DENISE ANNE DESIMONE
Avon
Summary
Dynamic Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience at UCONN HEALTH, specializing in treatment planning and crisis intervention. Proven track record in facilitating impactful group therapy sessions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes. Skilled in dual diagnosis assessment, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and growth.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Social Worker
UCONN HEALTH
Farmington
10.2003 - Current
- Provided patient assessment, evaluation, and treatment planning for adult psychiatric outpatients.
- Treatment Coordinator for adult psychiatric and dual-diagnosis clients in an outpatient day program
- Facilitated 10 psychotherapy and skill-building groups per week.
- Facilitate groups for psychiatric and dually diagnosed clients in three outpatient day treatment programs.
- Designed six-week curriculum for psychiatric and dual diagnosis intensive outpatient programs, covering topics such as relapse prevention planning and education on substance use and psychiatric illness to enhance client understanding.
- Delivered crisis intervention services to address immediate client needs.
- Worked collaboratively with a multidisciplinary clinical team.
- Partial Hospital Program and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP/IOP)
Clinical Social Worker
New Britain General Hospital
New Britain
01.2003 - 09.2003
- Developed and facilitated a Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for clients with co-occurring disorders.
- Provide group and individual counseling within an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting, which focuses on addiction and the dually diagnosed population.
- Developed and implemented focused groups within evening substance abuse program to address specific client needs.
- Conduct substance abuse and psychiatric evaluations for referred clients requesting admission.
- Served as liaison to hospital and local community agencies, enhancing access to addiction services for clients.
- Perform managed care reviews on current cases to extend length of stay.
- Conducted trainings and created advertising strategies in new market areas to raise awareness of behavioral health plan's mission.
- Maintain a broad knowledge of all aspects of a Managed Care Organization (MCO) including: Claims Processing, Network-Contracting and Provider Relations, Call Center and Clinical Case Management Systems and Quality Assurance (NCQA Compliance).
Account Manager/Lead Clinical Case Manager
Beacon Health Strategies, LLC
Woburn
08.1999 - 08.2002
- Managed and supervised staff assigned to behavioral health contracts, ensuring service delivery met client needs.
- Managed behavioral health care services for clients
- Acted as liaison between Beacon and customers, facilitated contract compliance and promoted strong partnerships.
- Coordinated with local agencies in Massachusetts, including DSS, DMH, and the Massachusetts school system, to connect families with essential resources.
- Provide on-call coverage for members of Network Health Insurance in crisis for psychiatric assessment and hospitalization.
- Conducted training seminars for employees and their families of the contracted health plans.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker-L.I.C.S.W.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston
09.1992 - 08.1999
- Provided individual/family therapy and case management services to adults with newly diagnosed psychiatric illnesses.
- Assessed patient needs and developed behavioral modification plans for inpatient treatment.
- Consult with multi-disciplinary treatment team in identifying the psychosocial needs of clients and families.
- Liaised with insurance companies to authorize psychiatric admissions and conduct continued length of stay reviews, ensuring timely patient care.
- Coordinated discharge planning with Massachusetts DPH/DMH systems, nursing home placements, and substance abuse detox/rehab transfers to facilitate smooth transitions for clients.
- Facilitated substance abuse, recovery, and family issues groups, promoting support and recovery for participants.
- Trained in dual diagnosis assessment and treatment in handling the psychosocial needs of this population and their families.
- Attended and participated in medication reviews, monthly training, discharge meetings, emergency evaluations, weekly staff meetings and supervision sessions.
- Served in inpatient adult psychiatric units, assisting with treatment and patient management.
Clinical Social Worker
Polaroid Corporation
Cambridge/Waltham
05.1995 - 05.1999
- Oversaw Employee Assistance Program, enhancing resources and support for employee well-being and mental health access.
- Delivered brief short-term therapy for employees and management, addressing mental health concerns and promoting workplace well-being.
- Co-facilitated substance abuse groups and stress management seminars.
- Facilitated training for managers in Sexual Harassment, Substance Abuse and the de-escalation of the volatile employee.
- Coordinated Domestic Violence Project, facilitating partnerships between corporate leaders and battered women's shelters to enhance community support.
Education
M.S.W. - Sub-Concentration in Employee Assistance Program/Industrial Social Work
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts01-1996
B.A. - Psychology, Sociology
Curry College
Milton, MA01-1992
Skills
- Treatment planning
- Group facilitation
- Crisis intervention
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Dual diagnosis assessment
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
References
Available upon request
Credentials
LCSW
License
Clinical Social Worker, CT
Timeline
Clinical Social Worker
UCONN HEALTH
10.2003 - Current
Clinical Social Worker
New Britain General Hospital
01.2003 - 09.2003
Account Manager/Lead Clinical Case Manager
Beacon Health Strategies, LLC
08.1999 - 08.2002
Clinical Social Worker
Polaroid Corporation
05.1995 - 05.1999
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker-L.I.C.S.W.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
09.1992 - 08.1999
M.S.W. - Sub-Concentration in Employee Assistance Program/Industrial Social Work
Boston College
B.A. - Psychology, Sociology
Curry College