Behavioral Health Integration Clinician

Behavioral Health Integration Clinician

DEFINITION / PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) clinician is an independently licensed behavioral health professional who works as a member of the primary care team(s) within BFS practices. The role of the BHI clinician is to work collaboratively with the primary care team to ensure that the BH care needs of patients are met. Behavioral health needs in this context include but are not limited to specific BH symptoms and suspected psychiatric illness. BH needs may also include behavioral and emotional factors that are influencing patients’ physical health and wellness. The BHI clinician assists the primary care patients and teams in the following ways : administration of BH screening measures, assistance in interpretation of screening results and provision of brief treatment to patients. With a focus on assessment, stabilization, and evidence-based brief treatment, the BHI clinician will see patient over a course of 4-6 sessions. Patients in need of care beyond the 4d-6 sessions will be assisted with referral and connection to an appropriate resource for care in the community. In addition, the BHI clinician regularly provides consultation and support to the primary care team re : BH issues that arise in the routine care of primary care patients. The BHI clinician will work closely with a psychiatric provider to assist with patients in need of a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and / or psychotropic medication, as well as to facilitate communication between the psychiatric provider and the primary care team regarding treatment recommendations.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)

Experience :

Three years of experience in psychiatric, community mental health, or health care setting in direct clinical care.

Familiarity with evidence-based brief treatment; Behavioral Activation, Problem Solving Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Prior experience with integration of behavioral health and primary care, wellness, and population health desirable.

Experience in providing education on behavioral health topics to patients, families & health care providers is preferred.

Education and Training :

Master’s degree in social work or related clinical healthcare field required.

License, Certification & Registration :

LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in MA or LHMC Licensed Mental Health Counselor in MA.

CPR

Other Requirements :

Ability to administer standardized measures for assessing depression and anxiety baseline scores; use of data registry to monitor progress over time using a treat-to-target approach.

Capability to adapt to a brief, solution-focused approach to clinical practice.

Knowledge of community and outpatient behavioral health resources.

Effective communication skills with patients, family, physicians, ancillary providers.

Ability to form rapid engagement and alliance building with patients.

Ability to maintain and monitor confidentiality of patient records.

Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner.

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