Mental Health Therapist

Pinnacle Recruitment; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Recruitment's client in Bakersfield seeks a Mental Health Therapist to support individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs. You will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, provide individual and group therapy, and coordinate referrals to support positive outcomes.

The role requires licensure in California or active progress toward licensure, with strong skills in crisis response, EHR documentation, and collaboration with partners to ensure continuity of

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
• California licensure, completed or in process, as an LCSW, MFT/LMFT, or LPCC; OR Doctorate with waiver eligibility.
• Must obtain licensure if not currently licensed within an acceptable timeframe.
• Working knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment principles and HIPAA/confidentiality standards.
• Ability to conduct effective clinical interviews and apply diagnostic and treatment frameworks.
• Ability to work with individuals and groups to support behavioral change.
• Proficiency with computers and electronic health record systems.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Ability to complete background check and fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
• Assess and diagnose mental health and substance use disorders within the scope of professional credentials.
• Develop individualized treatment plans, goals, and steps based on client needs and progress.
• Provide individual, conjoint, marital/family, and group therapy.
• Provide therapeutic services to clients experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Evaluate and respond to crisis situations and psychiatric emergencies, coordinating appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Coordinate client services and referrals with community, medical, psychiatric, and behavioral health resources.
• Maintain timely and accurate progress notes, treatment documentation, and other required clinical records.
• Utilize electronic health record systems to maintain client documentation.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, community agencies, and other treatment partners to support continuity of care.
• Maintain compliance with applicable confidentiality, documentation, regulatory, and professional standards.

Skills

Clinical interviewing

Team collaboration

Client-centered approach

EHR proficiency

HIPAA knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology / Sociology / Counseling / Social Work or related field

California licensure or Doctorate with waiver eligibility

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Our client, an established behavioral health organization serving individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs, is seeking a Mental Health Therapist to join its clinical team in Bakersfield.

This position will provide therapeutic support to individuals experiencing a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. The Mental Health Therapist will conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, provide individual and group therapy, respond to crisis needs, and coordinate appropriate resources to support positive treatment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments
• Assess and diagnose mental health and substance use disorders within the scope of professional credentials
• Develop individualized treatment plans, goals, and steps based on client needs and progress
• Provide individual, conjoint, marital/family, and group therapy
• Provide therapeutic services to clients experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders
• Evaluate and respond to crisis situations and psychiatric emergencies, coordinating appropriate referrals when necessary
• Coordinate client services and referrals with community, medical, psychiatric, and behavioral health resources
• Maintain timely and accurate progress notes, treatment documentation, and other required clinical records
• Utilize electronic health record systems to maintain client documentation
• Collaborate with clinical staff, community agencies, and other treatment partners to support continuity of care
• Maintain compliance with applicable confidentiality, documentation, regulatory, and professional standards

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
• California licensure, completed or in process, as an LCSW, MFT/LMFT, or LPCC; OR completion of a Doctorate in a Behavioral Science with eligibility for a licensing waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services
• Candidates hired without an active license must obtain licensure within an acceptable timeframe following hire
• Working knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment principles, diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities, HIPAA and confidentiality standards, and applicable Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations
• Ability to conduct effective clinical interviews and apply appropriate diagnostic and treatment frameworks
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups to support behavioral change
• Proficiency with computers and electronic health record systems
• Valid California driver's license
• Ability to successfully complete required background investigation and fingerprinting

Ideal candidate: A behavioral health professional who is licensed or actively working toward California clinical licensure and has experience providing therapeutic services to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs. Candidates with strong assessment, treatment planning, individual or group therapy, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation experience are encouraged to apply.