Ariel Smith
Raytown,MO
Summary
Licensed Professional Counselor with six years of behavioral health experience across utilization review, inpatient and residential intake, and children's residential direct care. Experienced as an intake clinician and utilization review professional, with proficiency in applying medical necessity criteria, auditing documentation, and navigating payer portals for authorizations. Skilled in tracking high-volume caseloads from admission to discharge while collaborating with interdisciplinary clinical teams to ensure compliance with funding guidelines.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospital Therapist (LPC) – Utilization Review Clinician
Crittenton Children's Center | Saint Luke's Health System
06.2025 - Current
- Lead utilization review activities to ensure medical necessity and compliance for inpatient and residential behavioral health services.
- Coordinate insurance authorization processes, collaborating with payer representatives to secure timely approvals and reduce avoidable denials.
- Provide guidance to clinical staff on documentation standards to support continued stay reviews and level-of-care determinations.
- Partner with physicians, therapists, nursing, and case management teams to improve documentation accuracy and alignment with payer expectations.
- Identify trends in authorization challenges and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
- Support discharge planning initiatives to ensure appropriate transitions of care and reduce gaps in services.
- Manage a high-volume caseload while consistently meeting organizational timelines and strict payor turnaround time requirements.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for utilization management policies, payer criteria, and department specific regulatory expectations.
Hospital Therapist (LPC) – Intake Clinician
Crittenton Children's Center | Saint Luke's Health System
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, risk evaluations, and clinical interviews for children and adolescents presenting for behavioral health services.
- Provided crisis assessment and intervention services for patients experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health concerns.
- Determined appropriate levels of care utilizing clinical judgment, evidence-based assessment tools, and established placement criteria.
- Collaborated with physicians, nursing staff, referral sources, and families to facilitate timely admissions and ensure continuity of care.
- Maintained accurate, thorough, and compliant clinical documentation to support treatment recommendations and regulatory requirements.
- Educated patients and families regarding treatment recommendations, available resources, and next steps in the care process.
- Developed strong working relationships with community providers, referral sources, and internal departments to improve patient access and transitions of care.
- Assisted with utilization management activities, including obtaining prior authorizations, submitting discharge clinical information, and coordinating with insurance providers.
- Served as a resource to colleagues regarding admission criteria, level-of-care determinations, and behavioral health resources.
Youth Care Specialist
Great Circle
Marshall, MO
03.2020 - 05.2022
- Fostered positive and supportive environment for youth development.
- Managed conflict, and intervened in crisis situations.
- Monitored and enforced house rules to ensure structured environment and promote safety.
- Attended treatment team meetings, and provided input on treatment plans.
- Implemented treatment plans, and completed clear and concise documentation of youth behavior and actions.
- Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards Mandatory reporters.
Internship Student
Burrell Behavioral Health Center
Marshall, MO
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Provided supervised individual counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy.
- Completed supervised intake assessments and supported treatment planning for individuals, couples, and families.
- Conducted research assignments at supervisor request.
- Attended professional meetings.
Graduate Assistant
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Assisted Dean of Education and professors with daily office tasks to facilitate academic administration.
- Reviewed student transcripts and developed class schedules to support student enrollment processes.
- Researched information for PowerPoint presentations and handouts.
- Managed incoming calls, prepared copies, and organized files to ensure efficient office operations.
Direct Support Professional
Northwest Community Services
Marshall, MO
07.2015 - 02.2020
- Tracked patient progress and recorded health status updates, informing care team decisions.
- Assisted disabled clients with daily needs, enhancing independence and overall well-being.
- Supported daily hygiene routines, including bathing, dressing, oral care, and grooming.
- Built trust with patients, fostering safe and comfortable care environments.
- Administered medications according to physician orders.
- Maintained cleanliness in patient areas to ensure a safe and hygienic environment, safe, and organized.
Education
Master of Arts - Community Counseling
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MOBachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies (Nursing, Education, Social Science)
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MOSkills
- Utilization Review
- Medical Necessity & Level of Care Criteria
- Payer Portals & EHR Systems (Epic & Behavioral Health EHRs)
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
- Denial & Appeal Management
- Clinical Documentation Auditing
- High-Volume Caseload Tracking
- Staff Coaching & Training
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Discharge Planning & Care Transitions
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – State of Missouri
Timeline
Hospital Therapist (LPC) – Utilization Review Clinician
Crittenton Children's Center | Saint Luke's Health System
06.2025 - Current
Hospital Therapist (LPC) – Intake Clinician
Crittenton Children's Center | Saint Luke's Health System
07.2022 - 06.2025
Internship Student
Burrell Behavioral Health Center
01.2021 - 07.2021
Youth Care Specialist
Great Circle
03.2020 - 05.2022
Graduate Assistant
Missouri Valley College
08.2019 - 07.2021
Direct Support Professional
Northwest Community Services
07.2015 - 02.2020
Master of Arts - Community Counseling
Missouri Valley College
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies (Nursing, Education, Social Science)
Missouri Valley College