Psychotherapist - PRN

Job Description PsychotherapistNexus Children's Hospital – Houston, TXAbout Nexus Children's Hospital – HoustonNexus Children's Hospital – Houston provides structured inpatient care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Located in Houston's Westchase District, our bright, home-like environment offers a safe, supportive setting where children can stabilize, grow, and build the skills needed for long-term success.Our program focuses on behavioral stabilization, communication development, and daily living skills. Through a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, our team partners with patients and families to reduce aggressive behaviors, improve social functioning, and support successful reintegration into the community—because at Nexus, we're mending minds.Position SummaryThe Psychotherapist serves as a key member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, providing comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions.This role is ideal for a clinician who is comfortable working with a clinically complex and diverse population, including individuals who may be minimally verbal, have trauma histories, and experience significant mood and behavioral dysregulation.The Psychotherapist utilizes a range of evidence-based modalities including play therapy when clinically appropriate and adapts interventions to meet each patient's cognitive, behavioral, and communication needs within a structured inpatient environment.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, monitor, and document individualized mental health treatment goals as part of the interdisciplinary care planProvide evidence-based individual, group, milieu, and family psychotherapy, incorporating play therapy techniques when appropriateFacilitate 1–2 individual therapy sessions per week and weekly family sessions, as clinically indicatedLead structured therapeutic groupsfocused on:Social skills developmentCoping strategiesEmotional regulationAdapt therapeutic approaches to meet a wide range of communication abilities, including minimally verbal patientsCollaborate with the Program Director to manage caseload and group coverageMaintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentationProvide staff with de-escalation techniques, psychoeducation, and behavioral strategiesParticipate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferencesConduct ongoing behavioral assessments to address barriers to treatment progressCoordinate care across disciplines to ensure cohesive and effective treatment deliveryCommunicate clinical updates and recommendations to program leadershipParticipate in discharge planning and transition of careContribute to program development and continuous quality improvement initiativesStay current with best practices in autism, IDD, trauma-informed care, and play therapy interventionsQualificationsEducation:Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (required)Experience:Experience developing and implementing behavioral programsMinimum of 2 years in an inpatient, residential, or rehabilitation setting preferredExperience working with:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)Trauma-informed careBehavioral dysregulation in children or adolescentsExperience with play therapy or expressive therapy modalities preferredLicensure/Certification:Active Texas licensure: LPC, LMSW, or LCSWBLS certification requiredMust maintain all credentials in good standing