Mental Health Therapist

Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations in Washington, DC, is seeking a Mental Health Counselor to provide outpatient mental health services to adolescents, families, and the community as part of an integrated continuum of care.

You will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, coordinate care with residential and community providers, participate in treatment team meetings, and maintain compliant clinical documentation and outcomes per regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
• Must hold or be eligible for Washington State LMHC, LMFT, or LICSW licensure.
• Associate licensure acceptable for candidates working toward full licensure under supervision.
• Clinical experience providing mental health services; fully licensed candidates typically have two or more years of post‑master’s experience.
• Knowledge of DSM‑5 criteria, adolescent development, trauma‑informed care, and co‑occurring disorders.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team serving diverse populations.
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and HIPAA requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents and families.
• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, interpret findings, and inform treatment planning.
• Develop, implement, and update person-centered treatment plans with measurable goals.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and align interventions.
• Provide consultation on presentation, risk considerations, and engagement strategies.
• Respond to crises and support safety planning per organizational protocols.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure compliance with standards.
• Engage families through education, skills development, and coordinated goal setting.
• Participate in discharge and transition planning for continuity of care.
• Monitor progress and adjust interventions to maintain medical necessity and effectiveness.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Clinical documentation

Case management

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Washington State LMHC/LMFT/LICSW licensure

Associate licensure acceptable (supervision)

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT HL7N

We are a residential treatment center for youth with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, offering outpatient behavioral health and on-site medical services. Located on 55 peaceful acres, we provide a safe, supportive environment grounded in traditional, cultural, and spiritual values. Our holistic program blends Indigenous teachings with evidence-based practices to support healing, growth, and resilience in both Native and non-Native youth, fostering respect, honesty, generosity, and cultural identity.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Counselor provides outpatient mental health services to adolescents, families, and community members, with involvement in residential treatment services as part of an integrated continuum of care. The counselor delivers individual, family, and group counseling and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to provide trauma‑informed, culturally responsive services that support emotional well‑being and stability. Responsibilities include completing mental health assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, coordinating care with residential and community providers, participating in treatment team meetings, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide therapeutic services to adolescents and families in individual, group, and family settings using developmentally appropriate, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑based approaches.
• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, interpret findings, formulate diagnostic impressions consistent with current DSM criteria, and identify co‑occurring conditions or risk factors to inform treatment planning.
• Develop, implement, and update person‑centered treatment plans with measurable goals, culturally responsive interventions, and ongoing review; modify plans based on progress, engagement, and changing clinical needs.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team (including medical, substance use, cultural programming, and education staff) to coordinate care, participate in case conferences, and align interventions across services.
• Provide consultation and clinical support to team members regarding presentation, risk considerations, and effective engagement strategies for adolescents and families.
• Respond to crises and support safety planning, including suicide risk identification and escalation in accordance with organizational protocols.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of assessments, clinical services, treatment planning, and outcomes in accordance with organizational policy, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics consistent with licensure requirements, organizational policies, and applicable laws; obtain informed consent and manage releases of information appropriately.
• Engage families and caregivers through education, skills development, and coordinated goal‑setting to support treatment progress, continuity of care, and aftercare planning.
• Participate in discharge and transition planning, including coordination of step‑down services, school reentry, community supports, and follow‑up care; prepare clinically relevant summaries to support continuity.
• Monitor treatment progress and outcomes, document effectiveness or barriers to progress, and adjust interventions to maintain clinical appropriateness and medical necessity.
• Contribute to program development and staff education initiatives, including training or consultation on mental health and trauma‑informed practices, as requested.
• Adhere to organizational policies supporting non‑coercive, trauma‑informed de‑escalation and behavior management practices consistent with accreditation standards.
• Coordinate referrals and advocate for client needs across systems, including schools, healthcare providers, and community or cultural programs.
• Maintain core professional competencies through supervision, licensure‑related continuing education, and ongoing training aligned with recognized standards (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related behavioral health field from an accredited institution, including coursework in counseling theory, ethics, assessment/diagnosis, and supervised clinical practice.
• Must hold or be eligible for Washington State licensure as LMHC, LMFT, or LICSW.
• Associate licensure (LMHCA, LMFTA, or LICSWA) is acceptable for candidates working toward full licensure under supervision.
• Clinical experience providing mental health services; fully licensed candidates typically have two or more years of post‑master’s experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DSM‑5 diagnostic criteria, adolescent development, trauma‑informed care, and co‑occurring disorders.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team serving diverse populations.
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and applicable state, federal, and HIPAA requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with ability to travel between sites as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Child Mental Health Specialist designation.
• Experience in outpatient, community‑based, or integrated behavioral health programs serving adolescents and families.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria, integrated care models, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission, SAMHSA).
• Experience working with Native American youth, families, and communities.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role in a behavioral health or non‑profit setting.