Mental Health Therapist (New York Licensed)

As a Mental Health Therapist at Imagine Pediatrics, your primary responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing evidence-based teletherapy interventions, and collaborating with families and care teams. You will work closely with children experiencing mood disorders and severe mental illness, ensuring they receive the support they need in a safe environment.

To qualify for the Mental Health Therapist role at Imagine Pediatrics, you need a Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, along with a valid New York license to practice independently. Having 1-2 years of experience in a behavioral health setting, especially with children and adolescents, is also essential.

Absolutely! Telehealth experience is a key requirement for the Mental Health Therapist position at Imagine Pediatrics. Our innovative approach prioritizes virtual care, and familiarity with telehealth platforms will enhance your ability to provide effective therapy to our pediatric patients remotely.

At Imagine Pediatrics, the Mental Health Therapist will utilize evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. These approaches are essential in addressing mood disorders and severe mental illnesses in children and adolescents, ensuring they receive the most effective care.

Mental Health Therapists at Imagine Pediatrics can expect robust support from a collaborative team of medical professionals, social workers, and crisis intervention members. Regular meetings with the behavioral health manager will provide guidance on caseloads, intervention strategies, and patient care, fostering a tight-knit and focused working environment.

When assessing a child in crisis, it’s crucial to remain calm and composed. Use validated screening tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and establish a safe environment for the child to express themselves. Active listening and asking open-ended questions will help you understand their feelings better.

I prefer utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) due to their effectiveness in treating mood disorders and severe mental illnesses. These techniques not only help in understanding the child's thoughts and behaviors but also empower them to develop coping strategies.

Developing a safety plan requires a collaborative approach. Start by discussing potential triggers with the family and identifying warning signs of distress. Work together to create a step-by-step plan that includes coping strategies, emergency contacts, and resources like hotlines or therapy sessions to ensure safety.

One challenge has been navigating different communication styles and expectations among family members. To overcome this, I focus on building trust through open dialogue, actively listening to their concerns, and involving them in the treatment process to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

I prioritize documentation by allocating time at the end of each session to note critical details. Utilizing electronic health records helps streamline this process. I ensure that my notes are thorough yet concise, capturing the essence of our discussions while adhering to documentation standards.

I have significant experience conducting crisis interventions, where I quickly assess the situation and determine the need for immediate support. By employing de-escalation techniques, I collaborate with families and crisis teams to ensure safety and guide them toward appropriate resources.

To engage children, I often incorporate play therapy techniques and creative arts which make sessions more interactive and enjoyable. Establishing a rapport through fun activities allows children to express their feelings naturally, making it easier to discuss more serious topics.

In such cases, I focus on maintaining a non-judgmental environment. I explore the reasons behind their resistance, listen to their feelings, and adjust my approach to make them feel comfortable. Building trust takes time, and I always strive to meet them where they're at.

The most important aspect is empathy. Understanding that each child’s experience is unique enables me to tailor my approach to their needs. I focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance, which I believe is crucial for effective treatment and positive outcomes.

I establish clear and regular communication channels with multidisciplinary teams. Utilizing case meetings, shared digital platforms, and straightforward documentation ensures everyone is on the same page and can collaborate effectively to support our patients.