Ashanti Belle
Summary
Empathetic professional with hands-on experience providing quality psychological services to children and adults. Skilled in identifying, assessing and diagnosing mental health and emotional issues. Develops and implements treatment plans and provides counseling and therapy to obtain maximum results for patients. Significant years' of experience in clinical counseling as well human services, case management, administrative duties and upper management.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
The Center for Developing Minds
10.2022 - Current
- Evaluate psychosocial needs and provide therapeutic services within an outpatient setting utilizing specific theories
- Facilitate group and family therapy that enhance patient functioning, emotional well-being and behavior
- Provide treatment that is clinically necessary, and evidence based
- Make appropriate and necessary referrals when more intensive care is needed.
- Utilize meditation and visualization to support clients in meeting therapeutic goals.
- Guide clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Advocate for clients'' needs within the broader healthcare system when necessary to ensure access to appropriate resources or accommodations during the treatment process.
- Coordinate care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other relevant healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for clients.
- Manage patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Document client progress in confidential files.
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness regularly, adjusting intervention strategies based on client feedback and clinical judgment as required.
- Provide crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health distress, ensuring safety and stabilization.
- Tailored therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse client populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and trauma histories.
- Implement behavioral modification techniques for clients struggling with unhealthy patterns of behavior or thought processes contributing to their mental health challenges.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
Owner (Licensed Mental Health Therapist)
Believe And Inspire Counseling Inc.
07.2022 - Current
- Evaluate psychosocial needs and provide therapeutic services within an outpatient setting
- Facilitate individual and family therapy that enhance patient functioning, emotional well-being and behavior
- Provided treatment that is clinically necessary and evidenced based such as TF-CBT to children and families exposed to abuse and neglect through a grant funded by DOH, UF and CPT.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Consulted with clients to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new clients.
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
Wolfson Children's Hospital
04.2021 - Current
- Evaluates psychosocial needs and provides therapeutic services on an inpatient behavioral health unit
- Facilitate group and family therapy that enhance patient functioning, emotional well-being and behavior
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Advocates in discharge planning, placements/transfers, voluntary and involuntary process
- Provide treatment that is clinically necessary, and evidence based
- Maintain state professional licensure and credentialing with insurance panels.
- Coordinated care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other relevant healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health distress, ensuring safety and stabilization.
- Enhanced group therapy sessions by incorporating creative modalities such as art therapy, music therapy, and mindfulness practices.
- Mentored new therapists in the team by sharing best practices, providing clinical supervision, and offering constructive feedback on their work performance.
- Stayed current on mental health research to follow new developments and research in mental health field.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Led psychoeducational groups covering topics such as emotion regulation, communication skills development, and relapse prevention strategies among others related to mental health improvement outcomes.
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed), Lead Therapist
River Point Behavioral Health
05.2019 - 12.2022
- Worked in conjunction with psychologists and psychiatrists and refer patients to these specialists as they see fit
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Supervised busy caseload, managing clients, balancing workload and prioritizing client needs.
- Mentored new therapists in the team by sharing best practices, providing clinical supervision, and offering constructive feedback on their work performance.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Expanded professional knowledge through ongoing continuing education opportunities and participation in relevant workshops and conferences.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to support communication, boundary setting, and healthy relationships among family members affected by mental health issues.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, effectively communicating with other healthcare providers as necessary.
- Coordinated care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other relevant healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for clients.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Maintained notes and records on patients and monitored their progress
- File legal petitions with the local courts, make recommendations for follow-up care, discharge planning.
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
Anchor QEA
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Completed assessments, treatment plans and delivered therapeutic services
- Utilized CBT interventions as well as solution focused approach
- Conducted one-on-one therapy, marriage counseling
- Assessed new client history to determine appropriate treatment options in consultation with the patient and other treatment providers.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness regularly, adjusting intervention strategies based on client feedback and clinical judgment as required.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Stayed current on mental health research to follow new developments and research in mental health field.
- Reduced client symptoms of anxiety and depression with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and psychodynamic approaches.
- Created a safe environment that fostered open communication, trust building and vulnerability among clients.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Assessed new clients thoroughly to determine appropriate level of care and recommend suitable treatment options within the community if needed.
Therapist
Daniel Kids
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Provided direct clinical services to assigned cases at school placement
- Conducted case management duties/Conducted intakes /biopsychosocial
- Created and managed treatment plans Utilized Cognitive Behavior Therapy interventions.
- Implemented time management strategies to ensure full caseloads were effectively managed, maintaining high-quality care for all clients.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Trained in techniques such as stress reduction therapy to improve outcomes.
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
- Adapted interventions as needed based on ongoing assessment of client progress throughout the course of treatment.
Child Protective Investigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
12.2016 - 09.2018
- Conducted investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children
- Worked closely with law enforcement
- Improved child safety by conducting thorough investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect.
- Obtained information through observation and interviews with the children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties associated with the case, as well as analysis of criminal, past service history and other records
- Engaged families to understand the family's perspectives about family dynamics, challenges and solutions, identifies needs and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services
- Assessed danger threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities in order to determine whether a child is safe or not safe
- Developed with family and other persons as necessary any required present and/or impending danger plans based on analysis of danger threats in operation
- Managed and modified safety plans as necessary during the investigation
- Arranged emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home
- Notified state attorney, law enforcement, child protection team and other required individuals as appropriate
- Provided written present and impending danger assessments
- Completed Risk Assessment on families investigated and explained risk score to family
- Conducted any staffing required for families with risk scores that are High and Very High Risk
- Presented safety plan and impending danger assessment at case management case transfer staffing and participated in discussion as to recommended follow-up actions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current on best practices in child protection investigation techniques.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive assessments and intervention plans for children at risk.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions, interview family members, and observe interactions between children and caregivers.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Provided expert testimony in court hearings, contributing to informed decisions on child welfare matters.
- Advised families on steps required for successful completion of service plans aimed at reducing risks within the home environment.
Federal Pretrial Officer
United States Federal Pretrial and Probation
09.2014 - 07.2015
- Completed various reports (Violations/Bail /Court Memos,) Recommended/enforced release conditions for the court to impose upon release
- Enforced court- ordered supervision components and implemented supervision
- Monitored defendants and offenders through phone calls and personal contacts, including meeting with them in the probation or pretrial services office and at their homes or jobs while home inspections were completed
- Conducted investigations with defendants and offenders to complete backgrounds, including family, education, employment, finances, physical and mental health, and alcohol or drug abuse
- Managed any risk they pose to individuals or the community by verifying their employment, monitoring their associates, restricting their travel, and taking other actions to make sure they're obeying the law
- Directed defendants and offenders to services such as substance abuse or mental health treatment, medical care, training, or employment assistance – as ordered by the court
- Provided case management to a caseload of 40 offenders or greater
- Conducted drug use detection tests
- Enforced and implemented policy and procedures in accordance with federal regulations.
- Facilitated referrals for substance abuse treatment or mental health services when appropriate, supporting defendant rehabilitation efforts during the pretrial period.
- Assessed potential for flight risk by identifying defendants'' ties to the community and previous history of non-appearance in court.
- Improved pretrial services by conducting thorough and accurate risk assessments of defendants.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on pretrial.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Intake Supervisor
Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center
06.2008 - 08.2014
- Completed various reports (Serious Incident Reports, Court Memos) Managed the transportation/Intake unit
- Determined assignments and conducted training
- Processed Grievances, Oversaw the records unit
- Managed staff to include counselors, support and clerical personnel in work environments such as secured facilities (juvenile detention and adult corrections)
- Administered mental health screenings
- Served as lead on formal investigations in relation to grievance for juveniles as well as staff
- Managed staff leave
- Served as a project leader on various projects
- Assessed subordinate's performance and completed yearly evaluations
- Served as a liaison between juvenile courts and juvenile detention
- Collaborated with the medical and mental health department about obtaining services for the client
- Enforced and implemented policy and procedures in accordance with the State standards
- Fostered a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement among all members of the organization.
- Assisted in budget planning and monitoring expenses for the Intake Department, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maximizing resources available for client services.
- Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
- Completed intake assessment forms and filed clients' charts.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support to help them grow professionally within their roles.
- Directed a team of intake specialists, providing guidance, support, and feedback on their work performance.
- Served as a liaison between clients and service providers, facilitating communication and collaboration to ensure seamless care coordination.
- Conducted regular meetings with the intake team to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans accordingly.
Education
EdS - Mental Health Counseling/Counselor
Hampton University
Hampton01.2017
Master of Arts - Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling
Norfolk State University
Norfolk01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Government
Delaware State University
Dover01.2004
Skills
- Consulting
- Counseling
- Customer Relations
- Law Enforcement
- Legal
- Clinical Operations
- Management
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Microsoft Office
- Mental health evaluations
- Individual Counseling
Certification
Licensed Clinical Practice Counselors - STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 03/01/21, 03/01/25
- LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Honors Awards
Employee of the Month - Wolfson Children's Hospital (07/2021)
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
The Center for Developing Minds
10.2022 - Current
Owner (Licensed Mental Health Therapist)
Believe And Inspire Counseling Inc.
07.2022 - Current
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
Wolfson Children's Hospital
04.2021 - Current
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed)
Anchor QEA
08.2020 - 08.2021
Mental Health Therapist (Licensed), Lead Therapist
River Point Behavioral Health
05.2019 - 12.2022
Therapist
Daniel Kids
09.2018 - 05.2019
Child Protective Investigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
12.2016 - 09.2018
Federal Pretrial Officer
United States Federal Pretrial and Probation
09.2014 - 07.2015
Intake Supervisor
Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center
06.2008 - 08.2014
EdS - Mental Health Counseling/Counselor
Hampton University
Master of Arts - Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling
Norfolk State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Government
Delaware State University
Licensed Clinical Practice Counselors - STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 03/01/21, 03/01/25
- LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
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