Kate Blanco
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in social/behavioral health and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Matrescence Therapy LLC
07.2024 - Current
- Perform comprehensive mental health evaluations for pregnant and postpartum individuals to identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological concerns.
- Screen for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), such as postpartum depression, PTSD, or perinatal OCD.
- Create personalized treatment plans focusing on managing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma related to fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
- Regularly review and update treatment plans to ensure alignment with patient progress and changing needs.
- Delivered quality, comprehensive and well-integrated clinical services in alignment with patient needs.
Manager of Behavioral Health Services
Landmark Health
08.2021 - 09.2024
- Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive behavioral health programs for a home and community-based organization, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Oversaw a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative and client-centered approach to care.
- Conducted regular audits and assessments of clinical documentation to maintain compliance with standards and improve service quality.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide support, education, and to enhance the integration of behavioral health services through the AIMS model within the broader healthcare continuum. Advocating for the unique needs of clients ensuring that interventions were person-centered and responsive to individual circumstances.
- Participated in market leadership meetings to advocate for and educate on the importance of behavioral health needs to the overall health and well-being of our patients, while also advocating and demonstrating the value of our clinical social workers.
Licensed Clinical Therapist
TimelyMD
01.2022 - Current
- Provide virtual therapeutic counseling services and treatment planning for a primarily young adult population.
- Utilize active listening skills and evidence based modalities (SFBT, CBT, MI, ACT) in order to build rapport, establish boundaries, and enhance student/client care.
Field-Based Clinical Social Worker
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
10.2012 - 08.2021
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and their families to identify social and emotional needs around end-of-life.
- Provide counseling and emotional support around end of life issues, grief, loss, and adjustment.
- Supervised MSW student interns; reviewing and evaluating clinical cases, offering guidance, feedback, and support to enhance clinical skills.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during emergencies or significant changes in patient's condition, collaborating with interdisciplinary team to address immediate needs, and supporting patient and family through crisis.
- Lead the only Spanish-speaking general bereavement support group in Chicago, creating marketing materials, building community relationships, and facilitating a safe space for individuals to process their grief.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and interventions in accordance with hospice regulations and organizational policies.
Licensed Clinical Therapist
The Finestra Center, LLC
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Established and launched an independent private practice specializing in individual therapy with clients across the age spectrum, specifically related to grief/loss and health.
- Developed a client base through targeted marketing strategies, networking, and referrals, resulting in a successful practice.
- Designed and executed personalized treatment plans for clients, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
- Cultivated a positive and inclusive therapeutic environment, fostering trust and collaboration with clients.
- Implemented and maintained effective business operations, including client scheduling, billing, and documentation, to ensure a seamless and client-friendly experience.
Medical Clinical Social Worker
The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
09.2006 - 09.2012
- Conduct psychosocial assessments for pediatric oncology patients and their families to identify emotional, social, and environmental factors impacting health, in order to enhance their well-being and contribute to a family-centered care approach.
- Identify positive coping strategies and resilience-building interventions for families navigating challenges while also advocating for their unique needs within the healthcare system.
- Bereavement coordinator for the entire hospital, providing staff education on grief/loss, facilitating child and sibling loss support groups, and providing support to parents/caregivers of children with life-limiting illness.
- Lead hospital staff de-briefings around difficult and challenging cases, and provided education around how to have compassionate and clear conversations with families grieving their child's health.
- Participated in the development of a unique functional abdominal pain clinic, using hypnotherapy to treat children with severe and chronic abdominal issues while maintaining accurate documentation and results for research study in it's effectiveness.
Social Worker
Metropolitan Family Services
08.2005 - 08.2006
- Trained facilitator for grant-funded program entitled "The Incredible Years", an evidence-based curriculum that provides families and children the skills they need to promote social and emotional learning, and positive behavioral outcomes for children across various cultures and economic groups through classroom presentations and small parenting groups.
- Provided brief and supportive therapy under the supervision of LCSW to clients, collaborating to develop individualized treatment plans that focus on strengths, coping mechanisms, and long-term goals.
Education
Masters Degree - Social Work
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH06-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
Miami University
Oxford, OH05-1999
Skills
Custom Section
- Panel presenter to University of Illinois Medical classes, speaking on how to conduct clear and compassionate goals of care and advanced care planning conversations, and how to speak on death and dying.
- Published articles for Lurie Children's, Rainbow Hospice, and Prospero Health on topics such as featured patient stories, impact of culture on heatlhcare experiences, employee self-care, and compassion fatigue.
- Assisted in the creation of protocols and education on how to build rapport and enhance relationships in the virtual care patient experience.
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Matrescence Therapy LLC
07.2024 - Current
Licensed Clinical Therapist
TimelyMD
01.2022 - Current
Manager of Behavioral Health Services
Landmark Health
08.2021 - 09.2024
Field-Based Clinical Social Worker
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
10.2012 - 08.2021
Licensed Clinical Therapist
The Finestra Center, LLC
09.2010 - 09.2012
Medical Clinical Social Worker
The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
09.2006 - 09.2012
Social Worker
Metropolitan Family Services
08.2005 - 08.2006
Masters Degree - Social Work
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
Miami University
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