Program Therapist

Position Summary

The Program Therapist is responsible for delivering clinically appropriate, evidence-based behavioral health treatment services to adults enrolled in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. This role provides individual, group, and family therapy; contributes to interdisciplinary treatment planning; and ensures all services are delivered in compliance with DBHDS licensing regulations, payer requirements, and organizational standards.

This position plays a central role in maintaining a structured, intensive therapeutic environment consistent with PHP (minimum 20 hours/week) and IOP (9–19 hours/week) service delivery models.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Service Delivery

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy in accordance with individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitate structured group therapy sessions daily, including psychoeducation, process groups, skills-based interventions (CBT, DBT), and relapse prevention.
• Maintain appropriate clinical intensity and engagement consistent with PHP and IOP levels of care.
• Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and ongoing clinical reassessments.
• Document all services in accordance with DBHDS, Medicaid, and commercial payer requirements.

Treatment Planning & Coordination

• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and case reviews.
• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, referral sources, and family members as appropriate.
• Ensure services align with ASAM and/or mental health level-of-care criteria.

Regulatory & Compliance Responsibilities

• Deliver services consistent with DBHDS requirements for:
• Interdisciplinary treatment team participation
• Licensed/credentialed clinical staff delivering services
• Biopsychosocial assessment and interpretation
• Ensure all clinical services are delivered by appropriately qualified professionals and within scope of practice.
• Maintain compliance with:
• 12VAC35-105 (DBHDS licensing regulations)
• CARF standards
• HIPAA and confidentiality requirements

Patient Engagement & Outcomes

• Monitor patient progress and adjust interventions based on clinical need.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Support discharge planning, including step-down care and aftercare coordination.
• Promote patient engagement, retention, and successful program completion.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Master’s degree in a human services field (e.g., counseling, social work, psychology).
• Must meet one of the following:
• Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist), or
• LMHP-Eligible / Resident / Supervisee under appropriate supervision.

(DBHDS defines LMHP as licensed clinicians including LPCs, LCSWs, psychologists, etc.)

Experience

• Minimum 1–3 years of clinical experience in behavioral health treatment.
• Experience in group therapy and structured outpatient settings (PHP, IOP, or similar) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of evidence-based therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care).
• Ability to assess and interpret biopsychosocial needs of patients.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications and behavioral health diagnoses.
• Ability to function effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Structured outpatient clinical setting.
• Typical schedule:
• PHP: Monday–Friday, full-day programming
• IOP: 3–5 days per week, partial-day programming
• May require occasional evening hours depending on program needs.

Physical & Behavioral Requirements

• Ability to lead multiple group sessions daily.
• Ability to manage crisis situations and maintain professional composure.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person