Mental Health Therapist III

This position is based at ABSMC–Alta Bates Herrick Campus and is a full‑time, non‑exempt role (40 hours/week). Shift schedules are variable, 8‑hour days, with weekend requirements including Sundays. The role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

About the role

The Mental‑Health Therapist III conducts high‑volume mental health and substance‑use assessments, reviews psychiatric referrals, and presents patients for admission to Herrick Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and substance‑use inpatient programs. The therapist provides psychosocial assessment, individual and family therapy, discharge and aftercare planning in an outpatient setting, delivering services grounded in recovery‑oriented, family‑systems, and evidence‑based approaches. The position also serves as the primary contact for involving and educating patients, families, and significant others in treatment and recovery; acts as a liaison to community programs; and develops strategic partnerships to enhance aftercare plans. Work is performed across inpatient and outpatient settings, in both individual and group formats.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health and substance‑use assessments at high volume
• Review psychiatric referrals and present patients for admission to inpatient, PHP, IOP, and substance‑use programs
• Provide psychosocial assessment, individual therapy, and family therapy
• Develop discharge and aftercare plans for patients and families
• Deliver treatment based on recovery‑oriented services, family systems, and evidence‑based practices
• Offer consultation and training on psychosocial aspects of human behavior and complex environments
• Serve as primary contact for patient, family, and significant‑other involvement and education
• Liaise with community programs and build strategic partnerships to strengthen aftercare
• Make timely referrals for specialized evaluations, programs, and services
• Ensure privacy of each patient’s protected health information (PHI)
• Build collaborative relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to meet departmental and organizational objectives
• Prioritize assignments and work within standardized policies, procedures, and scientific methods to meet deadlines
• Work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions
• Identify, evaluate, and resolve standard problems using established solutions

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field
• Current California licensure as one of the following: LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
• Two years of recent, relevant clinical experience

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of principles, procedures, views, and equipment used in treating patients with varying disorders
• Ability to interpret data and instructions presented in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Working knowledge of specialized treatment centers, including mental health and substance‑abuse services and facilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for explaining sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non‑medical individuals
• Well‑developed time‑management and organizational skills, including prioritization within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, accomplishing multiple tasks amid interruptions
• Skill in identifying, evaluating, and resolving standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options
• Commitment to maintaining patient PHI privacy
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with peers and other healthcare providers

Schedule

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week
• Variable 8‑hour shifts
• Days of the week vary; weekend work required (including Sundays)

Pay

Hourly range: $59.87 – $80.50. The exact rate depends on geographic location, experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is one component of Sutter Health’s total rewards program.

Benefits

Eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package.