Catherine Wischnowski
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Experienced with therapeutic techniques to support client mental health. Utilizes evidence-based practices to address diverse behavioral health needs. Strong understanding of client-centered care and effective communication strategies.
Strong collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently achieves positive outcomes. Known for effective communication, empathy, and reliability in high-pressure environments.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Therapist
Community Health Network, Behavioral Health
Indianapolis, IN
05.2012 - Current
- School Based Program therapist in High School setting, January 2019 to present.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans to address client needs and goals.
- Facilitated therapeutic sessions utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance client mental health and coping skills.
- Provided crisis intervention and support, ensuring safety and stability for at-risk individuals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Supervised clinicians-in-training such as interns and new counselors.
- Manager for Outpatient Behavioral Health office: May 1012 to December 2018.
School Social Worker
MSD Decatur Township Schools
Indianapolis, IN
08.1999 - 04.2012
- Developed individualized support plans for students facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, grades K to 6.
- Team with school personnel to promote student success using a multi-disciplinarian approach.
- Ongoing individual, family and group therapy with issues such as anxiety, school phobias, grief, anger management, self-esteem, life skills and parent substance abuse, in elementary school settings
- Conflict resolution, crisis intervention, topical classroom lessons, special education case conferences, individual behavior plans, reporting child abuse and neglect, addressing attendance and residency issues, home visits, work with students with behavioral issues.
- Referrals for mental health and health services to families, parent support groups, basic needs assistance, referrals for public assistance, Just Say No Club sponsor
Home-Based Therapist
Children's Bureau WISE Program
01.2010 - 05.2010
- Home-based therapy to Medicaid individuals and families
- Intake evaluations, psycho-social evaluations
- Treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, progress evaluations, and discharge summaries
School Outreach Counselor
Adult and Child Mental Health Center
08.1992 - 08.1999
- Ongoing individual, family, and group therapy to the students of MSD Decatur Township
- Multi-disciplinarian team approach to diagnosis and treatment plans through the MHC
- Conflict resolution, crisis intervention, psycho-educational classroom lessons, special education case conferences, individual behavior plans, reporting child abuse and neglect, and parenting interventions
- Co-facilitated Behavior Change Program at Decatur Middle School
- Title One Committee, pre-referral committee, extra-curricular club
- Clinical Supervisor, School Outreach Program
- Liaison between Adult & Child MHC and MSD Decatur Township administration
Student Intern Supervisor
Indiana University School of Social Work
01.1993 - 05.1999
- Coordinate MSW Field Placements for School Outreach Program
- Supervise interns' cases load, provide support and evaluation for second year MSW interns
Executive Director
Adoption Support Center, Inc.
11.1988 - 08.1992
- Supervised case workers
- Coordinated adoptions with hospital social workers and attorneys
- Implementation of adoption plans
- Birth parent counselor/ Case worker
- Counseling, support, and information to birth parent(s)
- Conducted adoption home studies including home visits, psycho-social evaluations, adoption educational classes for adoptive parents, and post-adoptive supervisory visits
Private Practice
Personal Growth Counseling
10.1987 - 05.1992
Counselor/ Case Manager Adolescent Unit
Fairbanks Hospital, Inc.
07.1985 - 05.1987
- Case load of eight to ten adolescent patients, providing individual and group therapy
- Psycho-social evaluations, diagnoses, initial and master treatment plans, continuing care plans
- Co-facilitated family interventions
Day Camp Counselor
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, CCI Summers
01.1983 - 01.1985
- Activities and supervision for ten to twenty children ages 4-12 years old
Victim Assistance Advocate
Marion County Prosecutors Office
09.1984 - 12.1984
- Accompanied victims to court hearings, advocating for their needs with the judge
Education
MSW - Mental Health and family therapy
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN01.1985
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN01.1982
Skills
- Client-centered approach
- Suicide risk assessment, Colombia
- Motivational Interviewing
- Skills System
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Group therapy facilitation
- Trauma-informed care
- Substance abuse treatment
- Adaptability and flexibility
Timeline
Behavioral Health Therapist
Community Health Network, Behavioral Health
05.2012 - Current
Home-Based Therapist
Children's Bureau WISE Program
01.2010 - 05.2010
School Social Worker
MSD Decatur Township Schools
08.1999 - 04.2012
Student Intern Supervisor
Indiana University School of Social Work
01.1993 - 05.1999
School Outreach Counselor
Adult and Child Mental Health Center
08.1992 - 08.1999
Executive Director
Adoption Support Center, Inc.
11.1988 - 08.1992
Private Practice
Personal Growth Counseling
10.1987 - 05.1992
Counselor/ Case Manager Adolescent Unit
Fairbanks Hospital, Inc.
07.1985 - 05.1987
Victim Assistance Advocate
Marion County Prosecutors Office
09.1984 - 12.1984
Day Camp Counselor
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, CCI Summers
01.1983 - 01.1985
MSW - Mental Health and family therapy
Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University
Endorsements: Motivational Interviewing and Skills Systems
Trainer and group facilitator for The Seven Challenges , Robert Schwebel, Ph.D.