Behavioral Health Therapist at Proactive MD – New York, New York

People are a company's greatest resource, which is why caring for patients and keeping them healthy is so important. Proactive MD offers a comprehensive health management solution that extends well beyond the clinic walls. By engaging patients and offering them a personal relationship with a primary care provider, we can deliver measurably better outcomes, making people happier, healthier, and more productive while significantly lowering overall medical costs. We put patients’ health first because amazing care yields amazing results.

JOB SUMMARY
The Behavioral Health Therapist provides evidence-based mental health services within an integrated primary care setting. This role supports patients through behavioral health assessment, counseling, and brief therapeutic interventions designed to improve emotional well-being, workplace functioning, and overall health outcomes. The therapist works collaboratively with primary care providers, nurses, and care team members to deliver patient-centered behavioral health services that align with a population health model and employer-sponsored healthcare environment. This role requires a licensed clinician who is comfortable practicing within a fast-paced interdisciplinary team and delivering focused, solution-oriented care.

Scope of Practice
Within the scope of professional licensure, the Behavioral Health Therapist is responsible for evaluating, treating, and supporting patients experiencing emotional, behavioral, and psychological concerns. Services include behavioral health assessment, diagnosis (where permitted by licensure), psychotherapy, treatment planning, care coordination, and referral to specialty services when needed. The therapist works collaboratively with the healthcare team to support the integration of behavioral health and medical care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health evaluations and psychosocial assessments.
• Assess emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.
• Identify behavioral health conditions impacting medical health and daily functioning.
• Utilize validated screening tools and clinical interviews as appropriate.

Diagnosis (When Permitted by Licensure)
Licensed clinicians may diagnose mental health conditions when permitted by their professional credentials and training.
Diagnostic responsibilities may include:

• Identifying mental, emotional, behavioral, or addictive disorders.
• Formulating diagnostic impressions using established clinical classification systems.
• Differentiating between psychological conditions impact functioning or medical care.

When diagnostic authority is limited by licensure, the therapist may provide counseling services and collaborate with qualified providers for diagnostic confirmation.

Psychotherapy and Counseling
Provide therapeutic services including:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Brief solution-focused therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Stress management and coping skills training
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Counseling for anxiety, depression, and adjustment challenges
• Support for workplace stress, burnout, and life transitions

Therapy services may include both short-term intervention and ongoing counseling based on clinical need.

Treatment Planning

• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings.

• Establish measurable therapeutic goals.
• Monitor progress toward treatment goals and adjust care plans as appropriate.
• Document clinical interventions and patient progress.

Integrated Care Collaboration

• Work closely with primary care providers to address behavioral health conditions impacting physical health.
• Support management of behavioral factors related to chronic disease.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and case discussions.
• Provide consultation to medical staff regarding behavioral health concerns.

Patient Education and Support

• Educate patients on coping strategies and behavioral health management.
• Provide resources to improve emotional resilience and stress management.
• Support patients in developing healthy behavioral and lifestyle habits.

Care Coordination and Referral

• Coordinate care with external behavioral health providers and specialists when needed.
• Refer patients to higher levels of care when clinically appropriate.
• Assist patients with accessing community behavioral health resources.

Documentation and Compliance

• Document all patient encounters accurately and in a timely manner within the electronic health record.

• Maintain appropriate clinical documentation including assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
• Adhere to all professional standards, ethical guidelines, and organizational policies.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Active licensure as one of the following:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

• Minimum 2–3 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy or counseling.
• Experience working with adult patients in outpatient or integrated healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in integrated primary care or collaborative care models.
• Experience with brief intervention therapy models.
• Familiarity with population health or employer-sponsored healthcare environments.
• Experience using electronic health record systems.

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to deliver focused therapy within a medical setting.
• Collaborative team mindset.
• Crisis assessment and risk management skills.
• Cultural competence and patient-centered care.
• Strong organizational and documentation practices.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain high standards of patient satisfaction and therapeutic engagement.
• Meet documentation and clinical quality standards.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration with the medical care team.
• Support access to behavioral health services and improved patient outcomes.

Proactive MD is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, amnesty status, or veteran status applicable to state and federal laws.