Licensed Therapist – Behavioral Medicine & Wellness

(Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Location: Portland, OR
Supervisor: Director of Behavioral Medicine & Wellness
Employee Classification: Exempt (Salaried)
Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: Salaried options configured based on licensure type

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Primary Function:

The Licensed Outpatient Therapist provides direct, evidence-based psychotherapy and behavioral health services within PMHW’s Behavioral Medicine & Wellness service line. Working under the clinical leadership of the Director of Behavioral Medicine & Wellness, this position delivers individual (and, where applicable, group) treatment across the department’s core clinical focus areas, including insomnia and sleep-related concerns, chronic illness adjustment and medical adherence, and Health-At-Every-Size (HAES)–aligned behavioral health support for patients on metabolic therapies (e.g., GLP-1 medications) and related comorbid psychological conditions.

This is a generalist role: the therapist is expected to develop working competence across the department’s full range of Foundational (Phase 1) service areas rather than a single specialty, so that caseload can flex with patient demand. As the service line matures, there will be opportunities to build additional depth in one or more Expansion (Phase 2) areas based on the therapist’s interests and the department’s evolving needs.

A Note on Program Design: Building in Phases

The Behavioral Medicine & Wellness service line is being built in phases. Phase 1 (Foundational) covers the service areas PMHW has already established and is actively offering today; Phase 2 (Expansion) represents additional areas of clinical focus the department intends to grow into over time, as staffing, clinical expertise, and referral partnerships develop. This is a new, growth-oriented position: while the immediate focus is on delivering today’s core services, we expect the role, caseload composition, and available areas of emphasis to expand as the department moves into future phases.

Essential Functions:

• Organizational Culture & DEAI
  • Model and operationalize PMHW’s Organizational Culture Principles and commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
  • Practice and reinforce Health-At-Every-Size (HAES) principles and anti-fat-bias care in all clinical interactions and documentation.
  • Contribute to a psychologically safe environment for colleagues, trainees, and patients, prioritizing cultural humility in clinical decision-making.
• Direct Clinical Care
  • Deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, trauma-informed outpatient psychotherapy across the Foundational service areas listed below.
  • Conduct intakes, biopsychosocial assessments, and treatment planning aligned with department protocols and stepped-care models.
  • Maintain an active outpatient caseload consistent with departmental productivity expectations.
  • Provide patient education and, where appropriate, co-facilitate group programming across one or more service areas.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in the EHR consistent with PMHW, HIPAA, and payer requirements.
  • Support accurate coding and billing practices reflecting the clinical scope of services delivered.
  • Participate in chart review, case consultation, and quality-improvement activities as directed by the Director.
• Collaboration & Referral Coordination
  • Coordinate care with referring providers (e.g., sleep medicine, primary care, endocrinology/metabolic clinics, specialty clinics) to support integrated, collaborative treatment.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with interdisciplinary teams regarding shared patients and care planning.
• Program Development Support
  • Contribute clinical expertise and patient feedback to the ongoing development of protocols, outcome measures, and patient education materials.
  • Participate in individual and group supervision, didactics, and department trainings led by the Director.
  • As the service line grows, support onboarding and orientation of new clinicians or trainees.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

The Licensed Outpatient Therapist is expected to develop and maintain competence across two or more of the following Foundational (Phase 1) service areas, and is encouraged to pursue additional depth in one or more Expansion (Phase 2) areas as the program grows.

• Foundational Service Areas (Phase 1)
  • Behavioral Medicine & Chronic Disease Management — adjustment to chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune conditions, heart disease); adherence counseling; psychoeducation and self-management support; stress-reduction interventions for medical conditions.
  • Sleep Management — CBT-I; sleep hygiene and behavioral activation; sleep-device (CPAP/BiPAP/oral appliance) compliance; collaboration with sleep medicine for differential diagnosis.
  • Lifestyle Medicine & Preventive Health — stress management and relaxation; physical-activity motivation and behavioral coaching; mindfulness-based health promotion; behavioral health interventions for well-being.
  • Body-Inclusive Health & Nutrition — HAES-aligned behavioral interventions; Food as Medicine and mindful-eating approaches; behavioral weight management (if aligned with clinic philosophy); pre- and post-bariatric-surgery psychological assessment and support; emotional eating and body-image work.
  • Psychological Support for Medical Procedures & Illness — pre-surgical psychological assessments (e.g., bariatric, transplant); post-surgical adjustment and adherence counseling.
• Expansion / Growth Areas (Phase 2)
  • Chronic Pain — CBT-P and ACT; mindfulness, relaxation, and biofeedback for pain management; pain self-management and activity pacing; support for pain-related anxiety, depression, and adjustment; coordination with medical/rehabilitation teams.
  • Women’s & Reproductive Health Psychology — perinatal and postpartum adjustment; fertility and reproductive decision-making; menopause and hormonal health transitions; body image and identity in relation to health and aging.
  • Health Equity, Cultural, and Community Health — addressing social determinants of health; health disparities consultation and culturally responsive intervention; group-based wellness programs for underserved communities; integrated care partnerships with community organizations.
  • Specialty Populations — oncology psychology; geropsychology/aging and health transitions; neurology/rehabilitation psychology; cardiovascular or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Required: a masters degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, OR a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an APA accredited university
• Required: appropriate board approved licensing, current and unrestricted
• Preferred: Training or experience in CBT-I, behavioral sleep medicine, HAES-aligned care, health psychology, or another service area listed above.
• Preferred: Experience providing outpatient individual therapy; group facilitation experience a plus.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive, weight-inclusive care.
• Demonstrate competence and humility in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, ability et al
• Demonstrate commitment to the preservation of a workplace which embraces diversity
• Demonstrate commitment to confidentiality of patient and employee information
• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients and clinicians
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail and organization
• Demonstrate patience: being patient with people who may have trouble communicating or understanding what is happening is imperative for this position
• Follow policies and procedures to contribute to the administrative efficiency of the practice, taking initiative to suggest and develop those that may be needed
• Ability to work with Mac OS & Google Workspace

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, printers, telephones, etc. 

Work Environment: When working from a PMHW office, the position is in a well-lit office environment. Varied activities including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.

Mental and Physical Requirements: Involves sitting approximately 90 percent of the day, walking or standing the remainder. Ability to tolerate mental and emotional distress as an anticipated aspect of the position. May require working under stressful conditions.

Portland Mental Health & Wellness offers a competitive benefits package for full time employees that includes:

• Paid Vacation Time (80 hours per year)
• Paid Health Leave (40 hours per year)
• Paid Floating Holiday Hours (80 hours per year)
• All Paid Time Off Contributes to Clinical Encounter Hours
• Medical and Vision Insurance – Kaiser Permanente of the Northwest (choice of three plans)
• Dental Insurance
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Additional Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Care
• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care
• Commuter Benefit – Choice of Subsidized TriMet Pass or Limited Parking Reimbursement
• 401K Retirement Plan – Up to 4% Company Match Once Eligible
• Discounted Enrollment with Student Loan Tutor
• 10% Discount on Vitamins & Supplements Through Fullscript
• Limited Access to Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Group Banking Benefits
• Free Access to Continuing Education Platforms 
• Opportunities for Provision of Supervision and Training for Eligible Clinicians
• Annual Continuing Education Allowance of $1,000
• Weekly Clinical Consultation Groups

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This description is intended to provide only the basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as the practice’s needs evolve. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of every job.

The requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the Essential Functions of this job, with or without accommodation. If an accommodation is needed, you acknowledge that you have an opportunity to discuss this with Human Resources.

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It’s essential to clarify that at Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we hire W-2 employees for most positions, rather than contractors. This decision reflects our commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of care.

In Oregon, the distinction between W-2 employees and contractors holds significant legal and ethical implications. By hiring W-2 employees, we ensure that our staff receive fair wages, benefits, and protections mandated by state labor laws. This includes access to healthcare, paid leave, and workers’ compensation, fostering a supportive and secure work environment.

Moreover, hiring W-2 employees allows us to maintain consistent quality control and oversight over our services. We prioritize building a team of dedicated professionals who share our values and commitment to providing exceptional mental health care to our clients. This ensures continuity of care and fosters trust within our community.

At Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we believe that investing in our employees translates to better outcomes for our clients. By hiring W-2 employees, we uphold our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in mental health care delivery. Join us in our mission to promote holistic well-being and support the mental health needs of individuals and families in Portland and beyond.