Mental Health Counselor job description

Job brief

Counseling patients both individually and in a group to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes, the role of Mental Health Counselor calls upon their expertise in psychotherapy and intervention methods to provide comprehensive counseling services to clients grappling with mental health challenges. Core responsibilities include managing psychiatric disorders and assisting patients with emotional distress and addiction disorders by developing skills and strategies to tackle specific and individualized challenges. This role requires diligent record keeping, an empathetic approach, and consultative communication skills. 

Responsibilities

• Perform initial interview and document case from inception to completion of treatment.
• Evaluate the patient's behavioral, emotional, and mental health.
• Create appropriate and custom intervention and recovery plans for patients (individuals, families, couples, and groups).
• Conduct therapy sessions for individuals and groups.
• Observe and monitor patient progress throughout the treatment plan.
• Collaborating with doctors, nurses, specialists, social workers, and other mental health professionals on interventions.
• Collaborate and follow-up with psychiatrists and attending physicians for hospital patients.
• Identify strategies to prevent any behaviors that delay or impede recovery.
• Assisting primary caregivers and family members in handling mental and behavioral challenges.

Requirements

• A CACREP-accredited master's degree within the mental health counseling field or related degree
• A passing score obtained in the NCE and/or the NCMHCE
• State-approved license to practice actively as a mental health counselor
• 3+ years of mental health counselor experience 
• Proficient with electronic health record systems (like AVATAR)
• Previous experience treating underlying physical and emotional health conditions, and addiction disorders
• Well-versed in the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) best practices
• In-depth knowledge of the effects of drugs prescribed by medical specialists
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and empathetic disposition