Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Certifications
Generic

Abbey Friedman

Wake Forest,NC

Summary

Experienced Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health and substance abuse treatment industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Crisis Intervention, Marketing, Accreditation training and consulting, Networking, Care Coordination, Board membership, Clinical Supervision, and Program development. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of South Florida.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Mental Health Counseling 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

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Behavioral Health Expert Witness

The Expert Witness Institute
01.2017 - Current
  • Provide expert witness services and testimony related to Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Residential Treatment and licensing requirements, Forensic Mental Health, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Severe and Persistent Mental Illnesses and treatment, Accreditation requirements, Policy and Procedures
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Guardianship Specialist II

Phoenix Counseling Center, LLC
07.2024 - 07.2025
  • Accomplished multiple tasks
  • Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case plans tailored to needs and goals
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex healthcare systems by providing guidance on insurance coverage options, connecting them with appropriate medical providers, and helping them understand available treatment modalities.
  • Prepared comprehensive progress reports detailing client achievements, challenges faced, and recommendations for continued support services moving forward.
  • Enhanced communication between clients and service providers, resulting in better coordination of care.
  • Conducted detailed assessments of "clients'' needs, strengths, and barriers, ensuring appropriate resource allocation.
  • Advocated for clients during meetings with service providers or legal representatives, promoting informed decision-making processes that respected individual autonomy and dignity.
  • Managed high caseloads efficiently, prioritizing cases based on urgency and need.
  • Coordinated appropriate referrals to external agencies based on thorough assessment of client needs and goals.
  • Maintained accurate and timely documentation for all client interactions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and confidentiality standards.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners, leading to increased availability of resources for clients in need.
  • Conducted regular follow-up meetings with clients to monitor progress towards goals outlined in case plans while making adjustments as necessary.
  • Facilitated successful client transitions from institutional settings to community-based living environments.
  • Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
  • Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
  • Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.

Care Manager

Preferred Living Solutions, LLC
09.2003 - 07.2024
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Educated clients and families on community resources, treatment options and health care services to better manage conditions.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families through empathetic listening and compassionate communication techniques.
  • Assessed clients and developed plans to meet needs.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary by assessing risk levels promptly addressing safety concerns collaboratively with the treatment team.
  • Established and maintained relationships with clients, families and community partners to coordinate services to meet client's needs.
  • Managed complex caseloads, ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and documentation for optimal care outcomes.
  • Facilitated family meetings to address concerns, establish goals of care, and provide psychosocial support.
  • Promoted patient self-management by providing education on chronic condition management and healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Communicated with healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care.
  • Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards and regulations.
  • Participated in team meetings and trainings to stay updated on best practices and new developments in care management.
  • Coordinated referrals to specialists, hospitalizations, ER visits, ancillary testing, and other enabling services for patients.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify patients'' needs, strengths, and barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals for seamless care coordination efforts.
  • Maintained strict adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information and promoting trust.
  • Responded to emergency situations and provided support to promote client safety and wellbeing.
  • Evaluated clients progress and adjusted service plans to address areas of concern.
  • Maintained network of community resources to provide most comprehensive support services possible to clients.
  • Utilized electronic health records systems proficiently for efficient documentation of clinical information according to regulatory standards.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with advances in care management.

Founder/Practitioner

Rehabilitation Support Services, LLC D/b/a Mental Health Jupiter
08.2005 - 07.2023
  • Providing psychiatric rehabilitation and concierge service coordination to people with mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Provide case management, psychiatric and recovery life coaching, entitlement acquisition services, resource development and coordination.
  • Services are identified by need and level of service intensity in developing plan of service. Identifying strengths as well as areas needing attention. Home visits, office visits, doctor visits, program referrals and follow along provided. Familiar with all entitlement programs such as SSI, SSDI, SSA, Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act and Marketplace as well as Food Stamps and a myriad of other available resources and relationships.
  • Work with people of all ages from 18+ to senior care. Have well known reputation in this community of Palm Beach County as well as both statewide and nationally.

Training Coordinator

Seacrest Resource and Consultation Center
03.2016 - 10.2021
  • SRCC prepares Behavioral Healthcare Agencies for DCF and AHCA licensing as well as national accreditation through TJC, CARF, COA. My responsibilities included conducting Clinical Training Modules required annually and for licensing and accreditation.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee participation in training events, tracking progress towards learning objectives.
  • Collaborated with department managers to design customized training plans aligned with organizational goals.
  • Coordinated logistics for training events, including scheduling facilities, securing necessary equipment, and managing participant registration.
  • Developed engaging instructional materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive activities.
  • Delivered high-quality classroom instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.

Director of Residential Services

Alpert Jewish Children & Family Services
2003 - 2007
  • Developed, implemented new residential programs of different levels of care. Also responsible for day-to-day operation and supervision of all facilities. All facilities are DCF and AHCA licensed, and COA Accredited.
  • Established strong relationships with local service providers, securing preferred pricing on essential goods and services for residents.
  • Streamlined communication processes within the department, fostering a collaborative working environment among staff members.
  • Improved residential services by implementing new policies and procedures for staff training and development.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution between residents as needed, promoting a harmonious living environment for all members of the community.
  • Maintained comprehensive records of all facility operations, ensuring accurate reporting and effective decision-making based on data-driven insights.
  • Conducted regular audits of residential facilities, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced resident satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and effectively, ensuring a positive living environment.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through constructive feedback sessions, fostering an atmosphere of continuous improvement.

Director of Residential Services

Boley Centers for Behavioral Healthcare
01.1996 - 01.2000
  • Responsible for day-to-day operation and functioning of a 280 -bed mental health residential program with 28 sites. Supervised program supervisory staff, provided training, hiring, firing, performance evaluations, program development and implementation, assuring facilities are meeting all licensing and accreditation standards.
  • Streamlined communication processes within the department, fostering a collaborative working environment among staff members.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution between residents as needed, promoting a harmonious living environment for all members of the community.
  • Developed comprehensive budgets for facilities management, resulting in cost savings and efficient resource allocation.
  • Conducted regular audits of residential facilities, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced resident satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and effectively, ensuring a positive living environment.

Dir of Case Mgmt., Psychiatric and Residential Services

Fellowship House
01.1987 - 01.1996
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Education

Master of Arts - Rehabilitation Counseling

University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
08.1976

Skills

  • Supportive Counseling
  • Case Management
  • Assessment and Planning
  • Resource Development
  • EHR skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Dependable and responsible
  • Multitasking
  • Calm under pressure
  • Active listening
  • Organization and time management
  • Professional boundaries
  • Quality improvement
  • Complaint handling
  • Documentation

Certification

  • Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner - US Psychiatric Rehabilitation (USPRA) CPRP# 100535
  • Standard CPR/AED - National Health and Safety Association Issued July 2024 - Expires July 2026 432677-336530ADAD

Timeline

Guardianship Specialist II

Phoenix Counseling Center, LLC
07.2024 - 07.2025

Behavioral Health Expert Witness

The Expert Witness Institute
01.2017 - Current

Training Coordinator

Seacrest Resource and Consultation Center
03.2016 - 10.2021

Founder/Practitioner

Rehabilitation Support Services, LLC D/b/a Mental Health Jupiter
08.2005 - 07.2023

Care Manager

Preferred Living Solutions, LLC
09.2003 - 07.2024

Director of Residential Services

Boley Centers for Behavioral Healthcare
01.1996 - 01.2000

Dir of Case Mgmt., Psychiatric and Residential Services

Fellowship House
01.1987 - 01.1996

Director of Residential Services

Alpert Jewish Children & Family Services
2003 - 2007

Master of Arts - Rehabilitation Counseling

University of South Florida

Certifications

Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) 2001-present 

CPR/First Aid 2024-2026