Mental Health Therapist - Crisis (New York Licensed)

As a Mental Health Therapist - Crisis at Imagine Pediatrics, your primary responsibilities include conducting crisis assessments and interventions for pediatric patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies. You'll also provide brief therapeutic interventions via teletherapy, work collaboratively with our Behavioral Health Acute Care Team, and engage in regular discussions about case progression and discharge planning.

To qualify as a Mental Health Therapist - Crisis at Imagine Pediatrics, you will need a Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related area. Additionally, you must hold a valid New York license (LCSW preferred) and have 1-2 years of experience post-licensure in a behavioral health setting, particularly with crisis intervention.

In the role of Mental Health Therapist - Crisis, you will support pediatric patients by assessing their immediate mental health needs, conducting safety planning, and collaborating with other team members on care coordination. Your involvement helps ensure that children facing significant challenges receive the timely and effective support they need.

The work environment for a Mental Health Therapist - Crisis at Imagine Pediatrics is primarily remote, allowing for flexibility. You'll engage with patients and families via teletherapy, and there may be occasional travel for training purposes. The culture promotes teamwork, diversity, and a child-centered approach to care.

A Mental Health Therapist - Crisis at Imagine Pediatrics works with a diverse young patient population experiencing acute mental health issues. This includes children and adolescents with diagnoses like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, and those in crisis due to suicidal or homicidal ideations.

When conducting crisis assessments, I begin by establishing rapport and creating a safe environment for open communication. I focus on active listening and gather essential information regarding the patient’s current situation, feelings, and thoughts. It's crucial to evaluate the severity of the crisis and collaboratively develop an immediate safety plan that addresses the patient’s needs.

Prioritizing safety during teletherapy involves ensuring both I and the patient have a clear plan in case a crisis escalates. I discuss emergency resources and safety measures beforehand and stay attuned to any signs of distress during our session. If needed, I maintain regular follow-ups to reassess their safety and well-being.

Engaging children and adolescents requires creativity and flexibility. I utilize age-appropriate language, interactive activities, and validation of their feelings. Building trust is crucial, so I ensure they feel heard and respected, which helps them to open up and engage more fully in the therapeutic process.

In one particularly challenging case, I worked with a teenager experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. I utilized a comprehensive assessment to understand their background and triggers. Through crisis intervention techniques, I collaborated with their family and other professionals to develop a safety plan and a referral for ongoing support. Continuous communication helped us ensure the teenager felt supported throughout the process.

I find that employing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy provides effective tools for crisis intervention. Additionally, using safety planning templates, emotional regulation skills, and crisis de-escalation strategies allows me to manage acute situations while ensuring the patient feels safe and understood.

I measure progress through regular follow-up assessments, patient feedback, and the achievement of set goals identified during our therapy sessions. Documenting changes in symptoms, coping skills, and overall functioning helps provide a clear picture of the patient's progress over time.

Working with diverse populations has significantly influenced my practice by emphasizing the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity. I strive to understand each patient's unique context, beliefs, and challenges, which enables me to tailor interventions that resonate with their backgrounds and needs effectively.

The most important qualities include empathy, active listening, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, strong diagnostic skills and a collaborative mindset are crucial for effective crisis intervention and for building trust with patients and their families.

I stay updated with developments in pediatric mental health by attending workshops, web-based courses, and engaging with professional organizations. I also read relevant publications and participate in peer supervision to exchange knowledge and best practices, ensuring I’m providing the best care possible.

My motivation for working in pediatric mental health care comes from a deep passion for helping children and adolescents thrive despite their challenges. Knowing that I can make a significant impact in their lives and contribute to healthier futures drives my commitment to this vital field.