Behavioral healthcare is one of the fastest-growing areas of medicine in Virginia, with more youth and adults expressing behavioral and mental health needs. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has reported that about 1.47 million adult Virginians live with a mental health condition, which is more than six times the population of Richmond. Yet despite this need, more than 2.3 million Virginians live in communities without enough mental health professionals.
We spoke with Robin Moore, MA, SHRM-CP, the Director of People Services at the new Centra Behavioral Health Hospital of Lifepoint Health, to learn how one of the largest health systems in Virginia is addressing the Greater Lynchburg community’s need for comprehensive behavioral health services. Moore shares the top in-demand behavioral health jobs at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital, including key skills to be a successful applicant and the many employee benefits offered.
Ready to start the next chapter of your behavioral health career in Lynchburg? Explore Lifepoint Health’s job board for open positions.
What Is Centra Behavioral Health Hospital?
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is a brand-new, state-of-the-art 72-bed behavioral health facility opening in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 2026. Built from the ground up with patients and providers in mind, the hospital is designed to deliver high-quality, compassionate behavioral health care to individuals across a wide range of mental health needs, from acute psychiatric crises to ongoing outpatient support.
“Our mission is to expand access to mental health resources, especially in rural Virginia, where mental health is often stigmatized,” said Moore. “We want to change the way people approach mental health by offering walk-in services alongside traditional referral pathways like primary care physicians or emergency departments.”
By introducing new ways for therapists to interact with the community at large, Centra Behavioral Health hopes to melt the walls between emergency needs and mental health care. The 75,000 SF facility will feature 3 units centered around a nurse station where RNs can check on patients. A courtyard area provides ample room for recreational activities for yoga, pet therapy, art therapy, and more.
“By staffing our team with diverse behavioral health specialists across Lynchburg, we hope to create a safe space for patients to receive treatment while significantly reducing the time police officers wait with patients to receive care. It’s about reducing unnecessary stress as much as possible,” said Moore.
Benefits of Working at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital offers a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support staff both professionally and personally. Both full- and part-time employees who work more than 20 hours per week are eligible to earn benefits, including
- Medical, Dental & Vision: BlueCross BlueShield, Delta Dental, VSP Vision with Delta Vision
- Insurance & Retirement: Long-term, short-term, life insurance & 401(k)
- Tuition Reimbursement: Available for full- and part-time employees to grow in their field
- Tele-Behavioral Health: Employee access to tele-mental health services
- Flexible Scheduling: 12-hour shifts, PRN options, 24/7/365 operation
- Relocation Assistance: On a case-by-case basis, depending on the role
As part of a nationally recognized health system that also operates as a community hospital, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: the resources of a large organization with the mission-driven culture of a local institution.
For clinicians who maintain private caseloads or see patients outside of the hospital, Centra Behavioral Health Hospital’s flexible PRN scheduling and 12-hour shift structure make it possible to build a schedule that works for your life.
In-Need Behavioral Health Jobs at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is actively recruiting for a range of behavioral health roles to reach capacity. Across all positions, we’re looking for professionals who bring the following core competencies to their work:
Key skills we look for in all candidates:
- Strong de-escalation skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- Ability to build quick therapeutic rapport with patients and families
- Sound clinical judgment and confidence in independent decision-making
- Comfort thriving in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
- Strong interdisciplinary communication skills — especially with EDs, law enforcement, and clinical teams
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to move decisively while working as part of a team
1. Assessment Specialist
The assessment specialist serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health or substance use services. They’re responsible for screening patients for medical and behavioral emergencies, determining the appropriate level of care for each individual, and then triaging individuals based on safety and risk. This role requires exceptional communication with external partners such as hospital emergency departments, community mental health centers, law enforcement, and courts.
Assessment specialists must be comfortable making timely, high-stakes clinical decisions in a fast-moving environment while maintaining thorough and accurate documentation. Your work directly shapes each patient’s path into treatment, making this one of the most impactful roles at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital.
- Education: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field. Independent licensure (LCSW, LPC, or equivalent) in Virginia preferred.
- Full Job Description: Assessment Specialist
2. Behavioral Health Nurse / Psychiatric RN
Behavioral health registered nurses (also called psychiatric RNs) at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital are the clinical backbone of our inpatient and crisis care teams. In this role, you’ll conduct psychiatric nursing assessments, administer medications, and monitor patients for changes in condition throughout your shift. You’ll work closely with psychiatrists, social workers, and behavioral health technicians to develop and implement individualized care plans that support patient safety and recovery.
Psychiatric RNs play a critical role in crisis stabilization, often serving as one of the first points of clinical contact for patients arriving through our emergency and walk-in pathways. You’ll also provide patient and family education, helping individuals understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and community resources available after discharge.
- Education: Active RN licensure in Virginia; BSN preferred. Prior psychiatric or behavioral health nursing experience strongly preferred.
- Full Job Description: Behavioral Health RN
3. Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral health technicians (BHTs) provide hands-on, direct patient care under the supervision of licensed clinical staff. They’re often the team members who spend the most time with patients day-to-day. In this role, you’ll assist with patient observation, milieu management, and therapeutic group facilitation, helping to maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment in the unit. You’ll also assist with daily living activities, transport, and documentation, contributing to the overall continuity of care.
BHTs are essential to crisis prevention, frequently using de-escalation techniques to support patients during difficult moments. They help drive compassionate inpatient care.
- Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred. Prior behavioral health experience a plus.
- Full Job Description: Behavioral Health Technician
4. Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral therapists at Centra Behavioral Health Hospital deliver evidence-based individual and group therapy to patients across a spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, and co-occurring substance use concerns. In this role, you’ll conduct biopsychosocial assessments, contribute to treatment planning, and provide therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient’s clinical needs and goals. You’ll work as an integral member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, participating in daily rounds and discharge planning discussions with psychiatry, nursing, and case management.
Behavioral therapists also play a key role in building therapeutic rapport quickly — an essential skill in a short-term inpatient setting where meaningful connections can significantly impact patient outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to practice at the intersection of acute psychiatric care and community-based treatment in a newly established, mission-driven facility.
- Education: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or clinical psychology required. Licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent) in Virginia required or in process.
- Full Job Description: Therapist
Apply to a Behavioral Health Job in Lynchburg, Virginia
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is primed to become a behavioral health lifeline in Lynchburg, specializing in much-needed evidence-based behavioral health care. Flexible work perks and a collaborative environment make the facility an exceptional place to expand your career.
Lynchburg is just one of many cities in Virginia offering professional opportunities in the healthcare sector. Explore On Board Virginia’s resources to learn how to start your healthcare career, or use our dynamic map to find hospital jobs across the Commonwealth!
