The O.P. Psych Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- The therapist provides outpatient psychiatric treatment services to persons suffering from psychiatric/chemical dependency difficulties and/or their families/significant others. The therapist must be knowledgeable in areas of assessment, counseling, therapy, relapse prevention, referral and recovery, and will consider the specific needs and behaviors of specific age groups. The therapist is responsible for establishing a therapeutic alliance with the patient and is considered the patient’s advocate.
Responsibilities:
ASSESSMENT/PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
- Demonstrates an understanding of the trans theoretical model, including stages of change and motivational interviewing. Consistently maintains the spirit of motivational interviewing when interviewing the patients.
- Demonstrates an understanding of Recovery Based Services and attends to the four major dimensions that support recovery: Health, Home, Purpose and Community.
- Assesses and records patient status, identifying the psychological and emotional needs of the patient and family/support system.
- Organizes the assessment data so that they are accurate, complete and accessible.
- Collaborates with the patient to develop the Comprehensive Problem List.
- Collaborates with the registered nurse to assure that the patient’s nursing/medical needs are addressed.
- Assesses discharge planning needs including identification of needed referrals and initiates the discharge planning process.
- Completes intake assessments and assess the treatment needs of callers seeking psychiatric/chemical dependency treatment.
GOAL SETTING/PLANNING
- Primarily responsible for the development of the Phased Treatment Plan, recommends updates of treatment plans, and contributes to the discharge planning for program patients. Incorporates principles of age-specific care into the Phased Treatment Plan.
- Collaborates with the patient to identify treatment goals and methods during each phase of treatment.
- Begins plans for discharge at time of admission; consults with physician, registered nurse, patient and family regarding the discharge plan.
- Identifies patient/family teaching needs on admission and throughout treatment.
- Arranges conferences with family or other members of health team when indicated to plan care.
IMPLEMENTATION/INTERVENTION
- Provides group therapy sessions and educational seminars for psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients and their families.
- Provides individual and family counseling to primary patients and other patients in the outpatient programs as needed.
- Provides outpatient psychotherapy in various modalities including individual, family/marital and groups.
- Utilizes evidence-based interventions for each phase of treatment.
- Utilizes self-report or behavioral measures to evaluate patient’s progress toward goals.
- Documents all assessments, interventions and patient response. Maintains clinical records in accordance with department policy.
- Provides referral to the appropriate level of care for intakes.
- Participates in annual screening events or community education presentations.
EVALUATION
- Evaluates care each session, changes the Phased Treatment Plan as needed and communicates changes to other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
- Consults with the attending psychiatrist and other physicians as needed, regarding patient’s progress.
- Discusses the patient at multi-disciplinary conferences for feedback from peers.
- Reassesses treatment interventions for effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
- Transitions patient to a new phase of treatment based on response to significant changes in patient’s primary concerns and within policy time frames.
- Therapist routinely seeks patient evaluations of therapy sessions and/or the therapeutic relationship.
COMMUNICATION
- Communicates effectively with patient/family.
- Appropriately communicates with public, co-workers and psychiatrists to promote a harmonious work environment.
- Communicates regularly with the attending psychiatrist when treatment issues or problems arise that require physician input/involvement.
- Provides appropriate input to the Director for outpatient psychiatry and hospital committees.
HUMAN WORTH
- Maintains confidentiality of patient care information.
- Seeks resolutions to identified problems and acts as the patient advocate.
ADMINISTRATION
- Adheres to dress code.
- Assists in maintaining a neat and organized department.
- Available to work scheduled days.
- Able to maintain an organized unit when relieving the Director or Charge Therapist.
For LCSWs Only:
- Provides direct supervision of the care provided in the department at all levels of care. This may require an immediate response and active participation in a therapy intervention as needed.
- Provides clinical consultation and supervision to non LCSW and non-APN practitioners providing services in the department.
SAFETY
- Attends annual in services on Safety, Infection Control and Hospital Exposure Control Plan related to blood borne pathogens.
- Appropriately identifies and reports all unsafe situations.
- Avoids hazardous situations by using proper body mechanics.
EDUCATION/PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES
- Seeks to expand knowledge of resources available to mental health/chemical dependency services.
- Attends seminars and in services.
- Seeks opportunities to learn new therapy skills.
- Maintains CPR Certification.
- Maintains an awareness of department performance improvement activities and participates appropriately.
- Keeps abreast of current trends in the field of psychiatric social work.
COMPETENCY VALIDATION
- Maintains ability and knowledge in performing skills within a defined area as listed on competency checklist.
- Demonstrates skills at the acceptable standard as evaluated in this performance appraisal.
- Demonstrates skills at the acceptable standard of care.