Debi Emmons
Petaluma,CA
Summary
Compassionate Therapist specializing in trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling. Facilitates sessions that identify underlying behaviors and emotions contributing to conflict and instability. Experienced in team leadership, program development, and group formation, employing strength-based psychodynamic approaches and EMDR techniques.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST
Kaiser Permanente
03.2023 - Current
- Provide direct patient care in behavioral medicine, including triage, crisis assessment and mental health treatment.
- Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to patient needs.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to identify essential care and support services.
- Document patient interactions and treatment outcomes using electronic health record adhering to HIPAA regulations.
LICENSED MASTERS MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Kaiser Permanente
05.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for patients experiencing acute or chronic mental health illnesses.
- Developed and implemented tailored treatment plans by evaluating individual patient needs, ensuring effective mental health care.
- Delivered outpatient psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups.
- Performed 5150 evaluations in emergency department to assess immediate patient needs.
- Collaborated with physicians to screen and evaluate patients for psychotropic medications.
- Maintained confidential records in compliance with privacy regulations, safeguarding patient information.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver quality service, enhancing patient care and support.
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Petaluma Family Therapy
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Delivered psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and youth, fostering emotional growth and relationship improvement.
- Conducted evaluations and intakes to accurately diagnose clients and create customized treatment plans.
- Assessed clients with acute or chronic mental illnesses to inform tailored therapeutic interventions.
- Collaborated with medical providers to facilitate comprehensive care.
- Provided referrals to public and private organizations for additional support.
- Maintained HIPAA-compliant clinical records to ensure confidentiality.
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH & GRIEF SERVICES COORDINATOR
Social Advocates for Youth
07.2018 - 04.2021
- Recruited, trained, and supervised team of pre-licensed and licensed therapists delivering mental health services in schools and communities.
- Led team meetings and conducted one-on-one coaching to improve therapist effectiveness and service delivery.
- Identified team challenges and strengths to enhance morale and support professional growth.
- Developed programmatic goals and established department policies and procedures to align services with community needs.
- Managed budgets and mental health contracts while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
Social Advocates for Youth
Santa Rosa, CA
10.2014 - 07.2018
- Conducted assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and psychotherapy for at-risk youth in school settings, addressing their mental health needs.
- Utilized evidence-based theories, including CBT, DBT, brief therapy, and trauma-informed care.
- Collaborated with parents and school officials to educate on mental health risk factors, enhancing community awareness and support.
- Advanced to Coordinator of school mental health services in July 2018 and Grief Services Coordinator in May 2020, reflecting leadership recognition and increased responsibility.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INTERN
West County Community Services
03.2010 - 09.2014
- Conducted evaluations, intakes, diagnoses, and treatment plans, enhancing access to mental health services in Medi-Cal clinic and school settings.
- Delivered individualized and group counseling sessions, addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.
- Facilitated group therapy for at-risk girls, promoting coping strategies to mitigate self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
- Provided psychotherapy services in both Medi-Cal and educational environments.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
John F Kennedy University
Pleasant Hill, CA10-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA05-2001
Skills
- Collaborative professionalism
- EMDR trained
- Attention to detail
- Individual, couples, group psychotherapy
- Strong computer skills
- Crisis assessment/intervention
- Treatment planning
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Team leadership
- Program development
- Professional demeanor
- Medical, clinical settings
- Evidence-based approaches
- CBT, DBT, Brief, Solution-Focused Narrative, trauma informed approaches
Certification
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT 97008, 2016
- EMDR Therapy, Trauma/Recovery, HAP Program, 2019
Timeline
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST
Kaiser Permanente
03.2023 - Current
LICENSED MASTERS MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Kaiser Permanente
05.2021 - 03.2023
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH & GRIEF SERVICES COORDINATOR
Social Advocates for Youth
07.2018 - 04.2021
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Petaluma Family Therapy
01.2018 - 04.2022
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
Social Advocates for Youth
10.2014 - 07.2018
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INTERN
West County Community Services
03.2010 - 09.2014
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
John F Kennedy University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Sonoma State University