Dennis Cassan

• I was employed at the VA Hospital, WLA initially as a paraprofessional. I worked in Psychiatry, I coordinated my input with the treatment team to stabilize and place veterans in the community (at VA approved Board & Care homes.
• Later in my career I took the opportunity to overdue a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration on the Senior population. I learned of the special needs of the aging population
• I graduated from Cal State. Univ with a master’s degree in Social Work.
• I soon thereafter studied for licensure for the state of California
• I continued working in Medicinr. And ended my career working in Addiction Medicine where I worked with the program Psychologist to structure the group sessions for the Addiction Treatment Program - It utilized Cognitive Behavioral Treatment. I conducted the group sessions in coordination with The Matrix, a manualized program was developed by a private company using veterans as subjects. It was an 90 day outpatient program, and the patients were housed in our Domiciliary (200 bed facility on the grounds of the VA). Because the Matrix used Veteran subjects, the program was free of charge to the VA
• WITHIN IN ALL, I:
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to develop tailored treatment plans for clients.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for veterans.
• Educated clients on coping strategies and resources available through the VA system.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting positive peer support and mutual learning experiences.
• Delivered culturally sensitive counseling services, fostering inclusivity and respect within diverse client populations.
• Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients change negative thought patterns and improve their coping strategies.
• Contributed to a supportive work environment through active participation in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and peer consultation groups.
• Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients towards positive behavioral changes that supported their recovery goals.
• Maintained timely documentation of client progress, ensuring high-quality care and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Enhanced collaborative care for clients by coordinating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and implemented same within a teamwork structure
• Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

• Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to support veterans' mental health needs.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to develop tailored treatment plans for clients.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for veterans.
• Educated clients on coping strategies and resources available through the VA system.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs.
• Contributed to a supportive work environment through active participation in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and peer consultation groups.
• Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients towards positive behavioral changes that supported their recovery goals.
• Maintained timely documentation of client progress, ensuring high-quality care and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Enhanced collaborative care for clients by coordinating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

I worked part time at night to carry out treatment plans established during the week. This consisted of completing intake interviews in order to provide the treatment team with input information with which to develop the treatment plan. The team would then carry out said plan to eventually stabilize tge patient for community placement