Behavioral Health Counselor MS Licensed

Indiana University Health; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Counselor MS Licensed to join the M-Neuroscience Center in Indianapolis. The role focuses on patient involvement in treatment through individual, group, and family counseling, discharge planning, and crisis intervention within a collaborative care team.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a mental health field and current Indiana licensure (LCSW/LMHC/LMFT/LCAC/HSPP), with 3–5 years of healthcare or mental health experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• 3–5 years of healthcare or mental health experience.
• Current Indiana license (LCSW/LMHC/LMFT/LCAC/HSPP).
• Crisis intervention certification (may be required).
• BLS certification (may be required).
• Knowledge of CBT, MI, DBT.
• Understanding of disease processes and social needs.
• Proficiency with EMRs and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual, group, and family counseling to support emotional and behavioral health.
• Facilitate patient participation in treatment and education activities.
• Perform utilization review and discharge planning for safe transitions.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to coordinate care and resources.
• Assess psychosocial risks and communicate patient and family needs.
• Coordinate with protective services for child/elder abuse cases.
• Lead crisis intervention and de-escalation in dangerous situations.
• Document clinical activities in EMR and MS Office.

Skills

Crisis intervention knowledge

CBT knowledge

MI knowledge

DBT knowledge

EMR proficiency

MS Office proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in a mental health field

Tools

Electronic Medical Records

MS Office

Job description

Overview

The Behavioral Health Counselor facilitates patient involvement in treatment and education through individual, group, and family counseling. This role includes discharge planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure safe, timely, and resource-supported care. The counselor also serves as a liaison for protective services and provides specialized mental health interventions for diverse patient needs.

Position Title: Behavioral Health Counselor MS Licensed

Location: IUHMG M-Neuroscience Center

Shift: Full-Time Day

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct individual, group, and family counseling to support emotional and behavioral health.
• Facilitate patient participation in treatment and education activities.
• Perform utilization review and develop discharge plans to ensure safe patient transitions.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to coordinate care and resources efficiently.
• Interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs, modeling caring practices.
• Assess psychosocial risks based on prior functioning, support systems, and coping abilities.
• Counsel patients and families on emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness/disability.
• Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs.
• Conduct mental health assessments upon physician referral and provide therapeutic interventions.
• Serve as primary point person for cases involving child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence, coordinating with protective agencies.
• Maintain principles and techniques of crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Support guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health placements.
• Provide specialized mental health services, including crisis management and addiction assessments.
• Lead clinical interventions during dangerous or potentially violent situations, emphasizing safety and de-escalation.
• Ensure a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct patients in daily activities and programming.
• Document all clinical activities accurately in electronic medical records and MS Office tools.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in a mental health field such as Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related discipline.
• 3-5 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience.
• Current license in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, or HSPP.
• Certification in crisis intervention (may be required).
• BLS certification (may be required).
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT).
• Understanding of the disease process and human behavior related to social needs.
• Knowledge of legal mandates for protective services.
• Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct daily activities.
• Proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office applications.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with community and healthcare partners.

Why IU Health?

Join Indiana's leading healthcare system committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. We offer opportunities for professional development, a collaborative team environment, and a focus on improving community health.

We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.