Mental Health Therapist, Full-time - IL / Remote

As a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel, your primary responsibilities will include providing teletherapy and mental health assessments to PreK-12 students and school staff. You will also engage in case discussions with your colleagues, collaborate with school leadership, and foster lasting relationships with students and their families to enhance their mental health support.

To apply for the Mental Health Therapist position at Cartwheel, you must have an active license in Illinois, such as an LCSW, LCPC, or PhD/PsyD. Experience with therapeutic techniques like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing is also essential, as well as a background in providing mental health services to children via telehealth.

Cartwheel distinguishes itself by placing schools at the heart of its mental health program, collaborating closely with educators and staff. This approach promotes early intervention, boosts family engagement, and ensures better coordination of care among trusted adults in a student’s support network, ultimately fostering a healthy learning environment.

At Cartwheel, we nurture a supportive and mission-driven work culture where collaboration is key. You'll be part of a diverse team of professionals, sharing insights and best practices while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. Our team-oriented approach and commitment to continued education help to foster both personal and professional growth.

Yes! Cartwheel values flexibility for its Mental Health Therapists. While you'll need to be available for student sessions primarily during and after school hours, many of your activities can be scheduled to fit your routine. This allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact.

Building trust is crucial in my practice. I focus on active listening, creating a safe and supportive environment, and being consistent in my communication. This helps establish rapport, making it easier for students and families to share their concerns openly.

Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have proven effective with children. I tailor my approach based on the child's needs, often incorporating play therapy or solution-focused strategies to engage them meaningfully.

In crisis situations, my priority is to ensure the safety of the student. I remain calm and focused, use active listening to understand their needs, and provide immediate support while collaborating with school staff or emergency services as needed.

I have extensive experience in teletherapy, which requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Challenges often include establishing rapport through a screen and managing distractions at home, but I navigate these by creating structured sessions with engaging activities to keep students focused.

I believe in proactive collaboration by initiating regular check-ins and offering training sessions to school staff. Engaging them in discussions about student mental health will help create a united support system for students, enhancing overall care.

Family involvement is paramount in a child's mental health treatment. I encourage open communication with families, providing them with guidance and resources to support their child’s progress outside therapy sessions, which significantly enhances treatment outcomes.

I prioritize cultural competence by educating myself about the diverse backgrounds of the families I serve. Understanding their unique perspectives and being respectful of cultural differences allows me to tailor my approach and foster trust more effectively.

I am committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, webinars, and training sessions. Additionally, I read current literature and participate in professional networks to stay informed about the latest research and practices in mental health therapy.

I track student progress through both qualitative and quantitative measures, including feedback from students and families, as well as monitoring specific behavioral improvements. This helps gauge the effectiveness of my approach and guides necessary adjustments.

I am drawn to Cartwheel’s mission of improving student mental health through collaboration with schools. I believe my values align closely with this goal, and I’m excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a startup environment that prioritizes innovative care.