Mental Health Therapist - LMSW

Company: Optum
Location: Knoxville
Posted on: July 2, 2025

Job Description:

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus for External Candidates Optum Behavioral Care, part of the Optum family of businesses is seeking a Mental Health Therapist to join our team in Oak Ridge/Fort Sanders TN. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care Team, you’ll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone. The therapist is responsible for providing direct clinical services to patients in the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) in a primary care clinic, and will operate in conjunction with Optum Behavioral Care (OBC) to serve as the core member of the hybrid in-person/virtual collaborative care team for OBC clients. In this cutting-edge team the therapist will interface between patients, PCPs, and psychiatrists to support the mental health and physical health care of patients on an assigned patient caseload from OBC clients. The therapist will have the support of OBC’s clinical and operational teams. This is an ideal role for you if you want to be at the center of an innovative model that can successfully improve the wellbeing for patients, you are interested in being part of a fast-growing company, and you thrive in a team environment. This role will be embedded within our healthcare client Summit Medical Group, and is a Monday-Friday role, with no evenings, weekends, holidays. As part of this hybrid role, you will occasionally need to make on-site visits to the clinic. Why Optum Behavioral Care We are committed to your well-being and growth, offering a comprehensive package of perks and benefits with varying eligibility based on role, including: - Competitive salary - Flexible work models & paid time off when you need it - Health and well-being benefits like health insurance, 401k matching, and other family support and wellness resources - Professional development with tuition reimbursement and dedicated learning time to advance your career - CE/CEU and licensure renewal reimbursement Position Highlights & Primary Responsibilities: - Use virtual and in-person modalities to coordinate care with the patient’s medical provider and, when appropriate, other mental health providers - Screen and assess patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders - Systematically track treatment response and monitor patients for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications - Support psychotropic medication management as prescribed by medical providers, focusing on treatment adherence monitoring, side effects, and effectiveness of treatment - Provide brief behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate - Participate in regularly scheduled caseload consultation with the psychiatric consultant and communicate resulting treatment recommendations to the patient’s medical provider - Develop and complete relapse prevention self-management plan with patients who have achieved their treatment goals and are soon to be discharged from the caseload You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. Required Qualifications: - Meet one of the following license requirements for the state of Tennessee: - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) , Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - Licensed Professional Counselor - MHSP ( LPC-MHSP) or Licensed Professional Counselor - MHSP-Temporary (LPC-MHSP/T) - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Marital and Family Therapist - Temporary (LMFT/T) - 3 years of experience treating patients with behavioral health conditions - 1 years of experience working in primary care or other medical behavioral integrated setting (i.e., with other provider types) - Experience with assessment and using evidence-based psychosocial treatments and brief behavioral interventions for common mental health disorders (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, problem-solving treatment, behavioral activation Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) - Demonstrated experience being detail-oriented, organized, and have exceptional follow-up capabilities - Proven ability to maintain effective and professional relationships with patient and other members of the care team - Proven ability to work with patients in person as well as by telephone and video - Proven solid grasp of technology solutions and tools and ability to adapt Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We’re revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We’re connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it’s your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $58,800 to $105,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Keywords: Optum, Cleveland , Mental Health Therapist - LMSW, Healthcare , Knoxville, Tennessee