Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

About the role

The psychiatrist provides high-quality, person-centered psychiatric care to an assigned caseload at outpatient behavioral health sites. Responsibilities include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, treatment planning, and emergency assessments, all evidence-based and aligned with current DSM standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, treatment planning, and emergency assessments for an assigned outpatient caseload.
  • Align with current DSM standards, evidence-based practices, and GCC and HHSC guidelines.
  • Maintain timely, concurrent documentation in the electronic health record, including diagnoses (e.g., Substance Use Disorder [SUD]), treatment updates, phone calls, medication changes, and referrals.
  • Document risk factors and assist in developing individualized crisis plans.
  • Prescribe medications collaboratively with patients and/or legally authorized representatives (LAR), considering diagnosis, target symptoms, medical conditions, and cost-benefit-risk factors.
  • Follow GCC formulary, medication policy, and use patient assistance programs as appropriate.
  • Order and review lab work per treatment guidelines and adjust care accordingly. Monitor effectiveness and side effects of prescribed medications.
  • Complete required assessments such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and obtain informed consent using CMO-approved forms.
  • Clearly document clinical rationale for deviations from standard treatment (e.g., polypharmacy, off-label use, benzodiazepines, modified lab schedules).
  • Adhere to the Medication Safety Initiative and obtain CMO approval for initiating benzodiazepines.
  • Refer to internal or external recovery services as needed.
  • Check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances and document review and prescribing rationale in the medical record.
• Conduct emergency psychiatric evaluations as needed or requested by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), program manager, or crisis manager. Document risk factors and assist in developing individualized crisis plans.
• Participate in quarterly Behavioral Health Medical Services meetings, including peer reviews, death reviews, and other quality improvement activities.
• Support access to care and productivity goals (85% utilization and productivity) through schedule optimization, managing no-shows, and accommodating walk-ins when possible.
• Monitor SmartCare dashboard daily to finalize encounters, complete co-signatures, and ensure timely billing submissions.
• Maintain all professional requirements, including licensure, credentialing, and Continuing Medical Education (CME).
• Participate in ongoing training and CME opportunities. Submit renewals and certifications on time.
• Comply with GCC's compliance policies, Code of Conduct, and Corporate Compliance Plan. Coordinate with internal departments and community partners as appropriate.
• Demonstrate professionalism and respectful communication with clients, colleagues, and community members. Provide responsive, high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Report leave, flex time, and emergency absences to supervisor. Adhere to agency policies regarding dress code, safety, and training.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree; completion of residency in Psychiatry and/or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as applicable.
• Board Eligible or Board Certified in General Psychiatry and/or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, aligned with the assigned role.
• Successful board certification by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and/or American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) within board-specified timeframe is required; failure to achieve certification may result in termination.
• Current, active Texas medical license issued by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and active Texas Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
• Unrestricted eligibility to participate in Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party payer provider networks.
• Registration with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a psychiatric provider/psychiatrist, including at least 1 year working in a Texas Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) or similar safety-net psychiatry setting.
• At least 1 year of experience providing telepsychiatry services.
• Experience practicing psychiatry in community behavioral health settings.
• Flexibility to provide onsite services as needed.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.