Charnita Mercer
Rockville
Summary
Ten years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in crisis intervention, utilization management, and care coordination. Demonstrated success in supporting high-acuity populations through effective risk evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proficient in both direct clinical services and managed care roles, with strong capabilities in documentation and clinical decision-making.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Utilization Manager Clinician, Contractor
Athena Consulting
Remote
01.2025 - Current
- Interpret and apply clinical guidelines such as MNC, ASAM, and DSM-5 to support utilization decisions for Medicaid and managed care populations.
- Perform care and service needs review for individuals with complex, ongoing medical, behavioral health and social support needs.
- Identify opportunities for care coordination and community-based service referrals.
Behavioral Health Advocate, Contractor
Insight Global
Remote
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Interpret and apply clinical guidelines such as MNC, ASAM, and DSM-5 to support utilization decisions for Medicaid and managed care populations.
- Approve, deny, or request additional information for treatment plans, procedures, or hospital stays.
- Collaborate with physicians, therapists, hospitals, and other providers to coordinate care.
- Identify care gaps, or the need for alternative treatment approaches.
Crisis Therapist II
Montgomery County Government
Rockville
09.2021 - 11.2023
- Conducted crisis assessments for individuals in acute emotional distress.
- Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk, and intervene with specific procedures and therapeutic interventions to stabilize clients during emergencies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans.
- Advocated for client needs within local health systems and agencies.
Needs Assessment Clinician
Adventist Healthcare
Rockville
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Performed psychiatric evaluations and risk assessments in the ER setting.
- Used clinical judgment to determine patient needs and appropriate level of care.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team on recommendations for patient dispositions and referrals.
- Collaborated with insurance companies to obtain prior authorization for inpatient admissions and transfers.
Pregnancy Counselor
The Barker Adoption Foundation
Bethesda
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Provided counseling and case management services to birth parents.
- Supported birth parents with the implementation of the adoption plan.
- Facilitated workshops on adoption processes and family dynamics.
- Conducted individual home study assessments for prospective adoptive families.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD05-2011
Skills
- Clinical judgment and decision-making
- Crisis assessment and de-escalation
- Goal-oriented clinical support
- Solution-focused interventions
- Multi-tasking across electronic systems
- High-volume call queue management
- Clinical documentation and compliance
- Client advocacy and resource navigation
- Adaptability to changing workflows
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
Timeline
Utilization Manager Clinician, Contractor
Athena Consulting
01.2025 - Current
Behavioral Health Advocate, Contractor
Insight Global
10.2024 - 12.2024
Crisis Therapist II
Montgomery County Government
09.2021 - 11.2023
Needs Assessment Clinician
Adventist Healthcare
01.2019 - 09.2021
Pregnancy Counselor
The Barker Adoption Foundation
05.2017 - 10.2018
Master of Science - Social Work
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Frostburg State University