Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Licensed Practitioner

About the role

The Mental Health Practitioner plays a crucial role in providing care and support to individuals facing mental health challenges, promoting emotional well-being, and working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This person would provide psychological support, counseling, and therapy to individuals experiencing mental health issues. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and mood disorders. The role involves working with individuals, groups, or families to improve emotional well-being and mental health.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Conduct initial assessments to evaluate patients' mental health, including their emotional, psychological, and behavioral conditions. Use a variety of diagnostic tools, interviews, and questionnaires to identify mental health disorders. Formulate a comprehensive diagnosis based on assessment results, medical history, and patient feedback.
• Treatment and Intervention: Develop and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient's needs. Offer crisis intervention for individuals in acute distress or emergencies. Use evidence-based practices to support patients through their recovery journey.
• Counseling and Support: Offer one-on-one counseling or group therapy sessions for patients dealing with mental health issues. Provide emotional support, coping strategies, and behavioral management techniques. Support patients in addressing personal or social problems that may impact their mental well-being.
• Patient Education: Educate patients and their families about mental health disorders, treatment options, and coping strategies. Promote mental wellness and help patients develop long-term strategies for managing their mental health.
• Collaboration and Referral: Collaborate with other mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors, to provide holistic care. Refer patients to specialists for medication management, more intensive therapy, or additional support if necessary.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including treatment plans, progress notes, and session details. Ensure documentation complies with all relevant legal and ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and privacy standards (e.g., HIPAA).
• Advocacy and Community Outreach: Advocate for mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the community. Provide resources and referrals to support services, including community mental health programs, shelters, and support groups.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with patients.
• Expertise in various therapeutic techniques.
• Ability to diagnose mental health disorders and develop treatment plans.
• High level of empathy and compassion, with a non-judgmental approach to patients.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2.5 years working with at-risk youth and their families.
• Must be a registered or certified Substance Use Counselor through an accredited institution such as CAADE or CCAPP, and complete all annual requirements to maintain registration/certification.
• Knowledge of youth services in San Francisco from which clients can benefit.
• Experience working with youth and their families, youth within the juvenile justice system, youth with disabilities, youth with co-occurring disorders, and/or gang-affiliated, etc.
• Experience in clinical treatment, healing arts, and intervention techniques/approaches to youth development.
• A Master's degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field (e.g., MSW, MFT, LPC).
• Specialized certifications or licenses depending on the country or state (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)).
• Prior experience working with individuals dealing with mental health disorders, ideally in a clinical, outpatient, or hospital setting.