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We recognize the health disparities of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people. We believe that the experiences of these communities must be valued in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.  For immediate consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter with our application form.

Portland Mental Health & Wellness is a thriving private practice and training practice with four locations in Portland, as well as one location in Salem. We are a collaboration of psychologists, psychiatric prescribers, counselors, marriage and family therapists and our trainees. We emphasize relationship first and foremost and diagnosis and treatment from within that relationship.

We strongly emphasize trauma informed care, cultural competency, establishing comfort and safety for patients, and coordination of care with primary care doctors, specialists, pediatricians, schools, and other mental health clinicians.

Dear Colleagues,

As you know, CareOregon’s recent policy change means that, starting in October, licensed therapists who are not contracted with them will no longer be able to see CareOregon patients. We know this has created real uncertainty for many in our community.

As I’ve shared previously, PMHW has been exploring a number of ways we might help — including 1099 contracting and alternative employment structures — with the hope of supporting continued care for patients with their existing therapists. Our goal has been to determine what would be both sustainable for PMHW and supportive for colleagues impacted by this change.

After much consideration, we have decided to move forward with offering a part-time W2 employee role. This option provides greater stability, consistency, and alignment with how PMHW needs to be structured in order to serve patients, while also extending support to therapists in the community who are affected.

We recognize that this shift by CareOregon has created challenges across the system. We want to do what we can to help ensure patients continue receiving care while offering colleagues a pathway to remain engaged in this important work.

If you are interested in moving forward with the part-time W2 role, please review the job description and submit this form.

We know you may have questions about what this role means in practice. Below, we’ve included answers to the most common ones. If you have a question that isn’t covered, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we want you to have the clarity you need as you consider this opportunity.

Thank you for the commitment you’ve shown to your patients and to the broader mental health community. We are grateful for the opportunity to support you in navigating this transition.

Warmly,

Brad Larsen, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist & Executive Director & Founder

Part-Time Licensed Outpatient Therapist

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

Location: Portland, OR
Supervisor: Assigned Clinical Director
Employee Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Hours: Part-Time (10+ clinical encounters per week)
Compensation: Flat Rate Compensation model

Onboarding Timeline: Approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on credentialing

Apply now! Flexible Start Date

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Primary Function:

As healers, therapists offer a range of services that support the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and communities. They promote and facilitate the attainment of optimal mental health through prevention, treatment, and maintenance services.

Therapists work collaboratively with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers, recognizing that all voices are important and deserve to be heard. They provide culturally sensitive and responsive care, acknowledging the impact of historical trauma and colonization on the mental health of communities and individuals.

In their work, therapists may offer therapy services, both individual and group, that center the experiences and knowledge of patients. They prioritize the empowerment and agency of patients, recognizing their unique identities and strengths, and support them in developing and using their own coping skills and strategies.

Therapists also offer ongoing maintenance services that support the sustainability of mental and emotional well-being. They recognize the importance of long-term care and work with patients to identify and address any obstacles to maintaining their mental health.

Overall, therapists approach their work with humility, respect, and a commitment to decolonizing and liberating mental health care. They prioritize the well-being and self-determination of patients, their families, and their communities, recognizing their intrinsic value and inherent dignity.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide holistic assessment and care that includes consideration of the patient’s social, cultural, and historical contexts, as well as their mental and physical health status
  • Collaborate with the patient to co-create a personalized care plan that is respectful of their autonomy and priorities
  • Use evidence-informed and culturally-responsive practices that prioritize patient empowerment and well-being
  • Work in collaboration with community-based specialists, traditional healers, and other healthcare providers to support holistic and culturally-relevant care
  • Engage in ongoing education and self-reflection to critically examine and challenge systemic injustices in the mental health system
  • Ensure that informed consent is obtained and prioritizes the patient’s agency and safety
  • Ensure that patients are informed about their rights, including their right to refuse treatment, and provide advocacy and support when needed
  • Ensure that patient records are kept confidential and secure, and that any sharing of information is done in accordance with the patient’s wishes and legal requirements
  • Recognize and address the impact of systemic oppression, racism, and colonization on mental health and well-being, and work to dismantle these systems of harm
  • Use a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment, and avoids retraumatization
  • Acknowledge and respect the wisdom and knowledge of patients, their families, and communities, and work to ensure their meaningful participation in their care
  • Engage in ongoing self-care and self-reflection to mitigate the risk of vicarious trauma and burnout
  • Participate in clinical supervision and training that is culturally-responsive and critical of oppressive systems and practices
  • Ensure that clinic policies and procedures are respectful of patient autonomy and safety, and challenge any policies that perpetuate systemic harm
  • Advocate for systemic change in the mental health system, including increased access to care, resources, and support for marginalized communities.
  • Clinical Encounter Expectations: part-time clinical practitioners in Outpatient Psychotherapy must complete 10 or more clinical encounters per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an APA accredited university OR a masters degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field
  • Appropriate board approved supervision agreement or licensing required.
  • 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.

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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 physical 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 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.

Apply Here

Portland Mental Health is an equal opportunity employer. We support and encourage diversity.

FAQ: Employment Options for Therapists Impacted by CareOregon Policy Change

  1. What will happen to my current CareOregon patients if I decide to take this role?
     If you choose to accept the W2 role, your current CareOregon patients can transition with you into PMHW’s system. Our intake and administrative teams will coordinate with you and your patients to make the process as smooth as possible. This means you’ll be able to continue providing care to them under PMHW’s structure, rather than needing to transfer them elsewhere.
  2. Will I be able to see patients with insurances other than CareOregon at PMHW?
     Yes. You will have the option to become paneled with several insurance companies through PMHW and, if you choose, build a broader caseload beyond CareOregon patients.
  3. What is the compensation for this role?
     Compensation is based on a flat rate per clinical encounter. Like in solo practice, this rate is intended to cover all of the work and time associated with providing care for the patient (including documentation, coordination, etc.). Payment is on a W2 basis, with payroll processed bi-weekly.  Note about pay rates: If you have been billing CareOregon as an out-of-network provider, you may have been receiving higher reimbursement rates than we do as an in-network provider. Please consider carefully whether the rates PMHW can offer are sustainable for your circumstances before deciding.
  4. What are the minimum hours required for the part-time W2 role?
     The minimum weekly commitment is 10 contact hours. This ensures predictable caseloads for providers while allowing PMHW to maintain balanced scheduling and reliable access for patients.
  5. Will I be eligible for benefits?
     Benefits eligibility depends on your average weekly hours. Providers meeting the a minimum of 32 hours (approximately 23 clinical contact hours) will be eligible for full time benefits including health insurance and paid time off. 
  6. Can I continue seeing patients in person in my own office? What about telehealth?
     No. All in-person patient care must be provided at a PMHW office. This is due to our Certificate of Approval with the Oregon Health Authority, which requires all patient care locations to be evaluated and approved. We are not able to extend that approval process to independent practitioner offices.  If you see your CareOregon patients exclusively via telehealth, then you may conduct those sessions from your office or home. If you were to ultimately transition into a full-time role at PMHW, you would need to work from a PMHW office approximately half of the time.
  7. Why is PMHW offering a W2 structure instead of offering 1099 contracts?
     We carefully explored multiple models, including continuing with 1099 contracting. Ultimately, we determined that a W2 structure provides greater stability, ensures compliance with employment law, and aligns with PMHW’s systems for scheduling, payroll, and benefits. It also creates consistency across teams and reduces administrative complexity for both providers and the organization.
  8. What if I do not accept the W2 role?
     There is no obligation to accept this opportunity with PMHW. Our understanding is that other group practices may also be creating pathways for clinicians affected by CareOregon’s policy change, so you may wish to explore multiple options before deciding.
  9. When do I need to decide?
    Please let us know by October 31st, 2025 if you would like to move forward with the part-time W2 role. This will give us time to finalize scheduling, credentialing, and patient transitions effectively.