Christine Ciscone, LCSW, CADACII
Rancho Santa Margarita,CA
Summary
- Compassionate Clinical Social Worker with 33 years of experience counseling and advocating for clients in Behavioral Health/Substance Abuse organizations. History of encouraging and empowering clients toward improved self-esteem and decision making. Strong interest in serving SPMI/Substance Abusing/Homeless populations.
- Empathetic Therapist with 33 years of experience interfacing with community liaisons, facilitating individual and group sessions and monitoring conditions of clients to coordinate care. Excellent communicator with knack for building lasting professional relationships.
- Dedicated Case Manager well-versed at liaising with clients to foster access to community resources, treatment and assistance programs. Strong background in supporting client treatment plans. Compassionate and driven with unfailing work ethic and passion for helping others.
- Successful at providing both personalized and group psychotherapy and social support in Behavioral Health and Substance Recovery settings. Specializing in working with diverse populations to locate necessary resources. Obtains authorizations, presents cases and coordinates intervention strategies.
- Thorough and knowledgeable social work professional experienced in psychiatric care and support for patients with SPMI/Substance Abuse Recovery. Detail-oriented, hardworking and resourceful with good critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients and advance change for communities in need.
- Proven skills in conducting assessments, planning treatments and facilitating therapy sessions. Proficient in DSM-V diagnostic criteria, ICD-10 codes. Passionate about advocacy for clients' right and community reintegration.
- Trained in providing crisis intervention services in addition to routine care and support. Conducts assessments, sets goals and improves patient quality of life with hands-on assistance.
- Capable Medical Social Worker well-versed in educating patients, coordinating treatment plans and setting up program referrals. Knowledgeable about documentation, recordkeeping and insurance requirements. Using 26 years of experience in field to deliver exemplary patient support.
- Dedicated Behavioral Health/ Substance Recovery professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
- Offering excellent communication, leadership skills, strong ethics and good judgment.
- Motivated to learn, grow and excel in this field. LCSW eligible in California, CADACII active in California and NY (with reciprocity in the 48 remaining states) and LCSW in NY. Willing to relocate to certain states within the US.
Reliable employee seeking Fulltime position. Offering excellent communication and good judgment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
LCSW
Better Help
08.2022 - Current
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals.
- Diagnosed clients by using DSM-V criteria and documented using F coding guidelines.
- Interviewed clients, families, to assess limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Treated patients with mental health issues and dual-diagnoses such as Major Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia and Anger
- Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes.
- Documented case notes daily and coordinated follow-up for seamless case management.
- Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups to improve residents' quality of life.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
- Developed individual treatment plans and provided counseling to patients.
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Facilitated support groups for patients and families dealing with chronic illnesses.
LCSW
AptiHealth
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Helped 166 clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals.
- Diagnosed clients by using DSM-V criteria and documented using F coding guidelines.
- Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes.
- Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Performed short-term therapy, provided education and responded to crisis situations.
- Established and nurtured key relationships with community members to form valuable partnerships.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups to improve residents' quality of life.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
- Preserved and prepared reports and treatment records.
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
LCSW/CADACII
Valor Health Care
02.2022 - 04.2022
- Managed caseload of US veterans for bio-psychosocials and individual therapy (couples included)
- Administer PHQ9, Columbia Suicide Screening Assessment and Comprehensive Suicide Assessments to all of Orange County to meet Government Regulations and Joint Commission Protocols.
- Substance Abuse and Alcohol Specialty Caseload Worker
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs
- Diagnosed clients by using DSM-V criteria and documented using F coding guidelines
-
Case Manager
Rebel Recovery/ New Life Recovery
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Consulted with other staff to devise and manage ongoing care plans for dually diagnosed populations (Substance Abuse/ Mental Health).
- Bio-psycho-socials, Detox/RTC level of care 5 to 6 groups per week, D/C planning, and coordination of care with probation, parole, courts, school, etc. Completed in a timely fashion according State, County, and Joint Commission Regulations and Requirements.
- Community Outings and Daily living skills were developed so that when the client is ready for D/C they would be integrated into the community
- Individual Counseling with the 6 clients on a weekly basis to assist them with their goals and resources needed in the community.
Case Manager
South Coast Behavioral Health
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage ongoing care plans for dually diagnosed clients
- Completed assessments, D/C planning from beginning of treatment to end, treatment plans with updates of client centered goal planning and D/C planning
- Coordinated care with outside agencies such as courts, probation, parole, schools, family, etc.
- Saw clients weekly and facilitated 6-10 groups per week
Case Manager
Newport Beach Recovery Center
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage ongoing care plans for dual diagnosed clients
- Completed assessments, D/C planning from beginning of treatment to end, treatment plans with updates of client centered goal planning and D/C planning
- Coordinated care with outside agencies such as courts, probation, parole, schools, family, etc.
- Saw clients weekly and facilitated 6-10 groups per week
- Identified care needs of individual patients and coordinated responses based on physician advice, insurance limitations and procedural costs
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems
- Developed comprehensive discharge plans to transition clients to appropriate service providers in community
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to determine timely delivery of services
- Identified care needs of individual patients and coordinated responses based on physician advice, insurance limitations, and procedural costs
- Provided evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental and emotional well-being
- Evaluated treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients
- Provided education on health and nutrition for patients to maintain healthy habits and well-being
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients
Case Manager
Western Pacific Medical Corp/ Stanton Office
01.2020 - 09.2020
- Devised and managed ongoing care plans for 65 clients
- Provided crisis intervention and risk assessments. ASAM assessments and CAL OMS assessments completed
- Participated as member of multi-disciplinary team providing on-going case management services to adults with severe substance abuse addictions (methadone maintenance clients)
- Participated in program in-service training.
- Assisted with outreach and engagement services to engage clients with legal mandates
- Evaluated treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards of MediCal and MediCare
- Partnered with physicians, psychiatrists and nurses to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Collaborated with external agencies to meet MediCal/MediCare Regs and Policies
- Completed ASAM and CAL OMS assessments and treatment plans with all 65 clients
- Individual Bi Monthly Sessions with all 65 clients
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems
- Developed comprehensive discharge plans to transition clients to appropriate service providers in community
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to determine timely delivery of services
- Identified care needs of individual patients and coordinated responses based on physician advice, insurance limitations, and procedural costs
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients
Group Facilitator
Heartedly Heart
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Prepared and led groups for clients 6-10 a week.
- Provided self-esteem and anger management group therapy.
- Supported individuals with dually diagnosis (mental health and substance) issues, liaising between participants, families and interdisciplinary team about needs.
- Developed open rapport with client's encouraging sharing of questions and concerns.
- Collaborated with therapists and case managers to identify areas in need of improvement and implement solutions.
- Implemented Substance Abuse Recovery/Mental Health Groups to 7 agencies
- Assisted with physicians, social workers, Psychiatrists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage ongoing care plans for at-risk patients.
Case Manager
Journies
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with external agencies to meet educational and transitional needs of students.
- Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches to reduce burden on hospital resources.
- Conducted training for educational staff to properly identify learning disabilities and remediation strategies.
- Facilitated special education placement process in partnership with parents to provide free appropriate public education for eligible referrals.
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage ongoing care plans for at-risk patients.
- Evaluated treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Helped patients receive appropriate, high-quality care with reasonable results.
Utilization Review Specialist
True Recovery
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
- Submitted cases for criteria failures and helped facilitate resolutions and approvals.
- Helped Develop their PHP program and Billing for it
- Utilization Review for both levels of care PHP/IOP Recovery and Dually Diagnosis clients (30 total)
- Employee of the month 8/2017
- Assisted with JACHO/CARF affiliation of the PHP program
- Peer Reviews when necessary
Utilization Review Specialist
Statim Medical Billing
02.2013 - 08.2016
- Utilization Review for 5 facilities and 125 clients that are suffering from CD & MH diagnosis
- Peer Reviews when necessary
- Assisted and Disputed with the Billing Denials and resolutions of the insurance companies auth for care
- Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
- Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
- Worked closely with the Billing Department on denials
- Performed admission reviews based for medical necessity based upon type of insurances
- Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through KIPU, ZEN, BEST NOTES, and Avalatity
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients auth when necessary
- Participated in insurance and developing Statim to grow policy committee to discuss policies, propose revisions and implement changes.
- Determined medical necessity for 5 Substance Abuse Recovery Programs (including subacute detox level of care, RTC, PHP, IOP, OP and Behavioral Health all levels of in and outpatient care)
- Worked in conjunction with the facility and insurance to obtain auth for care (worked remotely so able to work independently and be flexible with schedule)
- Employee of the month 8/2015
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical And Substance Abuse Specialist
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY05.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Clinical Psych
Marymount University
Arlington, VA05.1989
Skills
- Service Access Enhancement
- Client Needs Assessment
- Dependency Recovery
- Treatment Plan Modification
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Patient Evaluation
- Discharge Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Individual Counseling
- Abuse and Neglect Investigation
- Medicaid and Medicare Paperwork
- Supervisory Experience
- Computer Savvy
- Empathetic, Strong Listening Skills, Compassionate, Utilization Review Knowledge, Strong Ethics, Work well others, Kind, Embraces Change, Time Management, Grief Counseling, DBT, CBT, RET, D/C Planning,
- Service-Oriented
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Crisis Resolution
- Group Session Facilitation
- Coaching and Development
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Relationship Building
- Spreadsheet Tracking
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Paperwork Organization
- Word Processing
- Goal Setting
- Schedule Coordination
- Training and Teaching
- Microsoft Office
- Community Resource Referral
- Community Health Services
- Originality and Creativity
- Integrated Clinical Service
- Case Management
Certification
- LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 10/1996 (#0544520)
- CADACII since 9/1998 ( #RA848004)
- Membership of CCAPP since 9/1998
- Membership of ICRC since 9/1998
Timeline
LCSW
AptiHealth
04.2023 - 08.2023
LCSW
Better Help
08.2022 - Current
LCSW/CADACII
Valor Health Care
02.2022 - 04.2022
Case Manager
Rebel Recovery/ New Life Recovery
08.2021 - 12.2021
Case Manager
South Coast Behavioral Health
04.2021 - 06.2021
Case Manager
Newport Beach Recovery Center
03.2021 - 06.2021
Case Manager
Western Pacific Medical Corp/ Stanton Office
01.2020 - 09.2020
Group Facilitator
Heartedly Heart
03.2018 - 12.2018
Case Manager
Journies
03.2018 - 12.2018
Utilization Review Specialist
True Recovery
09.2016 - 03.2018
Utilization Review Specialist
Statim Medical Billing
02.2013 - 08.2016
Master of Arts - Clinical And Substance Abuse Specialist
Adelphi University
Bachelor of Arts - Clinical Psych
Marymount University
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