Courtney Utz
Coraopolis,PA
Summary
Dynamic professional poised for leadership, with a proven track record in strategic planning, program development, and enhancing clinical reach. Expertise in fostering team collaboration and driving results is complemented by strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. As a licensed counseling professional, adeptness in guiding clients through emotional and mental health challenges leads to consistently positive outcomes through evidence-based therapeutic practices and tailored treatment plans. Committed to a team-oriented approach, demonstrating adaptability to evolving client needs while embodying empathy and compassion.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lifstance Health
06.2023 - Current
- Conducts initial evaluations age 0-65, treatment planning based on client's need and level of functioning, coordination of medical services, individual and family counseling, as well as discharge planning
- Responsible for maintenance of client privilege and records, as well as monitoring client progress.
- Maintain a caseload of 30 hours with an average of 25 patients seen each week.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
- Enhanced client well-being by utilizing evidence-based therapy techniques and individualized treatment plans.
- Improved client outcomes through the implementation of effective crisis intervention strategies during high-risk situations.
- Managed caseload of diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
Program Director Maternal Infant Mental Health
Allegheny Health Network- Women's Behavioral Health Perinatal Program
07.2019 - 06.2023
- Develop and implement dyadic psychotherapy curriculum. Recruit and train staff allowing for expansion of dyadic programming and provision of therapeutic childcare.
- Supervise staff, including volunteers and students, involved in dyadic programming and therapeutic childcare.
- Ensure safety and health policies are in place for the care of children and assist with creation of an appropriate, safe physical facility for dyadic work. Provide evidence-based dyadic psychotherapy to parent-child dyads as needed
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problem solving.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote program awareness and participation.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Promoted an inclusive environment by actively engaging diverse populations in all aspects of programming.
- Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with organization's overall mission.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget and time constraints.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure resources necessary for program sustainability and success.
- Achieved recognition for program through successful submission of award applications and presentations at industry events.
- Developed and managed program budget, optimizing resource allocation to meet strategic objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure advantageous terms, resulting in significant cost savings.
Behavioral Health Specialist III
UPMC- Matilda Theiss Child Development Center
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Independently conducts assessments of new patients using the identified format for documentation and clinical decisions regarding treatment, interventions and referrals, as instructed.
- Implements, improves, and adapts concepts, models, and constructs of treatment for application in service delivery to patients.
- Documents all assessments, treatment sessions, contacts, case management and other work done on behalf of patients according to guidelines. Completes clinical documentation on the same day of service delivery and provides clinical information to patient access representative personnel and insurance providers to ensure authorization for services.
- Creates a treatment plan that includes an effective continuum of therapeutic, supportive and other services for the patients a variety and complexity of needs serviced by the program. Assesses changing needs of patients per guidelines for outpatient and/or partial hospitalization programs, and incorporates these into treatment plan and treatment plan review.
- Participates in regular treatment team meetings to discuss clinical cases, review and update patient treatment plans, monitor therapeutic progress and initiate recommendations for referral and continuing care. Provides individual and group therapy to patients in the program and engages families in the assessment and treatment processes when indicated. Provides education to patients on recovery.
- Reviews cases and/or groups periodically, as well as serious clinical patient condition changes with supervisor and other clinical personnel as indicated. Discusses need for additional services with the clinical team to determine appropriateness of recommendations. Refers patients to other levels of care, community based self-help programs for recovery or other community social or human services as needed.
- Maintains daily records of clinical productivity in the program as instructed.
- Participates in the quality assurance and performance improvement activities of the program.
- Utilizes a relevant and evidence based approach in the context of the program. Grows clinical skills by learning and implementing new treatment approaches on a regular basis. This includes the ability to use evidence based practices that include PCIT, PCITT and CPP.
- Participates in the regulatory and licensure preparation activities on an ongoing basis with program leadership.
- Independently demonstrates competency in management of administrative responsibilities associated with patient care with minimal supervision. This may include but not be limited to caseload management, group census, and other administrative tasks.
- Participates in system wide training and education initiatives outside of the scope of normal clinical responsibilities. Collaborates with leadership to complete annual program training needs assessment per guidelines.
- Takes a senior role in providing staff in-service training to the treatment team, as directed.
- On occasion, assumes supervisory role in the absence of the Supervisor or Director to ensure the care of the patients, the continuity of service delivery and the safety of the patients, staff and community, as instructed
- Under guidance of leadership, may conduct direct clinical and administrative supervision of entry level staff or students.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
University of Florida- Early Steps Program
03.2015 - 11.2015
- Administers and interprets family assessments and developmental evaluations including the BDI, Peabody, PLS, ITSEA, DECA, sensory profile, MCHAT and other screenings for children referred to Early Steps. Additionally, assessed child temperament/personality to determine goodness of fit between parent and child.
- Participated in and developed the Individual Family Service Provider plan for children found eligible for the program. This plan is equivalent to a professional assessment/report including scores, interpretation, findings, recommendations and strategies with measurable goals and objectives.
- Participated in and led as an authoritative source of information on an interdisciplinary team providing direct service including counseling to families and their children. Other services include consultation with medical professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists and developmental specialists.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Child Guidance Center
05.2010 - 08.2013
- Provided counseling to children, adolescents, and families in the greater Jacksonville area. Additionally, charged with conducting and signing off on intake evaluations, creating bio-psychosocial/mental health evaluations, treatment planning based on client's need and level of functioning, coordination of medical services, individual and family counseling, discharge planning and linking clients to wrap around services. Attended court and provided expert testimony.
- Other responsibilities included conducting emergency psychological evaluations for adjudicated youth and for those discharged from an inpatient setting. Responsible for addressing complex diagnostic and treatment issues related to poor academic performance, family violence, depression, anxiety, self-injury, intellectual disabilities, trauma and abuse as well as psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Regularly interfaced and consulted with team psychiatrist.
- Responsible for maintenance of client privilege and records, as well as monitoring client progress. Carried professional responsibility for findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations, and reports.
- Consistently identified as one of the three top performing counselors and received the annual Child Guidance Center excellence award, awarded to one member on each team. Regularly met deadlines for completing evaluations, adjusting and updating treatment plans, CFARS etc. Consistently exceeded expectations and received high performing remarks and accolades.
- Participated in multiple audits (internal and external), attended team meetings and participated in quality assurance activities. Regularly performed a leadership role as supervising clinician responsible while supervisor was away and participated in the training and development of new staff members.
- Participated in numerous trainings, including a yearlong learning collaborative, eligible to be certified to provide trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Other long-term training has included infant mental health services along with a myriad of other therapeutic techniques including psychotherapy.
- Participated in two years of licensure supervision. Regularly provided evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, and families with a myriad of psychiatric disorders.
Guidance Counselor
Duval County Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Maintained a fulltime classroom guidance schedule. Lessons helped students understand themselves and others. Helped students develop peer relationships; effective social, decision-making, and study skills; effective communications, conflict resolution, and coping strategies; and more.
- Assisted students with particular needs such as adjusting to a new school, coping with grief following a crisis, and dealing with substance abuse or other risky behaviors. These services were provided through individual and small group counseling, peer facilitation and consultation, and referrals to professionals trained in mental health, social services, and other specialties.
- Coordinated special education services, school wide events and screenings, parent outreach services, community support services, and consultations with other faculty and staff. Facilitated and participated in team meetings regarding interventions for children with academic or behavioral problems.
- Coordinated State and district testing to monitor student achievement, including the WISC to help determine re-eligibility for special education program, also conducted gifted testing and screening.
- Wrote grants and sought funding to assist with student and community needs.
Education
M.ed. & Ed.S - Education, Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL12.2007
B.S. & B.A. - Psychology and BA in Criminology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.2005
Skills
Program Development
Clinical Supervision
Strong Clinical Skills
Passionate about Maternal and Infant Mental Health
Experience/Training In PCIT, CPP, DBT, CBT, trauma-informed care etc
Timeline
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lifstance Health
06.2023 - Current
Program Director Maternal Infant Mental Health
Allegheny Health Network- Women's Behavioral Health Perinatal Program
07.2019 - 06.2023
Behavioral Health Specialist III
UPMC- Matilda Theiss Child Development Center
07.2016 - 07.2019
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
University of Florida- Early Steps Program
03.2015 - 11.2015
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Child Guidance Center
05.2010 - 08.2013
Guidance Counselor
Duval County Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2010
M.ed. & Ed.S - Education, Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling
University of Florida
B.S. & B.A. - Psychology and BA in Criminology
University of Florida
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