Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the importance of psychologists in community mental health centers has never been more evident.
As society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of mental health, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our communal mental health landscape grows.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a community mental health center psychologist?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply interested in the nuances of community mental health psychology,
You’ve found the right resource.
Today, we present a customizable community mental health center psychologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities
Community Mental Health Center Psychologists play a critical role in providing psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals in the community who are struggling with mental health issues.
They also work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the provision of comprehensive mental health care.
Their key duties and responsibilities include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations to assess mental health status and identify disorders
- Providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy to clients facing a range of mental health issues
- Designing and implementing personalized treatment plans in accordance with best practice guidelines
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, social workers, and occupational therapists, to provide holistic patient care
- Providing crisis intervention services when needed, such as for clients who are suicidal or in severe emotional distress
- Conducting research and staying updated with the latest developments in the field of psychology to ensure the provision of evidence-based care
- Documenting and maintaining accurate records of client diagnosis, treatment, and progress
- Providing consultation and training to other staff members and to the wider community about mental health issues and prevention strategies
- Assisting in the development of programs and interventions to promote mental health in the community
- Adhering to ethical guidelines and maintaining confidentiality in all client interactions
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a committed and empathetic Psychologist to join our Community Mental Health Center.
The Psychologist will be responsible for providing comprehensive psychological services including assessments, interventions, and consultations to our diverse client population.
Your role will involve using psychotherapy and other counseling skills to improve the emotional, mental and behavioral health of our clients.
You should have a deep understanding of mental health disorders, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Responsibilities
- Conduct psychological assessments and diagnostic tests to determine client needs
- Provide individual, family, and group therapy based on client needs
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate client care
- Consult with and provide training to staff, community agencies, and other professionals
- Participate in research and program development
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records
- Adhere to ethical and professional standards as outlined by the American Psychological Association
Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
- Current, valid license to practice psychology in the state
- Experience in a community mental health setting
- Strong understanding of a wide range of mental health disorders
- Proficiency in psychological testing and evaluation
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and counseling skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Community Mental Health Center Psychologist
- Work Environment: Community Mental Health Center setting. The role may require some travel for home visits or to attend meetings and conferences.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Mental Health Services.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $76,990 minimum to $129,530 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Do?
Community Mental Health Center Psychologists work within community-based settings to provide mental health support and services to individuals, families, and groups within that community.
They conduct mental health assessments, providing diagnosis and formulating treatment plans for their clients.
These assessments can include psychological testing, interviews, observation of behavior, and discussion of symptoms and life events.
These psychologists provide psychotherapy, which can involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or other therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of the individual client.
This therapy can take place on an individual basis, or in group or family settings.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologists also provide crisis intervention services, assisting individuals who are experiencing severe psychological distress or who may be in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others.
In addition to direct client services, these psychologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care for their clients.
They also engage in community outreach and education, raising awareness about mental health issues and available services, as well as working to reduce stigma around mental illness within the community.
These psychologists may also conduct research within the community setting, with the aim of improving mental health services and outcomes for the community they serve.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Qualifications and Skills
A Community Mental Health Center Psychologist should possess a specific skill set and qualifications that align with the job role, including:
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders, psychological theories and their applications in real life situations.
- Proficiency in conducting psychological assessments and formulating personalized treatment plans for a diverse range of clients.
- Excellent communication skills for explaining complex psychological concepts to clients and their families in a clear and understandable way.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with clients, their families and other healthcare professionals.
- Patience and emotional resilience to deal with clients who may be distressed, uncooperative or aggressive.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and find solutions to clients’ mental health issues.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical guidelines.
- Capacity to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Experience Requirements
Entry-level candidates for a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist role typically require a Doctoral Degree in Psychology and must have completed an internship or residency program in a mental health setting.
This provides them with the practical experience required to begin their career.
In addition to the educational requirements, they also need to be licensed to practice psychology in their state.
Some states may require a certain number of hours of supervised practice before granting full licensure.
Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience are often those who have completed their residency or internships and have started their professional practice.
They may have experience working with various mental health conditions and in providing a variety of therapeutic interventions.
Professionals with more than 3 years of experience likely have a deeper understanding of mental health disorders and have developed their therapeutic skills further.
They may have experience working with more complex cases or in supervising junior psychologists.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may be considered senior psychologists.
They may have extensive experience working with a wide range of mental health disorders, and could be responsible for supervising a team of psychologists, interns, or trainees.
These professionals may also have experience in program development or leadership roles within a community mental health center setting.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Education and Training Requirements
A Community Mental Health Center Psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology, usually a PsyD or a PhD.
This should be from an accredited institution and typically includes a one-year internship related to the psychologist’s specialty area.
In addition to a doctoral degree, psychologists must also complete a post-doctoral supervised clinical work experience, typically lasting one to two years.
This allows candidates to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting under the guidance of an experienced psychologist.
Psychologists are also required to be licensed in the state in which they practice.
Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position, but generally require the completion of a doctoral degree, an internship, and 1 to 2 years of professional experience.
In addition, most states require that psychologists pass an examination, typically the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
Specialization in community mental health often requires additional training and experience working with specific populations such as children, the elderly, or those dealing with substance abuse or trauma.
This could include additional courses or internships during or after graduate school.
Continuing education is also essential for a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in the field.
This could be done through workshops, seminars, or professional development courses.
In addition to academic and licensing requirements, a good Community Mental Health Center Psychologist should also have strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and problem-solving abilities to succeed in their role.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Salary Expectations
A Community Mental Health Center Psychologist can expect to earn an average salary of $73,570 (USD) per year.
This salary can fluctuate depending on the psychologist’s experience, qualifications, and geographical location.
Some highly experienced psychologists in this field can earn well over the average if they are located in a high-demand area.
Community Mental Health Center Psychologist Job Description FAQs
What educational qualifications are necessary for a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist?
Community Mental Health Center Psychologists typically need a doctorate in psychology, commonly either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. They also need to complete an internship in a clinical setting before they can qualify for state licensing exams.
A background in community mental health or related field may be preferred by some employers.
What are the main duties of a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist?
Community Mental Health Center Psychologists work with individuals and groups in community settings to provide mental health services.
This often involves conducting assessments and providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups.
They may also develop and implement wellness programs, provide crisis intervention, and participate in program development and evaluation.
What qualities make a good Community Mental Health Center Psychologist?
A good Community Mental Health Center Psychologist should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they need to build relationships with clients and help them discuss their emotions.
They should be compassionate, understanding, and patient.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle stress are also important, as this role often involves dealing with people in crisis.
What should you look for in a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist’s resume?
Look for a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist’s educational background, including a doctorate in psychology and any specializations related to community mental health.
Experience in mental health centers or other community settings is a plus.
Check for state licensure and any additional certifications, like board certification in clinical psychology.
They should also demonstrate a history of continuous learning and professional development.
Is it challenging to hire Community Mental Health Center Psychologists?
Hiring a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist can be challenging due to a shortage of qualified professionals in some areas.
It’s also critical to find someone who fits well with the community they will be serving, which can make the hiring process more complex.
However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the nuanced world of a Community Mental Health Center Psychologist.
And guess what?
It’s not just about conducting therapy sessions.
It’s about cultivating mental well-being, one client at a time.
With our detailed Community Mental Health Center Psychologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make a difference.
But why stop there?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every interaction is a step towards better mental health for the community.
Let’s foster that well-being. Together.
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