Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
BetterHelp
04.2023 - Current
Currently carrying a caseload of approximately 20 patients providing online telehealth services.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Quentin, CA
04.2021 - 04.2022
My primary role is being the crisis intervention team (CIT) psychologist. Respond to after-hours crisis calls from 2pm -10pm Mon-Thurs. I work in collaboration with the SRN Nurse and a Lieutenant to address afterhours concerns that could be related to mental health, medical or custodial issues. The goal is to resolve after hours problems to prevent unnecessary MHCB admissions, reduce mandatory overtime, and increase staff morale by empowering staff to engage and problem solve.
I was also the Developmental Disabilities Coordinator at San Quentin. I provide the evaluations for the 3 Phase Screening Process for inmates who have just arrived in reception as well as referrals generated beyond the initial reception screening that consists of completing a California Adaptive Support Evaluation (CASE). This evaluation includes a thorough in person interview and extensive record review. Once the CASE has been completed the results are shared with IPs housing custody, IDTT and documentation regarding an IPs DDP adaptive support is kept onsite where IP is housed and is audited and monitored to ensure compliance with IPs adaptive support needs. IP will be tracked for inpatient admissions, Ad Seg placements and other situations that require the DDP coordinator to meet with the IP for a review.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) San Quentin and Vacaville Locations
Vacaville, CA
05.2016 - 04.2021
Hired as a staff psychologist on an acute inpatient unit with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, social workers, music and art therapists to provide assessment and treatment for severely mentally ill, adult male inmates in a correctional institute. Responsible for admission and discharge paperwork for patients including a comprehensive suicide and violence risk assessment consisting of patient interviews and chart reviews. Make appropriate referrals to the Positive Behavioral Support Team (PBST) for extreme problem behaviors, psychopharmacology assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments to clarify diagnosis, cognitive functioning that provide treatment recommendations. Provide weekly therapeutic groups including Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis, Substance Abuse, Symptom Management and Emotional Regulation. Provide brief psychotherapy as needed for high risk individuals. Member of the Acute Treatment Pathways (ATP) Committee which created and implemented a treatment program tailored to each individual’s presenting symptoms and diagnosis. Helped to write part of the treatment manual for the Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis pathway. Co-lead a study group for pre-licensed staff who are preparing to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Participate in the Executive Advisory Board committee by attending bi-monthly meetings that focus on increasing staff morale, and over patient care.
Psychology Intern
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Martinez, CA
09.2014 - 09.2015
Completed 2000 hours of the pre-doctoral psychology internship requirement. Worked part-time on the inpatient psychiatric unit of the county hospital, with chronic and severely mentally ill persons. As a psychology intern on the inpatient unit I was involved in conducting psychoeducational groups regarding diagnosis, symptom management, and medication compliance. Met with approximately 4-5 patients per week, for individual psychotherapy that ranged from talk therapy to reality testing, education, safety planning and behavioral modification. Consulted with the treatment team of psychiatrists, social workers, nurses and hospital administrators to collaborate on treatment goals and interventions. Wrote a comprehensive SOAP note on each patient that included an extensive chart review.
Worked part-time in the outpatient family practice division on the Martinez campus, with patients referred by their primary care practioners for mental health issues related to health conditions, substance abuse problems, and/or depression and anxiety related to complicated socioeconomic circumstances. Provided weekly one-hour psychotherapy sessions to address symptoms that are impinging upon a person functioning. Created treatment plans, wrote SOAP notes, consulted with patient’s primary care physician when needed and provided both cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic interventions.
Extra Help
San Mateo County Jail, Maguire Correctional Facility
Redwood City, CA
07.2014 - 10.2014
Worked under the classification of Extra Help- Per Diem employee in the Maguire Correctional Facility. Completed intake assessments, which included a Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA), whereby inmates would be placed on a suicide risk status for classification, as well as psychosocial intake questionnaire. The assessments were done both in jail booking and already housed inmates. Assisted with inmate releases by assessing for 5150 status, discharge medications, and community resources. Completed follow up sessions with inmates who were on high-risk suicide status or had requested mental health services. Inmate presentations included severe mental illness, acute alcohol and drug intoxication/withdrawal and personality disorders. Worked closely with San Mateo County Sheriffs department and the medical team to coordinate care.
Practicum Intern
Salvation Army –Adult Rehabilitation Center
Oakland, CA
07.2013 - 07.2013
Provided individual 50-minute therapy sessions for men living at the Salvation Army because of addiction and/or legal problems, typically with underlying trauma and personality disorders. Carried caseload of 9-12 clients, lead two process groups with a co-facilitator, and a Seeking Safety group weekly. Participated in individual and group supervision. Completed intake assessments with a structured biopsychosocial, with treatment plans and maintained weekly progress notes for individual clients. Attended weekly didactic training.
Practicum Intern
Jail Psychiatric Services
San Francisco, CA
09.2012 - 06.2013
Provided clinical treatment and support for a caseload of approximately 16 marginalized women and men incarcerated in both general population and the Psychiatric Sheltered Living Unit (PSLU) at San Francisco County Jail. Worked with inmates who struggled with severe mental illness, trauma and substance abuse in providing psychotherapeutic support with talk therapy, suicide and safety assessments and helped to build coping skills for the institutional environment and systems. Co-facilitated an evidenced based group “Seeking Safety” and “Thinking for a Change” group for women in the Psychiatric Sheltered Living Unit (PSLU) of county jail two. Wrote clinical case progress notes, using the SOAP format, for all face-to-face contact with inmates with treatment plans and recommendations. Participated in weekly didactic seminars, two hours of group supervision, and one hour of individual supervision weekly. Participated in an intensive six-week training that included: understanding and navigating the jail environment, didactic clinical training and computer training. Assisted inmates with re-entry planning back into the community by providing referrals for housing, food, mental health, and medical resources.
Case Manager
Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP)
San Francisco, CA
12.2004 - 12.2011
Provided clinical case management for approximately 42 attorneys in the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP), a program that helps attorneys overcome substance abuse and/or mental illness. Provided a thorough clinical assessment interview with a diagnosis and written report. Supervised four licensed mental health group facilitators for five LAP support groups in assigned territory. Prepared reports for the The California State Bar Court for attorneys in the discipline system, appeared in court when necessary, and trained by the State Bar on being a witness in court. Provided continuing education units for attorneys on the subjects of substance abuse and mental health in the legal profession as part of their required MCLE units. Completed Betty Ford Professionals in Residence Program, which consisted of spending a week shadowing the residents at the Betty Ford substance abuse treatment program in their daily treatment routine.
Private Practice, Individual Psychotherapy
San Francisco, CA
05.2005 - 06.2006
Provided weekly psychotherapy sessions for individuals and couples, specializing in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, addictions, life transitions, career transitions, and relationship issues. Utilized cognitive behavioral, brief solution and psychodynamic interventions. Created treatment plans and kept weekly progress notes. Provided clinical assessments and community referrals as needed.
Social Work Discharge Planner
Veterans Administration Hospital (VA)
Los Angeles, CA
03.2004 - 10.2004
Provided discharge planning for patients on an inpatient dual diagnosis psychiatric unit that included arranging for housing, income, legal referrals, substance abuse and psychological services in preparation for discharge. Conducted biopsychosocial assessment interviews, followed with a written report. Treatment planning with a team that included psychiatrists, nursing staff, and social workers. Provided brief supportive counseling and organized groups for the patients on the unit.
School Based Mental Health Therapist
Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center
Inglewood, CA
04.2000 - 04.2001
Provided psychotherapy to economically challenged, culturally diverse school aged children and their families on elementary school campuses. Completed initial assessment interviews with children and their families followed by diagnosis and treatment plans in compliance with the Department of Mental Health requirements. Facilitated an educational parenting group for parents of children with behavioral problems. Created curriculum for training teachers on pertinent mental health topics related to classroom behavioral management.
Substance Abuse Therapist
Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center Los Angeles
04.2001 - 01.2001
Provided individual, group and family therapy for adolescents with substance abuse issues in a multicultural community. Organized therapy groups for adolescents at the Venice High School Campus for students receiving treatment. Conducted intake interviews with substance abuse specific instruments and created comprehensive treatment plans.
Education
Doctorate of Forensic Psychology Candidate - Clinical Psychology
Alliant International University
San Francisco, CA
01.2016
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Loyola Marymount
Los Angeles, CA
01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
01.1994
Training
Certified Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) I can do psychological suitability of the hiring of police officers, corrections officers, investigator for state agencies and do second opinion evaluations when a candidate has been rejected but are given the chance to appeal the decision by getting a second opinion.
10/03/23 Assessing Threats and Violence Risk on Campus, in the Workplace and Community with the WAVR-21
10/04/23 – 10/5/23 Advanced Threat Assessment and Threat Management: Front Line Defense for Evolving Threats, Dr. J. Reid Meloy, PhD, ABPP
10/26/24 Digital Threat Assessment
11/16/17 – 11/17/23 Darkstone-Certified Official Hare PCL-R Training Program Live Webinar, Dr. J. Reid Meloy, PhD, ABPP