join us
Tapering Clinician
At TaperClinic®, we specialize in guiding individuals through the safe reduction or discontinuation of psychiatric medications. As a Tapering Clinician, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping our patients achieve their goal of reducing and stopping their medications by providing expert medical oversight, empathetic support, and innovative non-drug interventions. This position is open to Physician, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants with expertise in mental health, deprescribing, protracted withdrawal, and non-pharmacological approaches to care.
Role Overview
As the Tapering Clinician, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring patient safety and success throughout the tapering process. You will:
- Monitor drug reductions and manage the tapering process to prevent complications.
- Coordinate with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care to ensure a smooth, safe journey.
- Collaborate closely with the Taper Coach and Support Coach, who bring lived experience, to provide cohesive care.
- Order and review lab work, offering expert insights on results.
- Recommend and integrate non-drug interventions, such as functional medicine testing, nutritional therapies (e.g., ketogenic diets), or other evidence-based treatments.
- Educate patients on external therapy options, such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, empowering them to access the care they need.
- Set clear expectations for the tapering process, recognizing when adjustments to the plan are necessary (e.g., slowing down, holding, or increasing doses).
Key Responsibilities
- Design and oversee tapering plans: Tailor individualized tapering strategies to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Ensure psychiatric safety: Monitor withdrawal symptoms and adjust plans to mitigate risks.
- Educate on non-drug therapies: Help patients explore and adopt sustainable solutions for mental health.
- Collaborate and refer: Recognize when specialized care is needed and connect patients with appropriate providers.
- Coordinate under the Medical Director: Work closely with the Medical Director to inform them of complex cases, receive guidance, and ensure compliance with organizational goals.
- Lead the tapering team: Coordinate efforts across your team, including the Taper Coach and Support Coach, to provide a supportive and seamless experience for patients.
- Perform additional duties as delegated by the Medical Director: Be flexible and adaptable to evolving team and patient needs.
Expected Results
- Patients safely reduce or discontinue medications under expert guidance.
- Patients engage in non-drug therapies to support their mental health.
- Patients feel confident, informed, and secure in their tapering plans.
Qualifications
- Licensure: Licensed Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health preferred), or Physician Assistant with mental health expertise.
- Specialized knowledge: Strong understanding of psychiatric medications, withdrawal syndromes, tapering techniques, and protracted withdrawal.
- Personal experience (highly valued):
- Taking and withdrawing from psychiatric medications.
- Experiencing or managing protracted withdrawal or drug injuries.
- Skills:
- Calm and reassuring presence when managing intense emotions.
- Compassionate and empathetic communication, especially with patients in distress.
- Highly organized and proactive, with clear professional boundaries.
- Additional training (highly valued):
- Functional medicine or nutritional therapies (e.g., ketogenic diets).
- Flexibility: Willingness to obtain licensure in multiple states.
Compensation and Commitment
- Hours: 20–40 hours per week with a flexible schedule and remote work options.
- Compensation: We don’t want to set a specific range because it’s about finding the right person for this role. For the right candidate, we’re committed to paying what they’re worth (even if that is above market rate). At the same time, we don’t want to discourage up-and-comers who might undervalue their own qualifications. If you’re strongly considering this role and meet the qualifications, we’ll have a very straightforward conversation about compensation tailored to your experience and expertise.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in joining our team as a TAPERING CLINICIAN, please send the following to [email protected] with the subject line “[TAPERING CLINICIAN APPLICATION]”:
- Resume: Highlight your professional experience related to psychiatric medications, withdrawal, or nutritional/functional medicine training.
- Introduction Video (3-5 minutes):
- Why you want to join TaperClinic.
- Why you believe this role is a good fit for you.
- Where you currently work and why you are seeking a new job.
- What unique qualities, skills, or experiences you would bring to the team.
Social Media Links: Include links to your LinkedIn profile and any other relevant social media accounts showcasing your professional background.
