Mental Health Therapist; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

The Division of Medical Psychology is seeking a Mental Health Therapist to provide psychotherapy to patients on an individual basis with the opportunity to conduct group and/or family sessions. Most patients will be adults with functional neurological symptom disorders (FNSD/FND), but patients may also include those with adjustment issues related to pre- or post‑neurosurgery and patients with various neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) who need brief, goal‑oriented psychotherapy.

The therapist will work under the supervision and guidance of faculty members of the Division of Medical Psychology and, most frequently, Alison Buchholz, PhD, founder/co‑founder of several FND programs and initiatives at JH.

• Development of psychotherapy treatment plans.
• Assures that all appropriate documentation is complete according to standards to carry out treatment plan.
• Provides documentation of all clinical and non‑clinical activities.
• Maintains client files in an appropriate manner and complies with Johns Hopkins accepted record‑keeping practices.
• Knows and can implement all State of Maryland /Insurance/ and Federal mandated documentation.
• Provide individual or group psychotherapy to patients, including structured modalities such as manualized CBT for FND, brief trauma‑focused therapy (TFT), and dialectical‑behavior therapy (DBT), as well as less structured goal‑oriented and empirically supported psychotherapies.
• Assess clinical condition of patients during sessions and communicate information to faculty as needed to address emergent medical and psychological issues.
• Interact with faculty and staff in clinical programs.
• Demonstrate effective risk assessment and crisis management.
• Refer participants to outside resources or agencies when appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and maintain planning for caseload.
• Practice acceptable ethical and behavioral standards of conduct, and promote and ensure good clinical practices, ensuring adherence to clinical research protocols.
• Provide operational support, including working with administrative staff to schedule appointments, confirming availability of necessary facilities, preparing session room and equipment, compiling necessary forms.
• Assist with community outreach and recruitment efforts.
• Assist in developing/maintaining training and educational materials as needed.
• Participate in peer/group or individual supervision with other clinical staff.
• Regularly utilizes EPIC and other information systems to perform daily duties and document care.

• Knowledge of mental illness and substance abuse, including current conceptual and diagnostic procedures per DSM‑V TR, and community resources for mental health.
• Candidate must be competent in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and must either have skills or willingness to learn other interventions.
• Ability to work and provide psychotherapy in a clinical setting with patients who have a variety of mental and physical health conditions, with particular emphasis on neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to interact effectively within and outside the department.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse cultures.
• Proficient in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about the work of the department as well as to acquire new technical skills as needed.
• Excellent organizational skills to work effectively in an environment that requires balancing multiple assignments.
• Maintain privacy and HIPAA standards at all times.

• Masters' Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or a closely related field.
• Two years professional experience (post‑graduate).
• Professional licensure by the appropriate licensing board.
• Licensure as a mental health professional in Maryland (e.g., LCSW‑C, LCPC, Psychologist) and must maintain license throughout duration of employment.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related…