ARALI TERESA VASQUEZ
Pharr
Summary
Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with experience in both one-on-one and group therapy settings. Possess strong skills in cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and developing individualized treatment plans. Noted for ability to build rapport with clients and contribute positively to multidisciplinary teams. Effectively facilitated improved mental wellness and coping strategies for diverse client base in previous roles.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinician
Southwest Key Program
Brownsville
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to client needs and goals.
- Conducted assessments to identify mental health and behavioral issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions promoting personal growth and healing.
- Documented client progress and maintained accurate case records consistently.
- Implemented crisis intervention techniques to manage challenging behaviors effectively.
- Advised individuals regarding medication compliance, lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques.
- Educated patients on symptoms, root issues, and appropriate treatment expectations.
- Coordinated referrals with external providers when needed for additional services.
- Utilized evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
- Performed risk assessment evaluations for suicidal or homicidal ideation among clients.
- Referred patients with serious medical conditions and emergencies to hospital for immediate care.
Internship Student, Counseling/Case Management
McAllen ISD Family Treatment Program
McAllen
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Provided individual mental health counseling to students in their school campus between the 4th and the 12th grade.
- Documented informed consents with parents of children under the age of 18.
- Applied psychosocial assessments and behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness techniques and questionnaires such as the Beck’s Depression Inventory for Teens (BDI-Teens), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7).
- Awareness on each of the student’s family and school dynamics treatment plans were integrated for the student’s awareness and mental wellbeing.
- Student being more independent with time and soon be able to identify and manage their stressors alone.
- Case management was required after every session with a student, parent and referred guidance counselor.
- Trained to identify and act upon a student that is having suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and intent, suicide attempt, and or harm others depending on severity.
- Trained by SAMHSA: Substance and Mental Health Services to be Trauma Informed Care and was updated on the current information of the ASK About Suicide to Save a Life Training provided by the ASK: Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
- Toured many of the collaborating behavioral hospitalization agencies like STBH, TTBH and DHR that aid students in need of a bed after high intent of suicide.
- Worked collaboratively within the schools; assisted students individualized education program (IEP), counselor conferences, 504 plans, assisting with peer meditations and overall advocating for the school standards as well as the student in counseling.
Practicum Student, Counseling/Case Management
Functional Pain Center
McAllen
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Screened for depression and anxiety with the BDI for Adults, issued the Fear Avoidance Questionnaire and Career Occupational Preference System Interest Inventory (COPS) within their treatment plan before they start therapy, during and towards the end for progress.
- Group Counseling interventions, assessed potential for malingering projecting outcomes, measured progress and screen for substance abuse potential.
- Taught prevention and self-care.
- Case management of each patient was required after every group session with information that was most important to the progress of the patient.
- Restored patients’ optimum levels of functioning with the techniques taught in group session (nutrition, vocational counseling, coping skills, and meditation).
- That would help reduce or eliminate dependent inducing addictive pain medication.
- Leading them to be more physical, have a healthier and positive mindset and be functional and productive individuals returning to work.
- Every Friday, the agency would reward them after a long week in therapy with a day out to the movies, taking them to the museum, planning a movie day and or playing cards and or board games while spending quality time with others.
- Many suffer from depression and anxiety due their injuries they acquired at their work setting.
- Clients demonstrated their optimism to come back the following Monday as evidenced by their display of gratitude towards the counselors and the positive effects of their mental and physical therapy.
Sales Associate, Cashiers
Coach
McAllen
11.2014 - 06.2015
- Greeted customers warmly and offered assistance to enhance shopping experience.
- Escorted customers to suggest items tailored to their lifestyle or gift needs.
- Provided detailed product information, emphasizing leather quality and fabrication.
- Built customer confidence by offering personalized suggestions and expert opinions.
- Created and updated confidential customer profiles to track preferences and interests.
- Processed payments efficiently, handling checks, cash, and credit card transactions.
Education
Master’s degree - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX12.2022
Bachelor’s degree - Psychology
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX12.2019
Associate degree - Biology
South Texas College
McAllen, TX12.2017
Skills
- Time management
- Decision making
- Therapeutic techniques
- Clinical documentation
- Interpersonal skills
- Case management
- Compassion and empathy
- Risk assessment
- Active listening
- Clinical assessment
- Cultural sensitivity
- DSM-5 knowledge
- Bilingual communication
- Crisis intervention
- Team collaboration
- Emotional intelligence
Occupational Licenses Certificates Training
- 09/2020, About Suicide to Save a Life Training, ASK: Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative
- 12/2019, Responsible Conduct of Research CITI Program
- 10/2022, Trauma Informed Care Trainer of Trainer, SAMHSA: Substance and Mental Health Services Administration
Timeline
Clinician
Southwest Key Program
03.2023 - 03.2025
Internship Student, Counseling/Case Management
McAllen ISD Family Treatment Program
08.2022 - 12.2022
Practicum Student, Counseling/Case Management
Functional Pain Center
06.2022 - 08.2022
Sales Associate, Cashiers
Coach
11.2014 - 06.2015
Master’s degree - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor’s degree - Psychology
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Associate degree - Biology
South Texas College
Similar Profiles
Yanelis AgueroYanelis Aguero
Youth Care Worker at Southwest Key ProgramYouth Care Worker at Southwest Key Program
Erika RogersErika Rogers
Youth Care Worker at Southwest Key ProgramYouth Care Worker at Southwest Key Program
Patricia DelgadoPatricia Delgado
Youth Care Worker at Southwest Key ProgramYouth Care Worker at Southwest Key Program
ROBERTO PACHECOROBERTO PACHECO
Customer Solutions Agent at Charter ComunicationCustomer Solutions Agent at Charter Comunication
Anahi CazaresAnahi Cazares
Subway Artist at SUBWAY®RestaurantsSubway Artist at SUBWAY®Restaurants