Position Title: Counselor (Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Marriage & Family Therapist)

Job Summary: The Counselor provides therapeutic support and mental health services to individuals, couples, and families in a variety of settings. They work with clients to help them cope with personal, emotional, psychological, and social challenges, including mental health issues, relationship problems, trauma, grief, or stress. The Counselor employs a range of therapeutic techniques, including talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based approaches, to improve the well-being of their clients.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Individual and Group Counseling:

   • Provide one-on-one counseling to clients dealing with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, and trauma.
   • Lead and facilitate group therapy sessions focused on shared concerns, such as coping skills, stress management, or addiction recovery.

2. Assessment and Evaluation:

   • Conduct thorough assessments to understand clients’ emotional and mental health issues.
   • Develop personalized treatment plans based on assessments and client goals.
   • Regularly evaluate and update treatment plans to ensure progress and adjust strategies as needed.

3. Therapeutic Techniques:

   • Utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and others as appropriate.
   • Help clients develop coping strategies, self-esteem, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Crisis Intervention:

   • Provide crisis counseling and intervention to individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, including suicidal ideation, abuse, or acute anxiety.
   • Offer immediate support and develop safety plans when necessary.

5. Confidentiality and Ethical Practice:

   • Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and professional ethical standards.
   • Ensure that all documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and client records, are accurately maintained and stored securely.

6. Collaboration:

   • Collaborate with other healthcare providers, including physicians, social workers, and home care staff, to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
   • Provide consultations to family members, caregivers, and others involved in the client’s care as appropriate.

7. Education and Support:

   • Provide psychoeducation to clients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
   • Empower clients with knowledge to help them manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

8. Referral and Resource Coordination:

   • Refer clients to additional support services or specialists when necessary, including psychiatrists for medication management, community resources, or support groups.
   • Help clients access resources to address external factors contributing to their emotional or psychological well-being.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree or higher in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Licensure: Must hold a valid state license to practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent.
• Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience providing mental health counseling or therapy in individual or group settings.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of various therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, and family systems therapy.
  • Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in specific areas such as trauma, addiction, family therapy, or grief counseling.
• Continuing education in mental health therapy practices and techniques.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.

Work Environment:

• This role may be performed in a clinical setting, private practice, or home care environment.
• Some positions may require work in clients’ homes or in non-traditional settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 10-20 pounds (e.g., client files, resources).

Compensation:

• Salary or hourly compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Health benefits, paid time off, and other perks may be available depending on the employer.