Araceli Meskus
Salinas,CA
Summary
Dynamic Clinical Therapist with extensive experience at Effective School Solutions, adept at delivering impactful therapeutic interventions. Skilled in crisis management and collaboration, I excel in fostering strong relationships with families and interdisciplinary teams. Proficient in Microsoft Office, I leverage technology to enhance client care and documentation efficiency. Passionate about promoting mental health stability.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Therapist
Effective School Solutions
Salinas, USA
07.2024 - Current
- Delivers clinical interventions consistent with needs of the student and family, in a safe and ethical manner that promotes and sustains academic and mental health stability.
- Demonstrated competency in group therapy, individual counseling, and family counseling to support diverse student needs.
- Provides consultation and facilitates referrals to appropriate levels of care and specialized services based on the student's needs.
- Understands continuum of mental health services, referring students and family to an appropriate level of care in coordination with their supervisor (such as: substance abuse services and/or IOP/PHP/In-Patient)
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team collaboration to enhance student care and ensure comprehensive support.
- Facilitated monthly evening Parent Support groups to engage families and strengthen community connections.
- Demonstrates a commitment to developing strong working relationships with school administration, district leadership, teachers, and paraprofessionals.
Senior Clinical Therapist
Izzo Marriage and Family Therapy
San Mateo, USA
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Conducted intake and assessments to develop tailored treatment plans and maintain accurate client records.
- Collaborated with social services, referral sources and other treatment professionals to meet patient care needs.
- Served a diverse population of families with different clinical presentations, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and trauma.
- Delivered crisis intervention, safety planning, psychoeducation, and case management services to effectively support families in crisis situations.
Clinical Therapist
Balance Treatment Center
Monterey, USA
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and developed treatment plans for clients.
- Counseled high-risk adults and youth and provided crisis interventions.
- Provided therapeutic support to diverse families addressing clinical challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and chronic suicidal ideation.
- Led group therapy sessions five days per week in IOP, also in PHP as assigned.
- Collaborated with social services, referral sources, and treatment professionals to effectively address and coordinate patient care needs.
- Documented client notes and records meticulously to comply with licensing standards and ensure continuity of care.
- Worked closely with Utilization Review team to obtain coverage for continued stay.
- Followed all Joint Commission standards and regulations for best practice.
- Maintained current knowledge of mental health practices, including dual diagnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and family systems approach.
Medical Social Worker
Hospice of Santa Cruz-Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley, USA
10.2022 - 07.2023
- Performed psychosocial assessments, ongoing reassessments, counseling/education, crisis intervention, information and referral to patients and patient families regarding illness, and impending death and related issues.
- Recognized and responded to psychiatric crisis situations, delivering timely interventions to stabilize clients.
- Provided social service counseling and support, enhancing client well-being and access to resources.
- Developed and evaluated the Plan of Care and documents in the EMR.
- Participated in ongoing interdisciplinary comprehensive assessment.
- Functions as part of the patient care team, attending Interdisciplinary Care Team meetings.
- Advocated for patient/family unit, facilitating administrative and regulatory processes, including final arrangements.
Medical Social Worker
Bridge Hospice
Salinas, USA
05.2020 - 10.2022
- Maintained survey-ready documentation and conducted comprehensive assessments of patient's social, emotional, environmental, and support needs to ensure holistic care.
- Developed patient care plans that aligned with Medicare and Medical guidelines.
- Collaborate with IDG team to address patient and family needs.
- Led Care Conference meetings to collaboratively address and resolve patient and family needs and concerns.
- Provided emotional support to patient and family.
- Work with the Hispanic community and provide culturally competent hospice services in appropriate language.
- Engaged in survey process and developed corrective action plan post-survey to enhance compliance.
Clinical Therapist
Connection Family and Behavioral Therapy Services
Salinas, USA
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Provide psychotherapy by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches, both in-person and telehealth.
- Provide clients evidenced-based therapeutic services utilizing CBT, DBT, Art Therapy interventions, via in person or telehealth.
- Completed psychosocial assessments, treatment plans, and mental diagnoses using DSM IV to inform effective client care.
- Maintain complete records of all clinical services rendered, including initial evaluations, progress notes, summary notes and all other necessary documentation.
- Provided crisis intervention services to support clients during high-stress situations, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Conduct 5150 assessment and suicide ideation evaluation.
- Work as a team member with other professionals to meet client needs.
- Identified and connected clients to relevant community resources to enhance their support network and promote recovery.
- Comply with CPS reporting as appropriate.
Hospice Medical Social Worker
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, USA
11.2018 - 05.2020
- Upon admission conduct psychosocial assessments with patient and caregiver.
- Coordinated care plans aimed at enhancing quality of life for patients with terminal conditions, ensuring tailored support and comfort.
- Work collaboratively with the hospice interdisciplinary care team.
- Delivered brief therapy and supportive listening to patients and families, fostering emotional well-being during challenging times.
- Connected patients with essential community resources, facilitating access to support services such as IHSS, VA, and Meals on Wheels.
- Arrange respite either through community resources or arrange a stay at a skilled nursing facility.
- Assist with placement if care needs fall outside of caregiver's threshold.
- Assist patient and family with funeral arrangements.
Therapist
Door to Hope MCSTART Program
Salinas, USA
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Utilized evidence-based Theraplay, MI, CBT, dyadic therapy, attachment therapy, and art therapy interventions to facilitate emotional expression and healing in children; delivered services in Spanish and English.
- Provide therapy services to caregiver of infants and children exposed to alcohol, other drugs, and traumas.
- Conduct full psychosocial assessment including, diagnosing, treatment planning, progress notes, annual psychosocial assessment and treatment plans updates, collateral and therapy services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team including county social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist, case managers, caregivers, teachers, and therapists to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Facilitated referrals to community resources, enhancing support systems for clients and caregivers.
- Comply with mandated reporting and MediCal policy and procedures.
Medical Social Worker
CCVNA Hospice
Salinas, USA
11.2016 - 09.2018
- Delivered crisis intervention and treatment to patients and families in emergent situations, including assessment and counseling.
- Collaborated with patients, families, and service providers to develop comprehensive care plans for home or alternative living arrangements.
- Coordinated in-home health care services, medical equipment, transportation, follow-up treatments, and referrals to community social agencies.
- Perform electronic documentation of comprehensive assessments of the patient's social, emotional, environmental, financial, and support needs in order to inform the medical team to provide the best medical and psychological needs to the patient and their families.
Psychiatric Social Worker I
Monterey County Behavioral Health Access
Salinas, USA
05.2017 - 01.2018
- Conducted individual, group, and family counseling sessions to facilitate clients' adjustments and integration into the community while providing case management services.
- Participates in developing individual and group treatment plans utilizing a variety of psychotherapeutic, psychosocial and psychoeducational modalities that meet the standards set by the Behavioral Health/State Quality Assurance Standard.
- Conducted risk assessments and initiated 5150 holds.
- Performed initial diagnostic evaluations to identify behavioral symptoms indicative of mental disorders and interpersonal dysfunctions in children and adult consumers.
Mental Health Therapist
Kinship/Seneca
Salinas, USA
07.2015 - 11.2016
- Conducted thorough evaluations of suicide ideation to establish safety contracts with clients.
- Utilized evidenced based Theraplay, CBT, MI, Art Therapy interventions to allow; children/youth to express their emotions and healing; services provided in Spanish and English.
- Work with children and adolescents in adoption presenting with psychiatric symptoms.
- Conducted assessments by obtaining consents for all treatment areas, gathering relevant documents, and collaborating with involved professionals to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
- Completed Placement Announcements, Assessments, Treatment Plans, Mental Health Notes, time tracking, incident reports, and discharge summary reports on time to ensure continuity of care.
- Ensured compliance with child abuse reporting, Medi-Cal regulations, and confidentiality standards set by Seneca Family of Agencies.
Education
Master of Social Work -
California State University Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, CA, USA01-2015
B. A. - Psychology
California State University Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, CA, USA01-2010
A.A - General Studies
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA01-2004
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- MS Word
- Internet
- Adobe Photoshop
Languages
Fluent Spanish
License
- ACSW, 104388 09/30/2026
Msw Skills
- Individual / Group Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
Work Preference
Salary Range
$96000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Clinical Therapist
Effective School Solutions
07.2024 - Current
Senior Clinical Therapist
Izzo Marriage and Family Therapy
01.2024 - 07.2024
Clinical Therapist
Balance Treatment Center
08.2023 - 01.2024
Medical Social Worker
Hospice of Santa Cruz-Scotts Valley
10.2022 - 07.2023
Medical Social Worker
Bridge Hospice
05.2020 - 10.2022
Clinical Therapist
Connection Family and Behavioral Therapy Services
05.2020 - 05.2021
Hospice Medical Social Worker
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
11.2018 - 05.2020
Therapist
Door to Hope MCSTART Program
01.2018 - 10.2018
Psychiatric Social Worker I
Monterey County Behavioral Health Access
05.2017 - 01.2018
Medical Social Worker
CCVNA Hospice
11.2016 - 09.2018
Mental Health Therapist
Kinship/Seneca
07.2015 - 11.2016
Master of Social Work -
California State University Monterey Bay
B. A. - Psychology
California State University Monterey Bay
A.A - General Studies
Hartnell College