Primary Therapist

Advantage Behavioral Health LLC.; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Behavioral Health LLC. seeks a Primary Therapist to lead a caseload within the residential program. You will develop, implement, and review Individualized Treatment Plans and deliver high-intensity therapies to residents, ensuring Medical Necessity standards are met.

Work with a multidisciplinary team to support clinical assessments, SMART goals, discharge planning, and coordinated care with Case Management, while maintaining precise EHR documentation and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of post-graduate clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• Licensure as LCSW, LPC, or LMFT in the state of practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment plans (ITPs).
• Provide high-intensity individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, TIC).
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in the EHR according to regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the Treatment Team and Case Manager to ensure seamless care and successful discharge planning.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Treatment planning

Therapy delivery

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in social work / psychology / counseling

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Job Summary

The Primary Therapist is the primary clinical lead for an assigned caseload of residents within the facility. The Primary Therapist is responsible for the creation, implementation, and regular review of Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs). This role involves providing high-intensity therapeutic interventions, conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, and ensuring that all clinical services meet the "Medical Necessity" standards for residential care. The Primary Therapists work as part of a multidisciplinary team to move residents toward successful community reintegration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for new residents within the state-mandated time frames.
• Develop, write, and update Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs) as required by the state regulatory bodies, ensuring goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and reflect the resident’s voice.
• Interpret clinical data to identify trends in resident behavior and adjust treatment strategies accordingly.
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions utilizing evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Trauma-Informed Care (TIC).
• Facilitate specialized clinical groups focused on symptom management, emotional regulation, and recovery skills.
• Provide clinical "real-time" intervention and de-escalation for residents experiencing acute psychological distress.
• Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
• Maintain precise and timely clinical documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) according to state regulations and national accreditation bodies(The Joint Commission).
• Prepare comprehensive discharge summaries and transition plans in collaboration with the Case Manager.
• Ensure all documentation supports the "Medical Necessity" of the residential level of care for insurance utilization reviews (UR).
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Participate in weekly Treatment Team meetings to provide clinical updates.
• Provide clinical consultation to Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) to ensure the therapeutic milieu is consistent with residents’ treatment goals.
• Coordinate with external providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Minimum Requirement: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field (Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related).
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of post-graduate clinical experience in a mental health setting. Residential experience is preferred.
• Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of practice.

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm