A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) provides high-quality, evidence-based outpatient counseling services for children and adolescents from preschool through age 17, while partnering closely with families to promote positive mental health outcomes. The LMHC maintains a full clinical caseload, conducts assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and collaborates with psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, care coordinators, and other interdisciplinary team members to deliver comprehensive behavioral health care.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling services to children and adolescents (preschool through age 17). Maintain a full clinical caseload while delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment. Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments, intake evaluations, and clinical documentation. Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on patient needs. Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychiatric APRNs, primary care providers, schools, and community partners to coordinate patient care. Provide crisis intervention, safety assessments, and appropriate referrals when indicated. Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment recommendations, coping strategies, and community resources. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic medical record. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations. Provide supervision to Master's-level counseling interns, when appropriate. Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities, pediatric behavioral health best practices, and community resources. Advocate for patients and families to ensure access to appropriate behavioral health services. Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinic operations.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic abilities. Ability to build rapport with children, adolescents, and families. Experience providing trauma-informed, family-centered care. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care. Knowledge of Florida mental health laws, documentation standards, and ethical practice.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from an accredited program. Current and unrestricted Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license. Minimum of two (2) years of clinical counseling experience with pediatric, adolescent, and/or family populations. Experience conducting psychosocial assessments and developing individualized treatment plans. Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR).
Preferred Qualifications:
Three (3) or more years of post-licensure clinical experience. Experience working in pediatric outpatient behavioral health or integrated behavioral health settings. Experience facilitating group therapy. Experience supervising Master's-level counseling interns. Training or certification in evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, PCIT, EMDR, or Solution-Focused Therapy. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Licensure & Certification:
Current Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license in good standing.
