Behavioral Health Consultant- Dental IntegrationDepartment: Primary Care
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Columbia - Portland Street
Compensation: $81,723.20 / year
DescriptionHelp make dental care a more comfortable, empowering experience for every patient.As a Behavioral Health Consultant - Dental Integration, you'll bring behavioral health expertise directly into dental settings, helping patients and families navigate dental care with greater confidence, comfort, and success. This unique integrated care role focuses on supporting children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and developmental disabilities through individualized behavioral interventions, caregiver education, and collaboration with dental and healthcare teams. You'll also contribute to whole-person care by providing behavioral health support to primary care patients, including those experiencing urgent or crisis needs.
This is a great opportunity for someone who:- Enjoys working with children, adolescents, and families to build confidence and positive healthcare experiences.
- Is passionate about making healthcare more accessible through creative, individualized, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Values collaboration and wants to help shape an innovative model of integrated behavioral health and dental care.
- Finds purpose in helping individuals overcome barriers to care and achieve meaningful health and wellness goals.
Key Responsibilities- Provide behavioral consultation and individualized interventions to support successful dental experiences, particularly for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and developmental disabilities.
- Conduct dental desensitization visits and implement evidence-based strategies that build treatment readiness, reduce anxiety, and promote positive patient experiences.
- Partner with caregivers to provide education, coaching, and practical strategies that support patients before, during, and after dental appointments.
- Collaborate with dental, primary care, and behavioral health teams to identify barriers, coordinate care, and promote accessible, patient-centered services.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based behavioral health practices and sensory-friendly dental environments.
- Support outcome tracking, community referrals, and partnerships that strengthen access to developmental and specialty services.
- Provide behavioral consultation and crisis support to primary care patients as part of the broader integrated care team.
- Maintain required certifications, reliable on-site attendance, and readiness to respond to medical or behavioral emergencies.
Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise- Master's degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, or psychology as recognized by the US Department of Education required
- Doctorate degree in Psychology as recognized by the US Department of Education (required only for Licensed Psychologists)
- At least one (1) year of experience, under supervision, in treating problems related to mental illness in addition to behavioral issues as they relate to chronic medical conditions required
Licensure/Certification:- Must possess and maintain a current, active clinical license in the state of Missouri (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or LP as applicable)
- Must obtain and maintain current CPR certification within 60 days of hire
- Must obtain and maintain certification in an approved crisis intervention methodology (CPI, MANDT, or CALM) within 60 days of hire
You'll be a great fit for this role if you:- Have experience or a strong interest in supporting individuals with autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, developmental disabilities, and sensory processing differences.
- Bring a patient, creative, and adaptable approach to helping individuals feel safe, supported, and successful in healthcare environments.
- Are skilled at building trusting relationships with children, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Enjoy developing practical solutions to meet individual needs and make healthcare experiences more accessible.
- Value integrated care and understand the importance of addressing behavioral, emotional, and physical health together.
- Are energized by opportunities to innovate, share best practices, and help expand access to quality healthcare in rural communities.
