of clinical experience, ideally working directly with clients Required licenses or certifications:
• Provisional or independent state licensure for behavioral health.
• TN Driver's License
• CPR/First Aid Physical Requirements:
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Personal Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to actively listen.
• Solid relationship-building capabilities.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize needs.
• Willingness to stay updated on new treatments, protocols, and licensure requirements within the field.
• Passion for advancing the therapy field.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• If in recovery, must have at least two years of sustained recovery.