Director Mental Health Services

Posted: August 7, 2026 • Open until filled

About the role

The Director of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and clinical direction for UTA’s comprehensive mental health services. The Director ensures accessible, high-quality, responsive counseling and psychological services that support student success, retention, and wellbeing. Has primary responsibility for departmental operations and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for CAPS, including strategic planning, policy development, and assessment. This includes compiling, analyzing, and sharing Counseling Center data annually with the VPSA office to support assessment, transparency, and strategic decision-making.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate clinical and administrative staff; ensure appropriate licensure and training.
• Oversee delivery of counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach services.
• In the event of a student mental health crisis, serve in an on-call capacity, including being accessible by phone and, when circumstances warrant, responding in person to provide on-scene support, leadership, and coordination.
• Manage departmental budget, resources, and contracts; ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal, accreditation, and ethical standards, including risk management.
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities and remain current with emerging research, best practices, and mental health trends affecting college-aged students.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to support student mental health initiatives.
• Act as a campus consultant/educator regarding the scope of CAPS services, challenging mental health situations, and assessment of risk.
• Maintain a small counseling caseload to remain clinically engaged and informed about student needs.
• Serve on university committees as needed, including the DSA’s SALT team, and actively contribute to institutional discussions, strategic initiatives, and student wellbeing planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Clinical Psychology.
• Licensed in the State of Texas.
• Significant progressively responsible clinical and administrative experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising licensed mental health professionals.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis response and campus threat assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing or managing a university counseling center.
• Experience with budget development and management in higher education.
• Experience with departmental assessment.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of college student mental health trends and best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage complex clinical operations and high-risk situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams.

Other Requirements

Work involves direct exposure to individuals experiencing psychological distress.