THERAPIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 23, 2025 - The Therapist Professional provides mental health support by assessing clients' emotional and psychological needs and delivering tailored therapeutic interventions. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of therapeutic techniques to foster client growth and well-being. The individual also collaborates with other healthcare professionals and maintains detailed records to ensure continuity of care and effective treatment planning.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Therapist Resume
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Treatment Planning
  • Therapy Facilitation
  • Psychological Testing
  • Crisis Management
  • Documentation Compliance
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Counseling
  • Resource Navigation
  • Program Implementation
  • Empathetic Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Crisis Response
  • Client Engagement
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Adaptability Flexibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Time Management
  • Professional Integrity

Summary of Therapist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Psychology with 5 years of Experience

  • Ability to successfully communicate with and provide care to individuals of all backgrounds
  • Ability to effectively use technology to deliver high-quality care
  • Clinical proficiency in a range of brief, goal-directed, and focused clinical services using cognitive-behavioral therapies (ACT, BT, CBT, DBT), brief interpersonal therapy, and/or other evidenced short-term models
  • Familiarity with measurement-based care, ability to administer and interpret standardized patient-reported outcome tools in monitoring treatment effectiveness and adjusting treatment
  • Ability to confidently navigate uncertain situations with both patients and colleagues, and the ability to practice effectively within the dynamic organizational and financial structures of a primary care delivery system
  • Ability to provide feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into strengths and weaknesses
  • Ability to adapt personal and interpersonal behavior to meet the needs of the patients

2. BS in Nursing with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience with substance abuse treatment for dually diagnosed clients.
  • Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
  • Must be registered as a licensure intern with the State of Oregon or be licensed in Oregon as an LMFT, LCSW, LPC, or clinical Psychologist.
  • Be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
  • Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications.
  • Must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.

3. BA in Social Work with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in providing care for patients with mental health issues as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Familiarity, comfort, and confidence with technology and start-up culture.
  • Comfort and confidence in navigating multiple applications, such as Doxy.me, Google Suite, ZOOM, etc.
  • Excess flexibility in dealing with changing demands and priorities of a start-up environment, and the ability to handle ambiguity, change, and highly fluid workflows.
  • Strong clinical background with an in-depth understanding of factors affecting patient outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to build rapport with members with behavioral and mental health issues.
  • Enthusiastically provide culturally competent care to all members without regard to race, religion, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.
  • Excellent time management skills with an ability to pursue multiple priorities simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain a strong sense of professionalism and maturity.
  • Motivation and proactiveness, taking on additional responsibilities without being asked, and managing priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Experience working in community mental health and human services, case management, AOD, residential treatment settings, etc.

4. BS in Human Services with 8 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of all job-specific skills, including crisis intervention and individual/family therapy, multicultural and socio-economic issues, and documentation standards.
  • Advanced knowledge of therapeutic intervention, assessment, and intake for adults, children, and families with a history of mental illness and/or substance use.
  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices, Co-Occurring Disorders, and/or the Recovery Model of treatment.
  • Knowledge of Agency policies and procedures, HIPAA policies and documentation guidelines, and county, state, and federal regulations relating to service programs for adults, children, and families with a history of mental illness and/or substance use.
  • Knowledgeable about and actively supports integrated mental health, physical health, and substance use treatment for improving care for the whole person.
  • Advocacy skills to include a holistic approach to integrated health care and case management.
  • Skills to present ideas, information, and viewpoints clearly, both verbally and in writing.
  • Be able to efficiently use the personal computer to include Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Health Record.
  • Ability to utilize analysis, experience, and judgment to make effective business and therapeutic decisions
  • Demonstrate commitment to team objectives and mission.
  • Adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
  • Ability to transport clients using personal or Agency vehicle and/or public transportation.
  • Expected to have or receive LPS certification to perform psychiatric holds for clients who are gravely disabled, and/or exhibiting a danger to self or others.
  • Experience working with individuals and families with a history of mental illness and/or substance use in a social service/mental health environment.

5. BA in Counseling with 4 years of Experience

  • Clinical experience treating individuals
  • Experienced in practicing with evidence-based psychotherapies
  • Ability to incorporate clinical diagnostic and assessment instruments (e.g., PHQ-9) to monitor client progress and treatment outcomes
  • Ability to share experience among a diverse team of both clinical and non-clinical colleagues
  • Knowledgeable of and maintain HIPAA standards of privacy and confidentiality
  • Ability to complete and maintain progress notes and other documentation within the timelines in compliance with HIPAA and state licensing regulations.
  • Ability to adhere to policy, procedures, and professional code of ethics
  • Ability to provide exceptional care to clients in a secure and confidential space over HIPAA-compliant platforms

6. BS in Behavioral Science with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Exposure-Based Therapy.
  • Completion of Non-violent Crisis Intervention and Basic Life Support training before direct patient care.
  • Excellent professional written and verbal communication.
  • Possess a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Psychologist.
  • Ability to care for more complex conditions.
  • Comfortable with trauma patients.
  • Comfortable with working with seriously mentally ill patients.