Job Overview
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) plays a critical role in integrating mental health services within a primary care setting. As a core member of the healthcare team, the BHC provides short-term, solution-focused, and evidence-based interventions to patients experiencing behavioral, emotional, or psychosocial challenges. The BHC works closely with primary care providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support whole-person, patient-centered care.
Responsibilities
- Conduct brief, evidence-based behavioral health assessments for patients referred by the primary care team.
- Identify and diagnose common behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and substance use issues.
- Provide short-term, goal-oriented, and culturally responsive interventions to individuals, families, and groups.
- Utilize brief therapy models such as CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and problem-solving therapy within the primary care workflow.
- Deliver crisis intervention and risk assessments as needed, including safety planning.
- Work closely with primary care providers and support staff to create and implement comprehensive, team-based care plans.
- Participate in daily huddles and team meetings to coordinate care and discuss patient progress.
- Provide consultation and education to primary care team members on behavioral health topics and treatment approaches.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Adhere to all confidentiality, ethical, and legal standards, including HIPAA and state-specific regulations.
- Assist patients in connecting with community resources, specialty care, or long-term mental health services when necessary.
- Support social determinants of health screenings and interventions as part of holistic care.
Skills
- Strong background in patient care with a focus on behavioral health.
- Proficiency in therapy techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group therapy facilitation.
- Familiarity with ICD-10 coding for accurate documentation of diagnoses.
- Excellent crisis management skills to effectively handle emergency situations.
- Ability to conduct research and apply evidence-based practices in therapeutic settings.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with clients and team members.
- Empathy, patience, and the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Qualifications:
- Education: Master’s degree or higher in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited program.
- Licensure: Licensed or license-eligible in the state (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMSW under supervision).
- Experience: Experience in a healthcare, primary care, or integrated behavioral health setting preferred. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) required.
- Strong clinical judgment and knowledge of evidence-based interventions.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in using EHR systems and documentation.
Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking support through behavioral health services!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Language:
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
