Alicia Kolar
Lakeland,FL
Summary
Seeking a position dedicated to helping individuals achieve improved mental health and overall quality of life. Compassionate therapist with experience in supervision, clinical assessment, suicide prevention, and domestic violence advocacy. Proven ability to succeed as a determined team member to advance the field of behavioral health.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
School-Based Therapist
Baycare Behavioral Health
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Educated parents on mental health topics, enabling them to better support their children's needs outside of school hours.
- Improved student emotional well-being by implementing tailored therapy sessions and interventions.
- Organized peer support groups for students experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding within the school community.
- Provided crisis intervention support during critical situations, ensuring the safety of all students involved.
Program Supervisor, Children’s Crisis Service Unit
Gracepoint Wellness
04.2020 - 09.2021
- Oversee staff therapists to ensure quality of services provided and confirm Joint Commission standards are consistently met
- Implemented new tiered therapeutic approach in order to better meet the varying needs of clients served
- Supervise and provide support to other disciplines including nursing staff, care managers, and behavioral health technicians
Licensed Therapist, Children’s Crisis Service Unit
Gracepoint Wellness
10.2019 - 04.2020
- Completion of daily triage assessments to determine if children meet Baker Act criteria
- Use of Solution-Focused, CBT, and DBT interventions during facilitation of individual, family, and group therapy sessions
Outpatient Therapist/ Behavioral Home Health Therapist
Chrysalis Health
05.2019 - 09.2019
- Provide individual and family therapy in home, at schools, and in the community to address trauma, substance use, mood disorders, and behavioral concerns
- Maintain a caseload of 30 clients, while meeting insurance standards including timely and appropriate documentation, treatment plan updates, and monthly reports
- Attend monthly corporate trainings to ensure utilization of effective and evidence-based treatments
School Therapist
Village Counseling Center
01.2017 - 05.2019
- Provide individual, family, group therapy, and psychoeducation to elementary age students in Alachua County’s System of Care program
- Collaborate with System of Care social worker, school counselor, teachers, and other school staff to provide support and assistance related to client behavioral, emotional, and physical well-being
- Assist in crisis intervention to promote a safe and nurturing educational environment
Outpatient Clinician
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered individual mental health counseling using evidence based practices to elementary, middle, and high school students in the school setting
- Maintained a caseload of over 40 clients, including conducting psychosocial evaluations, setting appropriate treatment goals, and completing clinical paperwork
- Facilitated family therapy sessions between couples, as well as children and their caregivers
Mental Health Counselor Student Intern
Community Help and Intervention in Life’s Lessons (C.H.I.L.L.)
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Provide individual and group counseling to adolescents and families in a high school setting
- Maintain a caseload of 30-40 clients, including conducting psychosocial evaluations, setting appropriate treatment goals, and completing clinical paperwork
- Lead groups focused on anxiety, depression, anger management, social skills, stress management, and coping skills
Mental Health Counselor Practicum Student
UCF Community Counseling Clinic and Research Center
01.2015 - 07.2015
- Provided counseling services to adolescents, adults, and couples under supervision of a faculty member
- Developed case conceptualization skills in order to better serve clients
- Completed and discussed case presentations with peers in order to provide and receive feedback
Assessment Specialist- Central Receiving Center
Aspire Health Partners (Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare)
04.2014 - 04.2015
- Evaluated clients for both inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse services
- Proficient knowledge of the Baker Act, Marchman Act, and voluntary inpatient criteria
- Assisted as census liaison, as well as in utilization management tasks
- Performed psychosocial assessments and diagnostic impressions for each client
Volunteer
UCF Community Counseling Clinic and Research Center
01.2014 - 04.2014
- Completed intake assessments for new clients and schedule appointments
- Maintained waitlist for clients
- Referred individuals to other community resources for counseling and substance abuse services
Access Center Coordinator
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Frequent use of crisis intervention and critical thinking skills
- Performed initial assessment of client’s needs in order to refer to the appropriate internal department
- Proficient skills with electronic medical record systems and insurance verification websites
- Guaranteed follow-up calls for discharged clients and those who are referred to Meridian
On Call Advocate Program Intern
Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment (S.A.F.E.)
09.2011 - 12.2011
- Completion of a 40 hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training
- Assisted survivors of domestic violence with safety planning
- Empowered survivors by informing them of legal actions to take in order to stay safe
- Provided emergency assistance, such as lock changes, emergency relocation, and taxi service to ensure the safety of survivors and their children
Certified Phone Counselor and Suicide Preventionist
Alachua County Crisis Center
01.2009 - 08.2011
- Accomplished over 400 hours of crisis intervention experience with callers
- Managed an average of 30 calls per four hour shift
- Strong multitasking abilities and ability to triage calls
- Received a 2010 Award of Excellence in recognition of outstanding professionalism
Education
Master of Arts - Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL04.2011
Skills
- Anxiety management
- Suicide risk assessment
- Emotional regulation support
- Self-harm prevention
Personal Information
Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Licensenumber
MH 16537
Timeline
School-Based Therapist
Baycare Behavioral Health
09.2021 - 08.2022
Program Supervisor, Children’s Crisis Service Unit
Gracepoint Wellness
04.2020 - 09.2021
Licensed Therapist, Children’s Crisis Service Unit
Gracepoint Wellness
10.2019 - 04.2020
Outpatient Therapist/ Behavioral Home Health Therapist
Chrysalis Health
05.2019 - 09.2019
School Therapist
Village Counseling Center
01.2017 - 05.2019
Outpatient Clinician
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
06.2016 - 01.2017
Mental Health Counselor Student Intern
Community Help and Intervention in Life’s Lessons (C.H.I.L.L.)
08.2015 - 04.2016
Mental Health Counselor Practicum Student
UCF Community Counseling Clinic and Research Center
01.2015 - 07.2015
Assessment Specialist- Central Receiving Center
Aspire Health Partners (Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare)
04.2014 - 04.2015
Volunteer
UCF Community Counseling Clinic and Research Center
01.2014 - 04.2014
Access Center Coordinator
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
06.2012 - 06.2013
On Call Advocate Program Intern
Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment (S.A.F.E.)
09.2011 - 12.2011
Certified Phone Counselor and Suicide Preventionist
Alachua County Crisis Center
01.2009 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Florida
Master of Arts - Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling
University of Central Florida
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