Clinical Therapist, Behavioral Health Unit

Company: VHC Health
Location: Arlington
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Overview The Behavioral Health Unit boasts all semi-private rooms, with the capacity of 18 patients. Recent unit accomplishments include decrease in locked seclusions, no locked restraints in almost two years and a recent unit refresh, including new furniture! In this unit, patients rage from adult ages to geriatric. Typical procedures of this unit include patient centered therapeutic and recreational groups, fun activities like karaoke and dance, off unit walking privileges for fresh air and Electroconvulsive Therapy. Many skills are used in this unit such as de-escalation techniques using MOAB-Management of Aggressive Behaviors, therapeutic communication, and most importantly, compassion. What makes the BHU unique is the diversity of diagnosis, staff diversity, caring for patients across a spectrum of physical and mental functionality, making a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing difficulty across a range of social issues. This unit is team based, patient-centered support, autonomy, has a flexible scheduling, a positive work environment, supportive leadership and that is what make the BHU a great place to work! VHC Health® is an independent, not-for-profit, 548-bed health system serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area, anchored by a nationally recognized top teaching hospital. We deliver high-quality, patient-centered care using advanced technology. With a growing network of primary and specialty care locations, we make healthcare more accessible for our community. Consistently recognized as a leading health system in Virginia, VHC Health has earned numerous awards and proudly holds the Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. Responsibilities Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice. Employee-Led Engagement and Wellness Committee dedicated to make work a fun and healthy place to work Annual Employee Survey – Your Voice is Heard at VHC! Paid Major Holidays Generous Paid Time Off / Vacation / Sick Time Health Insurance Dental Insurance Tuition Reimbursement Student Loan Repayment Career Counseling, Leadership Development and Training Clinical and Research Pathways Eligible Annual Merit Review and Merit Increases Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Health Fitness & Education Class Discounts Employee Wellness Benefits Hospital Discount for Employees and Family VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy VHC Retirement Program Workforce Enhancement Program Work/Life Discounts Program Free onsite parking Commuter Benefits Family Leave 401(k) Match and much more! Qualifications Purpose & Scope: A licensed Clinical Therapist will provide counseling services to patients individually and/or in a group setting, utilizing clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures to assist individuals in achieving their established goals as outlined in their individual treatment plans resulting in achieving outcomes that are consistent with becoming sober and/or healthier in personal, physical, social, and psychological wellbeing. "Apply clinical counseling principles, methods, and procedures," means an approach to counseling that emphasizes the counselor's role in systematically assisting clients through all of the following: Assessing and analyzing emotional conditions, exploring possible solutions, and developing and providing a treatment plan for mental and emotional adjustment or development, and/or substance abuse disorder, as applicable. It may include counseling, appraisal, consulting, supervision, administration and referral. Engage in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within the scope of all laws and regulations of the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Provide training supervision for students and registered counselor trainees as requested by the program or unit director, when services are within their scope of practice, which does not include supervision of the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Education: Master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or in an approved related field is required. Experience: Two years of behavioral health experience is required. Certification/Licensure: Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of providing care to individuals who may be emotionally disturbed, socially dysfunctional, behaviorally disordered, suffer from mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families • As applicable, thorough knowledge of the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) standards and regulations and ability to apply ASAM criteria to each patient through documentation and their Individual Service Plan • Thorough knowledge of community resources and human services networks • Thorough knowledge of community-based behavioral health principles and evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment techniques • Thorough knowledge of the theories and techniques of counseling and crisis intervention • Thorough knowledge of intake techniques and procedures; ability to evaluate and screen clients; ability to prepare adequate records and to report findings and data effectively in line with all ASAM regulations under the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services (DBHDS) regulations in the Commonwealth of Virginia • Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, physicians, clients and their families, associates, community partners, medical personnel, law enforcement, State and Federal agency representatives and the general public • Ability to monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of social services furnished • Responsibilities include but are not limited to participating in discharge planning arranging for follow-up care and developing mechanisms for exchange of appropriate information with appropriate sources outside the hospital • Ability to ensure the provision of a robust therapeutic activities program that meets the needs and interests of patients and be directed towards restoring and maintaining optimal levels of physical and psychosocial functioning • Provide robust comprehensive therapeutic activities consistent with each patient’s active treatment program • Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Office of Human Rights (OHR) in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Keywords: VHC Health, Dundalk , Clinical Therapist, Behavioral Health Unit, Healthcare , Arlington, Maryland