Therapist

Hygea Healthcare is seeking a compassionate, licensed behavioral health clinician to provide high-quality clinical services within our ASAM Level 3.7-WM, 3.7, 3.5, and 3.1 Substance Use Disorder programs. The Licensed Clinical Therapist will conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments, provide individual, group, and family therapy, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support recovery and positive patient outcomes. This position ensures compliance with Maryland Medicaid, COMAR, ASAM Criteria, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2. Licensed clinical professionals in Maryland are authorized to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders within the scope of their license.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments upon admission.
• Complete mental health and substance use disorder evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
• Provide evidence-based individual, group, and family therapy.
• Complete crisis intervention and safety planning as needed.
• Assess suicide risk, homicide risk, and other behavioral health concerns.
• Diagnose and document behavioral health conditions within the scope of licensure.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centered care.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.
• Complete progress notes and all clinical documentation within required timeframes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with medical providers, nursing, counselors, case management, peer recovery specialists, and utilization review.
• Assist with discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Coordinate referrals for outpatient behavioral health, psychiatric services, MAT, housing, and community resources.
• Participate in utilization review by providing documentation supporting medical necessity.
• Maintain compliance with ASAM Criteria for placement, continued stay, transfer, and discharge decisions.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record (Kipu).
• Respond appropriately to psychiatric emergencies and behavioral crises.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, audits, and regulatory surveys.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Attend required staff meetings, supervision, and continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current unrestricted Maryland license as one of the following:
• • LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical) – Preferred
  • LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
  • LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist)
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience preferred.
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders preferred.
• Experience in residential or inpatient behavioral healthcare preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Valid Maryland driver's license preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of ASAM Criteria.
• Knowledge of Maryland Medicaid and COMAR regulations.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission behavioral health standards.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent assessment, diagnostic, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation skills.
• Strong communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and bend throughout the workday.
• Ability to respond to behavioral health emergencies.
• Ability to use a computer and electronic health record system for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Experience

• Residential Substance Use Disorder treatment.
• Detoxification (ASAM 3.7-WM).
• Co-occurring mental health treatment.
• Medicaid-funded behavioral healthcare.
• Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health programs.

Regulatory Compliance

The Licensed Clinical Therapist is expected to practice in accordance with:

• Maryland Medicaid requirements
• COMAR regulations
• ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition
• Joint Commission Behavioral Health Standards
• HIPAA
• 42 CFR Part 2
• Hygea Healthcare policies and procedures

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