Medical Director

About Novaris Behavioral Health

Novaris Behavioral Health is a new mental health treatment program launching in Charlotte's University City corridor, offering dually-licensed PHP and SAIOP day programs (NC DHHS 10A NCAC 27G .1100 / .4400). Novaris is pursuing Joint Commission accreditation and is built around same-day assessment and no-waitlist admissions. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the clinical and medical framework of a new program with plans for future growth. You would be joining a team alongside the Founder, Clinical Director, Primary Therapist, Administrative Assistant and Joint Commission Consultants.

Position Summary

Novaris is seeking a licensed psychiatrist to serve as contract Medical Director. This role provides physician-level medical oversight of the PHP/IOP program, satisfies Joint Commission and payer credentialing requirements for a named Medical Director, and provides collaborating-physician supervision for the program's Clinical Director as required under North Carolina law. This is not a full-time clinical role — it is structured as a part-time consulting/oversight position, with the option to also provide direct patient care hours if desired.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the named Medical Director of record for NC DHHS licensure, Joint Commission accreditation, and payer credentialing applications


• Provide collaborating/supervising physician oversight for PMHNP(s) per North Carolina collaborative practice agreement requirements


• Establish and periodically review medication management protocols, psychiatric evaluation standards, and clinical practice guidelines for the PHP/SAIOP levels of care


• Review and co-sign clinical documentation and treatment plans as required by licensure and accreditation standards


• Be available for clinical consultation with program staff (clinical director, PMHNP, therapists) regarding complex or higher-acuity cases


• Participate in medical necessity determinations and utilization review support as needed for payer authorizations


• Support development of Novaris's psychiatric/medical policies and procedures, including crisis and safety protocols


• Attend periodic clinical governance or quality assurance meetings (cadence to be defined — e.g., monthly)


• Optionally, provide direct psychiatric evaluation and medication management visits for a portion of patient census (negotiable, separate from Medical Director duties)

Qualifications

• MD or DO, currently licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, in good standing


• Board-certified in Psychiatry; addiction medicine experience or certification (ABPM/ABAM)


• Prior experience in a Medical Director or supervising physician role at a PHP, IOP, or similar behavioral health program strongly preferred


• Familiarity with NC DHHS 10A NCAC 27G licensure requirements and/or Joint Commission behavioral health accreditation standards preferred


• Comfortable in a collaborating-physician role


• Startup mindset, willing to join an existing team and help build upon an existing framework

Structure & Commitment

• Independent contractor (1099)


• Flexible scheduling; primarily remote/consultative with periodic on-site presence as needed for accreditation site visits or in-person meetings

Why Novaris

• Ground-floor role in a newly licensed program — direct influence over clinical protocols, medication management standards, and program culture


• Lean, founder-led organization with fast decision-making


• Long-term growth trajectory with potential for expanded role as the organization adds sites and service lines