Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Psychology Manager
💰 $110,000 - $165,000
HealthcareManagementBehavioral HealthClinical Services
🎯 Role Definition
The Psychology Manager is a cornerstone of the behavioral health leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction, operational integrity, and clinical quality of psychology services. This individual provides expert guidance and direct supervision to a team of clinical psychologists, therapists, and mental health professionals. They are accountable for program development, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring all services align with best practices, regulatory standards, and organizational goals. The role demands a blend of clinical acumen, business insight, and inspirational leadership to foster a supportive, effective, and compliant clinical environment while championing patient-centered care.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Senior Clinical Psychologist
- Lead Therapist / Team Lead
- Clinical Supervisor
Advancement To:
- Director of Behavioral Health
- Regional Clinical Director
- Vice President of Clinical Operations
Lateral Moves:
- Director of Clinical Training
- Quality Improvement Manager (Behavioral Health)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Provide direct clinical and administrative supervision to a team of licensed psychologists, therapists, and counselors, guiding case conceptualization, treatment planning, and intervention strategies.
- Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the psychology department, ensuring efficient patient flow, appropriate staff scheduling, and resource allocation to meet service demands.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based clinical programs and therapeutic group services to address the evolving mental health needs of the patient population.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for clinical quality, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency, using data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure all clinical services and documentation strictly adhere to state and federal regulations, professional ethical guidelines, and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, CARF).
- Manage the departmental budget, including forecasting financial needs, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in service delivery.
- Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and comprehensive training of new clinical staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and clinical excellence.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations for direct reports, providing constructive feedback, setting professional development goals, and managing performance improvement plans as needed.
- Serve as the primary clinical consultant for complex or high-risk cases, providing expert guidance and facilitating interdisciplinary case conferences to ensure optimal patient care.
- Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with other department heads, medical staff, and administrative leaders to promote integrated, holistic patient care.
- Champion the integration of new technologies and digital health solutions into clinical practice, such as telehealth platforms and updated Electronic Health Record (EHR) functionalities.
- Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures, ensuring they are current, evidence-based, and effectively communicated to all staff members.
- Represent the psychology department in organizational leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and on interdepartmental committees to advocate for mental health services.
- Oversee psychology training programs, including supervising interns, postdoctoral fellows, and practicum students, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
- Lead crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts during clinical emergencies, providing immediate support and direction to staff and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
- Monitor and analyze patient satisfaction data and clinical outcomes to identify trends, address areas for improvement, and enhance the overall patient experience.
- Facilitate regular team meetings and clinical trainings to disseminate information, promote team cohesion, and ensure ongoing professional education on relevant topics.
- Manage relationships with external community partners, referral sources, and payers to ensure seamless coordination of care and expand service accessibility.
- Resolve complex administrative and clinical issues, including patient complaints and staff conflicts, in a timely and professional manner.
- Stay abreast of current research, emerging trends, and best practices in clinical psychology, program management, and healthcare administration to inform strategic direction.
- Lead quality assurance and utilization review activities within the department to ensure services are medically necessary, effective, and efficiently delivered.
Secondary Functions
- Participate in community outreach and mental health advocacy initiatives on behalf of the organization.
- Contribute to organizational publications, presentations, or research projects related to behavioral health.
- Mentor emerging leaders within the clinical team, supporting their growth into supervisory roles.
- Assist in the development and delivery of mental health awareness training for non-clinical staff across the organization.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Clinical Supervision & Staff Development
- Behavioral Health Program Development & Evaluation
- Budget Management & Financial Forecasting
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
- Healthcare Accreditation Standards (JCAHO, CARF)
- Crisis Intervention & Management Protocols
- Application of Evidence-Based Practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT)
- Psychometric Assessment and Interpretation
- Healthcare Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge (HIPAA)
- Data Analysis for Quality Improvement
- Telehealth Platform Management
Soft Skills
- Inspirational Leadership & Team Building
- Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
- Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
- Adaptability & Change Management
- Decision-Making & Sound Judgment
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Stakeholder Management
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Master's Degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field with an active, unrestricted clinical license (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT).
Preferred Education:
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology with an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Psychologist.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Social Work
- Marriage and Family Therapy
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of post-licensure clinical experience, including at least 2-3 years in a formal supervisory, administrative, or leadership capacity.
Preferred: Demonstrable experience managing multidisciplinary clinical teams, successfully developing and launching clinical programs, and working within a hospital or large integrated healthcare system.