Ashley Samuels
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Dedicated mental health professional with over eight years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in case management, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and discharge coordination for individuals facing serious mental illness (SMI). Experienced in evidence-based practices and biopsychosocial assessments, complemented by a strong commitment to fostering therapeutic alliances and upholding ethical standards, including the ACA Code of Ethics and HIPAA. Currently pursuing a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to enhance counseling techniques and multicultural competency. Prepared to contribute to a counseling internship by delivering client-centered support under licensed supervision, leveraging skills in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention to promote recovery and growth among diverse populations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Discharge Planning Specialist
Terros Health
04.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: Terros Health (formerly Lifewell Behavioral Wellness Integrated Health SMI Clinic; organizations merged October 2024)
- Served as a liaison between inpatient and outpatient teams, ensuring continuity of treatment from outpatient setting to inpatient setting, and facilitating successful community discharge.
- Connected clients with ongoing outpatient treatment.
- Collaborated with hospital teams, outpatient clinicians, clients' families, social supports, therapeutic partners, RBHA care management, primary care providers (PCPs), and health plans to coordinate care, ensure seamless transitions, and adhere to integrated service practices.
- Assessed post-discharge needs, established safe discharge placements, and arranged follow-up services including referrals to residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and specialized care to support recovery, reduce readmission risks, and minimize crisis service utilization.
- Developed, reviewed, and implemented individualized safety plans with clients to mitigate risks and promote stability upon hospital discharge.
- Submitted insurance prior authorizations for clinically indicated services, facilitating timely access to treatments while improving coordination between PCPs and psychiatric providers.
- Partnered with outpatient teams for comprehensive four-week post-discharge follow-up, monitoring progress and evaluating treatment effectiveness to enhance recovery.
SMI Case Manager
Lifewell Behavioral Wellness Integrated Care Clinic
07.2017 - 04.2022
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and crafted individualized service plans, identifying specialty needs, and incorporated evidence-based interventions..
- Delivered crisis response and intervention during acute symptom escalations or safety risks, coordinating with emergency services, de-escalating situations, and documenting incidents.
- Performed ongoing treatment effectiveness evaluations through client sessions, adjusting plans as needed to meet client needs and goals.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and counselors to implement individualized care plans, and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Managed intake and referral procedures with agency staff and external providers to ensure client service access.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services, and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
Research Assistant Intern
University of Arizona Human Memory Lab
01.2016 - 05.2017
- Administered cognitive functioning tests (e.g., attention, memory, language) to participants, ensuring accurate data collection and ethical interactions.
- Transcribed study records, assisted in data analysis, and followed lab protocols to develop, implement, and conclude experiments and study sessions efficiently.
- Communicated compassionately with participants to build rapport, explain procedures, and address concerns.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ08-2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ01.2017
Skills
- Evidence-based counseling techniques
- Assessment & Diagnosis: Skilled in conducting intake interviews, biopsychosocial assessments, mental health evaluations, and utilizing DSM-5 for diagnostic formulation under supervision
- Culturally responsive care
- Knowledgeable in ACA Code of Ethics and HIPAA regulations
- De-escalation and crisis response
- Multidisciplinary care coordination
- Communication & Rapport-Building: Strong interpersonal skills emphasizing empathetic listening, trust-building, and fostering therapeutic alliances
- Reflective Practice: Committed to self-awareness and professional growth through supervision, peer feedback, and reflective journaling
- Familiarity with medical terminology
- Experienced with NextGen electronic medical records and office software
- Organized, strategic, and self-motivated with ability to maintain composure in high-stress environments
- Strong organizational scheduling abilities
Timeline
Discharge Planning Specialist
Terros Health
04.2022 - Current
SMI Case Manager
Lifewell Behavioral Wellness Integrated Care Clinic
07.2017 - 04.2022
Research Assistant Intern
University of Arizona Human Memory Lab
01.2016 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Arizona
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Phoenix
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