CLINICAL THERAPIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: July 17, 2024 - The Clinical Therapist possesses robust written and oral communication skills, alongside an adeptness in managing priorities and workflow. This professional demonstrates versatility and flexibility, thriving in dynamic environments and maintaining a collaborative spirit when working with health and criminal justice professionals. With a deep understanding of substance use disorders, mental health issues, and trauma-specific populations, the ability to forge strong relationships with clients, their families, and various professional entities is emphasized.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Clinical Therapist Resume
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Treatment Planning
  • Case Management
  • Knowledge Of Psychopathology
  • Crisis Intervention Techniques
  • Familiarity With Electronic Health Records Systems
  • Knowledge Of Pharmacology
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Patience
  • Cultural Competence
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Stress Management
  • Interpersonal Skills

Summary of Clinical Therapist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Psychology with 6 years of Experience

  • Have knowledge and skills to provide psychosocial care appropriate to the age-specific needs of children, adolescents, adults and elders.
  • Knowledge of individual and family development over the life spans.
  • Knowledge of substance misuse and abuse and co-occurring disorders
  • Knowledge of recovery-oriented services, family systems, and evidence-based treatments (e.g., Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interview, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, etc.)
  • Demonstrate ability to plan, organize, set and accomplish objectives.
  • Demonstrate sound clinical judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Must exhibit excellent communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to develop treatment plans and to provide psychosocial and psychotherapeutic treatment services to individuals, families, and groups.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities and competing demands.

2. BS in Counseling with 3 years of Experience

  • Direct experience with mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Experience in evidence-supported clinical trauma resolution techniques such as EMDR, PE, CPT, or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
  • Direct patient care for individuals with TBI and behavioral health needs
  • Experience working with active duty service members or Veterans
  • Experience working with individuals with addiction, substance use/abuse, sleep problems and/or chronic pain
  • Advanced certification such as Certified Brain Injury Specialist
  • Experience in clinical program development
  • Ability to complete clinical documentation and write reports
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Work experience in psychology (clinical, counseling, educational), counseling and guidance, social work, or closely related areas.

3. BS in Social Work with 5 years of Experience

  • A recognized professional qualification in creative arts therapies at a minimum of diploma level with accredited membership of either, HCPC, BACP, or UKCP.
  • Safeguarding training and experience
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual violence
  • Proven experience of providing direct therapeutic support to children, young people and vulnerable adults who have experienced trauma and loss. 
  • Experience in using a trauma-specific intervention (e.g. EMDR, EFT, PICT )
  • Enhanced disclosure and barring service check
  • Willing to access training relating to duties
  • Able to work unsociable hours and travel
  • Willing to undertake Police Vetting Level 2
  • Qualify for clinical supervision
  • Ability to respond appropriately to mental health emergencies and utilize crisis intervention techniques and procedures.

4. BS in Marriage and Family Therapy with 4 years of Experience

  • Licensed as LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or PsyD and in good standing through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) or the California Board of Psychology (CBP).
  • Experience providing LA County DMH services as a therapist
  • Preferable experience treating clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
  • Knowledge of and experience with providing trauma-informed services
  • Strong computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • CDCR fingerprint clearance
  • Must not be on parole or probation for a minimum of two years
  • Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word Outlook and Internet applications
  • Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self-sufficiency

5. BS in Mental Health Counseling with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to enter data into various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data
  • Professionalism, punctuality, flexibility and reliability are imperative
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
  • Action-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask and juggle multiple priorities
  • Outstanding ability to follow through with tasks
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary team and independently assume responsibility
  • Strong initiative, enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in whenever needed
  • Able to communicate well at all levels of the organization including working with organization leadership and high-level representatives of partner organizations

6. BS in Behavioral Health with 2 years of Experience

  • Strong clinical assessment skills
  • Strong clinical skills in treatment planning
  • Ability to create effective working relationships with team, patient and/or patient family
  • Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to various patient demographics
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to accept direction, adhere to organization policies and procedures and adapt to changing policies and procedures
  • Strong planning, organizing, time management, and computer skills
  • Proficiency in record maintenance, reporting, and correspondence
  • Effective interpersonal skills, and must be customer-service oriented
  • Show reliability and initiative, and demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience, and dedication

7. BS in Human Services with 4 years of Experience

  • Ability to maintain therapy caseload of up to 12 patients with weekly individual sessions
  • Have LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor)/LSW and Licensed Addiction Counselor in Progress
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • The ability to manage priorities and workflow
  • Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
  • Able to work collaboratively with multiple health and criminal justice professionals using tact, diplomacy, and discipline
  • Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds
  • Exhibits a high degree of courtesy, tact, and poise when interacting with patients, families, and other personnel
  • Clinical knowledge about substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, as well as trauma-specific populations
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, staff, other agencies, and the general public.
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