LEAD THERAPIST (LICENSED)

Universal Health Services; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous paid time off

Excellent medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Laurel Heights Hospital in Atlanta, GA seeks a Team Lead Therapist to provide clinical leadership on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit and oversee treatment planning and staff supervision. The role collaborates with physicians, nursing, and external stakeholders to support stabilization and transition to the next level of care.

Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree in a related field, active clinical licensure, and at least 3 years of psychiatric/behavioral health experience with leadership

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a related clinical field.
• Independent clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist) preferred where applicable.
• Minimum 3 years of psychiatric/behavioral health experience; leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and ensure individualized, measurable treatment plans.
• Mentor and supervise therapists, interns, and staff; oversee scheduling and workflow for the clinical team.
• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, nurses, and case managers; monitor length of stay and discharge planning.
• Ensure documentation compliance with Joint Commission/CARF, CMS, and state regulations; conduct chart audits and quality initiatives.
• Facilitate family sessions and external communications; promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Team leadership

Trauma-informed care

EMR proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Responsibilities

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR LEAD THERAPIST (FULL-TIME)

Laurel Heights Hospital is a 112-bed facility located in Atlanta Ga. We are dedicated to providing youth with compassionate mental health treatment that encourages self-responsibility and personal growth. We provide psychiatric treatment to children and adolescents that present with a broad range of psychiatric, behavioral disorders and autism. A clinically skilled multidisciplinary team works to partner with the youth and family to accomplish their goals in a supportive and therapeutic environment.

Much more online at http://www.laurelheightshospital.com

JOB DESCRIPTION

Team Lead Therapist

Position Summary

The Team Lead Therapist provides clinical leadership and oversight for the therapeutic services on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. This role is responsible for coordinating treatment planning, supervising assigned therapists, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining high-quality, trauma-informed care. The Team Lead Therapist collaborates with physicians, nursing, behavioral staff, and external stakeholders to support patient stabilization, safety, and successful transition to the next level of care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Leads daily multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and ensures individualized treatment plans are clinically sound and measurable.
• Provides clinical guidance and mentorship to assigned therapists, interns, and behavioral health staff.
• Reviews biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries for quality and compliance.
• Ensures therapeutic interventions align with evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care principles.
• Assists with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and risk assessment as needed.
• May have a partial caseload to assist with patient overflow

Program Coordination

• Oversees group therapy programming and ensures appropriate therapeutic milieu on the unit.
• Coordinates care with psychiatrists, nurses, BCBAs/RBTs, case managers, and admissions staff.
• Monitors length of stay, barriers to discharge, and aftercare planning.
• Facilitates family sessions, collateral contacts, and community coordination.

Supervision and Staff Development

• Provides formal and informal supervision to therapists, including case consultation and documentation coaching.
• Supports scheduling, coverage, and workflow management for the clinical team.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensures documentation meets standards of The Joint Commission/CARF, CMS, state regulations, and facility policy.
• Conducts chart audits and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
• Completes risk notifications, incident reviews, and clinical follow-up as required.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and facility policies.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serves as a liaison between clinical services and other hospital departments.
• Communicates effectively with guardians, families, external providers, DFCS/court systems when applicable.
• Models professional behavior and promotes a culture of respect, safety, and recovery.

Benefits for this position include:

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or related field.

Licensure

• Independent clinical license required (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist).
• Clinical supervision credential preferred where applicable.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in psychiatric or behavioral health settings.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with acute/crisis populations strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Knowledge of DSM-5, risk assessment, and level-of-care criteria
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
• Proficiency with EMR systems

Physical and Work Environment

• Fast-paced inpatient psychiatric environment
• May require participation in behavioral interventions and crisis response
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use computer for extended periods

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely completion of assessments and treatment plans
• Quality audit scores at or above facility benchmark
• Effective discharge planning and length of stay management
• Staff competency and engagement
• Patient satisfaction and safety outcomes