Benjetta West
Houston
Summary
Experienced with developing tailored treatment plans and therapeutic strategies. Utilizes evidence-based practices to support client well-being and growth. Track record of applying active listening and empathy to foster trust and effective communication.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MST Therapist
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
08.2020 - Current
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Coached clients on effective coping strategies, empowering them to manage symptoms independently outside of therapy sessions.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
Mental Health Counselor
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
10.2016 - Current
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
- Strengthened family support systems by providing psychoeducation and facilitating open communication between patients and their loved ones.
- Served as an advocate for clients within various systems including healthcare providers, insurance companies, educational institutions.
Utilization Review, Discharge Planner
Westbury Psychiatric Hospital
03.2013 - 02.2015
- Improved patient satisfaction by carefully evaluating their needs and developing personalized discharge plans.
- Advocated for patients'' best interests, working closely with healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment plans and interventions.
- Coordinated timely discharges by effectively communicating with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Established strong relationships with community agencies, enabling effective coordination of post-discharge support services.
- Streamlined the discharge process, reducing wait times and increasing overall efficiency within the hospital.
- Facilitated smooth transfers between hospital departments, minimizing delays in patient care during transition periods.
- Served as a key resource for patients and families, providing guidance on post-discharge care options and resources.
- Evaluated patient progress throughout their hospital stay, adjusting discharge plans accordingly to ensure successful reintegration into the community setting or placement in suitable long-term care facilities when necessary.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations and accreditation standards related to discharge planning activities within the organization.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions from hospital to home or other care facilities.
Inpatient Therapist
West Oaks Hospital
09.2010 - 02.2013
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and clinical staff to ensure open communication lines for better collaboration in treatment planning.
- Streamlined communication between inpatient therapists and referring professionals, enhancing coordination of care efforts.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing empathetic support and active listening during one-on-one therapy sessions.
- Reduced readmission rates through effective discharge planning and coordination with outpatient care providers.
- Met with clinical supervisor regularly to review client cases.
- Screened new clients to identify presenting problems and address urgent issues.
- Assessed new admissions promptly, gathering essential information for efficient case formulation and appropriate intervention planning.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing patients'' physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Conducted psychoeducational groups on various topics including addiction recovery, mood disorders, anxiety management techniques for the benefit of all participants.
- Collaborated with clients, physicians and other providers to develop and implement client-centered interventions and treatment plans.
- Evaluated patients'' progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal results.
- Provided individual, couples and family therapy to adults, adolescents and children experiencing biopsychosocial stressors.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to help strengthen relationships and improve communication among family members.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Our Lady of The Lake University
San Antonio, TX08-2021
Master of Science - Psychology
Our Lady of The Lake University
San Antonio, TX08-2009
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Houston
Houston, TX12-2005
Skills
- Treatment Planning
- Building rapport
- Crisis intervention
- Family therapy
- Group facilitation
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Group therapy coordination
- Emotional awareness
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate
Timeline
MST Therapist
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
08.2020 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
10.2016 - Current
Utilization Review, Discharge Planner
Westbury Psychiatric Hospital
03.2013 - 02.2015
Inpatient Therapist
West Oaks Hospital
09.2010 - 02.2013
Master of Science - Social Work
Our Lady of The Lake University
Master of Science - Psychology
Our Lady of The Lake University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Houston
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