About Us

Appalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.

About The Role

The Crisis Co-Responder Therapist partners with law enforcement to respond to behavioral health crises in the community. This role focuses on de-escalating crises, conducting on-scene clinical assessments, and connecting individuals to appropriate community-based services and supports. The therapist may respond in real time with law enforcement or arrive after the scene has been secured, depending on the situation.

This position is part of a specialized team aimed at reducing emergency department visits, arrests, and repeat law enforcement calls by offering immediate clinical intervention and short-term follow-up care.

Position Highlights:

• Respond to behavioral health crisis calls alongside law enforcement, providing on-site clinical support and de-escalation once the scene is safe.

• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments, addressing suicide risk, substance use, psychosis, and social determinants of health (SDOH).

• Coordinate care and service linkage, ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate behavioral health treatment, housing, and follow-up resources.

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

Compensation

This position is a fixed rate, with compensation aligned to role responsibilities, experience, and contract parameters.

• Compensation: $75,000

What You Can Expect

• Respond to behavioral health crisis calls with law enforcement and provide immediate support to individuals in crisis.
• Conduct on-site assessments for mental health concerns, suicide risk, substance use, and other behavioral health needs.
• Help de-escalate crisis situations and connect individuals with appropriate community resources and services.
• Provide short-term follow-up and care coordination to reduce repeat crises, emergency department visits, and law enforcement involvement.

Responsibilities

• Respond to behavioral health crisis calls in partnership with law enforcement and provide on-scene clinical support.
• Complete comprehensive crisis assessments to evaluate mental health, safety risks, and immediate service needs.
• Develop and coordinate care plans, connecting individuals to behavioral health treatment, housing, and community resources.
• Document services provided, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with community partners to support ongoing care.

Education:

• Master's degree in a behavioral health field (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy), required.

Licensure:

• Minimum of an Associate licensed in North Carolina (e.g., LCSW-A, LCMHC-A, LMFTA, or equivalent), required

Experience:

• At least two years of experience in behavioral health, required.
• Experience working in crisis response, community-based services, or with law enforcement partnerships is a plus.

Why Join Us

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.

• Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice:

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.