MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST - ACCESS CENTER

General Purpose of Job:

The Emergency Psychiatric Services Clinician functions as a critical consultative member of the Emergency Department (ED) care team, providing rapid psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, and disposition recommendation and planning for patients presenting with behavioral health and substance use concerns.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Team members may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

Clinical/Psychosocial Assessment & Intervention:

• Conduct timely, focused psychiatric evaluations and biopsychosocial assessments to determine level of risk and appropriate disposition.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation for patients experiencing acute behavioral health emergencies.
• Identify patients meeting criteria for involuntary or voluntary psychiatric intervention in accordance with state regulations.

Consultation & Disposition Planning:

• Serve as a consultative resource to ED providers, offering evidence-based disposition recommendations (e.g., inpatient admission, outpatient referral, community-based services, etc.)
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing, security, and ancillary staff to support safe and efficient patient management.
• Facilitate appropriate transitions of care, including coordination of psychiatric placement, community services, and discharge planning.

Behavioral Emergency Response:

• Respond to behavioral codes and hospital-wide crises as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Provide real-time behavioral assessment and lead or support de-escalation strategies to reduce risk of harm to patients and staff.

Care Coordination & Community Integration:

• Maintain current knowledge of community mental health, substance use, and social support services.
• Act as a liaison between the hospital and external agencies to support continuity of care.
• Engage patients and families in safety planning and resource connection at time of discharge.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Complete required legal documentation relevant to emergency psychiatric care (e.g., PCM 201 and MC97 forms, as applicable).
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the Michigan Mental Health Code and applicable regulatory standards.
• Distinguish ED responsibilities from outpatient and inpatient legal processes, ensuring appropriate scope of practice.

Documentation:

• Accurately document assessments, clinical impressions, and disposition plans in the electronic medical record in a timely manner.