RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN LCSW/ PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST:
Rare opportunity to practice a powerful early childhood method which recently received the American Child Psychiatric Association and then the IPA's 2025 award for "outstanding evidence". Be trained at the start-up of your work by a multi-board-certified child psychiatrist and senior child analyst who will also then supervise your work. See Kliman, G. Reflective Network Therapy, available on Amazon as a Kindle.
Harlem Family Services (HFS) – Harlem, NYIn-person - Community Mental Health
- Article 31 Clinic
Harlem Family Services (HFS) is a non-profit, NYS-licensed Article 31 community mental health clinic providing innovative, low-cost, high-quality psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our team is community-minded, compassionate, flexible, and culturally responsive.
Clinicians provide culturally competent, individualized services that integrate race, ethnicity, culture, language, immigration status, developmental status, criminal justice involvement, sexuality, age, and gender, with particular attention to early childhood development in this pre‑school‑based role.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver Reflective Network Therapy (RNT) as a milieu‑based clinical intervention within a pre‑school/classroom setting, supporting young children’s emotional and developmental functioning through structured, developmentally appropriate therapeutic engagement.
- Participate in RNT training provided by Dr. Gilbert Kliman and implement the RNT method with ongoing individual and/or group supervision by Dr. Kliman.
- Collaborate closely with pre‑school staff to strengthen the therapeutic milieu (e.g., consultation, modeling, and coaching to support children’s regulation, peer interaction, and classroom participation).
- Conduct intakes, assessments, and risk evaluations consistent with OMH/Article 31 expectations, integrating early childhood developmental and family context.
- Develop person‑centered treatment plans and measurable goals aligned with the RNT framework and the child’s developmental needs.
- Provide parent/caregiver engagement, guidance, and collateral sessions to support generalization of gains across home and school environments.
- Coordinate care with HFS interdisciplinary team members and community partners (e.g., pre‑school leadership, CPSE/early intervention providers, pediatric and specialty providers) as appropriate.
- Complete all documentation (assessments, treatment plans, progress notes) within OMH timelines and maintain accurate, timely records in the EHR.
- Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed, in coordination with school staff and caregivers, following clinic protocols.
- Maintain HIPAA‑compliant handling of PHI and support a safe, respectful, culturally responsive therapeutic environment.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong early childhood clinical skills, including observation in naturalistic settings, child engagement, and family centered practice
- Ability to work effectively in a pre‑school milieu alongside educators and support staff (consultation, coaching, and collaborative problem‑solving)
- Commitment to learning and applying the Reflective Network Therapy (RNT) model under training and supervision
- Knowledge of OMH Part 599 and Article 31 standards; excellent documentation, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team; strong professionalism in school‑based settings
- Commitment to social justice, cultural humility, and trauma‑informed, developmentally attuned care
Schedule
In Person
- To be determined
- Children and adolescents must be seen in person
Qualifications
- Valid NYS license: LCSW and Certificate in Psychoanalysis
- Clinical experience with young children (ideally ages 2–5) and families; pre‑school, early childhood mental health, or school‑based experience strongly preferred
- Interest in and willingness to be trained in Reflective Network Therapy (RNT) and to practice within a milieu‑based model under supervision
- Bilingual (English/Spanish/French) strongly preferred
- Strong computer literacy and EHR experience
Compensation & Benefits
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to:
Joanna Fahey, LCSW‑R
Executive Clinical Director
joanna.fahey@harlemfamilyservices.org
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Expected start date: June 2026
Harlem Family Services & Harlem Family Institute:
Transforming Mental Health, Empowering Communities
Harlem Family Services (HFS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to Harlem and neighboring communities. As a subsidiary of the Harlem Family Institute (HFI), HFS operates The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development, a licensed NYS OMH Article 31 Mental Health Clinic. HFS ensures that underserved, uninsured, and marginalized populations have access to high-quality in-person and virtual care, addressing critical mental health needs with compassion and cultural responsiveness.
HFS plays a pivotal role in delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed services, focusing on empowering individuals, families, and communities to heal and thrive.Who is Margaret Morgan Lawrence?
Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence was a pioneer in the child psychiatry and mental health field, who faced challanges of racism and sexism throughout her career. Through her resilience and determination, Margaret became the first African American to complete residency at the New York Psychiatric Institute in 1948 and the first Black trainee certified in psychoanalysis at Columbia University.After earning her degree from Cornell University, Margaret was denied entry into Cornell Medical School due to her race, but overcame that barrier when she became the third Black woman to attend Columbia University of Physicians and Surgeons. She founded the Rockland County Center for Mental Health and served as chief of the Developmental Psychiatry Service at Harlem Hospital for over two decades. Recognized with the J.R. Bernstein Mental Health Award in 1975, her work emphasized the integration of psychoanalysis with community health approaches.Vision Statement
We envision a future where cycles of trauma and systemic inequality are broken through the power of community-driven care. By fostering mental wellness, equity, and collective healing, we aim to uplift all families and create a world where justice and compassion thrive. Together, we seek to become a national model for culturally informed, equitable mental health services in underserved neighborhoods, inspiring transformative change for generational healing.Mission Statement
We empower marginalized communities by providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care that prioritizes healing, resilience, and social justice. Through accessible therapy, advocacy, and support for children, families, individuals, and schools, we strive to create spaces of safety and belonging. Rooted in the heart of Harlem, the Bronx, and Washington Heights, we are committed to offering low-cost, affordable services that meet the needs of those often overlooked.