Devon Whetstone
Columbia,SC
Summary
Mental health professional skilled in crisis intervention, intake assessment, and treatment planning. Known for clear communication, client advocacy, and strong clinical documentation in outpatient behavioral health settings. Compassionate mental health professional with experience in outpatient counseling, behavioral screening, and care coordination. Skilled in developing treatment plans, completing intake assessments, and supporting clients through urgent mental health needs. Focused on accurate documentation and effective referral management. Adaptable mental health professional with a strong background in counseling, psychosocial assessment, and safety planning. Recognized for active listening, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative treatment planning. Prepared to support positive client outcomes through organized case management and dependable clinical follow-through. Empathetic psychotherapist with several-year history working within mental health field. Proven to build client rapport and facilitate growth. Experienced facilitating individual and family therapy. Insightful psychotherapist with several years of employment in counseling settings and prior history in the field. Proficient applying cognitive behavioral therapy to promote client growth and change. Adept facilitating individual and couples therapy with focus on meeting client goals. Hardworking Psychotherapist with progressive experience across various mental health settings. Background working in in-patient environments. Knowledgeable in providing supervision to interns and volunteers. Compassionate Mental Health Professional with experience in various therapeutic methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Strengths include active listening, problem-solving, and empathy for patients of diverse backgrounds. Previous work impact includes improved patient outcomes through personalized treatment plans and fostering trust-based relationships. Empathetic Mental Health Professional known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and patient advocacy. Excel in communication, active listening, and empathy, ensuring exceptional support and positive outcomes for clients. Experienced mental health professional skilled in crisis intervention, intake assessment, treatment planning, and care coordination. Known for stabilizing urgent situations, supporting outpatient counseling, and connecting clients to appropriate behavioral health services.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Professional
Columbia Area Mental Health
Columbia, SC
10.2024 - Current
- Executed crisis intervention strategies during urgent mental health situations, ensuring immediate support and stabilization for clients.
- Delivered outpatient counseling to diverse clients, fostering therapeutic relationships and promoting mental well-being at Columbia Area Mental Health.
- Collaborated with clients and care teams to develop treatment plans.
- Conducted intake assessments and identified client needs to facilitate access to appropriate behavioral health services.
Foster Care Social Worker
Department of Social Services
Columbia , SC
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Conducted foster care assessments for children and families within social services casework.
- Developed child welfare service plans following Department of Social Services placement standards.
- Completed home visits to monitor safety, stability, and foster care compliance.
- Documented case notes, contact logs, and court reports in agency records.
- Coordinated with foster parents, schools, and providers on child support needs.
- Presented case updates in family court and multidisciplinary review meetings.
- Linked families to community resources, benefits, and permanency services.
- Managed caseloads using child welfare systems and department documentation procedures.
- Conducted assessments of foster homes and children under care.
- Attended court hearings as a representative of the agency.
- Worked closely with school personnel to ensure that educational needs were being met for children placed in out-of-home settings.
- Attended staff meetings and training designed to improve knowledge base around best practices related to working with at risk youth.
- Developed individualized service plans addressing specific needs of children in foster care, enhancing their well-being and stability.
- Facilitated meetings between birth parents and children, fostering connections and supporting reunification efforts when appropriate.
- Maintained contact with all parties involved, including birth parents, foster parents, social workers, attorneys, and other relevant individuals.
- Supported caregivers by providing respite opportunities as needed throughout the year.
- Created written reports summarizing case progress which were submitted for review by supervisors.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed by intervening in situations involving family conflict or potential danger to the child's safety.
- Researched laws governing child welfare policies and procedures applicable at state and federal levels.
- Participated in court hearings regarding placement changes or termination of parental rights.
- Conducted assessments of families to determine eligibility for foster care services.
- Assisted in recruiting, training, and supervising foster parents as well as providing them with ongoing support and guidance.
- Provided comprehensive case management and support services, ensuring children and families received necessary resources within the foster care system.
- Monitored visits between biological parents and their children placed in out-of-home settings.
- Counseled youth transitioning out of the foster care system into independent living programs or reunification with their families.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Collaborated with community organizations to identify resources available to assist clients.
- Organized transportation logistics for clients' appointments and activities. for medical appointments or other necessary activities related to a client's case plan.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary teams focused on improving outcomes for youth served by the agency.
- Provided education on parenting skills, health issues, financial planning, substance abuse prevention and intervention strategies to families receiving services through the agency.
- Advised guardians ad litem about current placements and progress towards permanency goals for children assigned under their jurisdiction.
- Investigated allegations of abuse or neglect within the foster care system.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
- Worked with care team to assess client needs and discuss collaborative treatment efforts.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
- Promoted victims' rights by connecting them to essential services and resources. during difficult situations by filing police reports and connecting to needed services.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in a variety of situations.
- Informed victims about legal processes and timelines.
- Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
- Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents and children.
- Attended hearings with victims to provide emotional support.
- Managed parent support groups addressing topics such as positive discipline and parenting styles.
- Facilitated group sessions to provide support for individuals facing challenges. by facilitating weekly group sessions.
- Facilitated parental workshops and classes to provide support to children in achieving school and academic success.
- Arranged adoptions and found foster homes for abandoned or abused children.
- Reviewed and analyzed violent crime reports to identify crime trends.
- Supervised volunteer personnel, delivering in-depth training and mentoring.
Case Manager
William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute
Columbia , South Carolina
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Coordinated patient care plans within psychiatric treatment teams.
- Conducted case assessments for William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute patients.
- Documented client progress in behavioral health records.
- Arranged referrals to community mental health services.
- Supported discharge planning for inpatient psychiatric clients.
- Communicated with families, clinicians, and social service staff.
- Monitored treatment compliance and care coordination needs.
- Responded to crisis situations using calm, supportive communication.
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.
- Counseled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
- Developed individualized care plans with input from clients and their families.
- Participated in regular team meetings and in-house training sessions to boost group effectiveness.
- Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
- Adhered to ethical principles and standards to protect clients' confidential information.
- Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety of living environments for clients.
- Linked clients with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies to help claim or reclaim individual autonomy.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment options.
- Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
- Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients who lacked access to reliable transportation.
- Educated clients about mental health conditions, medications and self-care techniques.
- Assisted with applications for government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Coordinated support services and optimized communication between healthcare workers and patients.
- Transitioned clients to different providers based on progress or needs.
- Advocated for clients by obtaining information regarding treatment options and clinical status.
- Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
- Reviewed treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards.
- Acted as an advocate for vulnerable populations by advocating for policy changes at the state level.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers, lawyers, employers and other stakeholders involved in a client's case.
- Supported family members by providing information on local support groups.
- Attended court hearings as a representative of the organization when needed.
- Advised staff members on effective strategies for working with challenging client behaviors.
- Organized group activities to provide socialization opportunities for clients.
- Negotiated with insurance companies and other payers to secure coverage for client services.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
- Conducted initial assessments to determine client eligibility for programs and services.
- Provided referrals to appropriate medical, mental health, and social services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources and service providers.
- Educated clients and their families about their rights and available community resources.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and developing action plans.
- Identified barriers to client success and developed strategies to overcome them.
- Maintained confidentiality and adhered to professional ethics and standards.
- Utilized case management software and databases for efficient information tracking.
- Collaborated with other service providers to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Coordinated comprehensive care plans for clients to meet their individual needs.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and suggested improvements based on client outcomes.
- Provided direct service and support by handling referrals for advocacy issues or resolving complaints.
- Consulted with staff on resolution of complex service issues.
- Determined organizational policies regarding program eligibility, requirements and benefits.
- Established and maintained relationships to meet community needs and avoid service duplication.
- Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret purposes, programs, and policies.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Researched and analyzed community needs to determine program directions and goals.
- Developed benchmarks for measuring and monitoring strategic changes and organizational goals.
- Prepared and maintained budgets, personnel records or training manuals.
- Provided hands-on and proactive leadership to community services staff.
- Acted as a consultant to community programs by interpreting regulations and policies.
- Directed activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
- Analyzed proposed legislation, regulations or rule changes to determine impact of services.
- Evaluated the work of staff and volunteers to maintain quality and effectiveness of resources.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired volunteers and staff.
- Implemented and evaluated staff, volunteer or training programs.
- Represented organizations in relations with governmental and media institutions.
- Oversaw fundraising activities and preparation of public relations materials.
Internship Student
Three Rivers Behavioral Health Hospital
Lexington , SC
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Supported client intake and screening in an outpatient addiction treatment setting.
- Assisted counselors with individual and group therapy session preparation.
- Documented client progress notes in behavioral health records.
- Observed assessments for substance use and co-occurring mental health needs.
- Coached clients on coping skills and recovery planning.
- Coordinated referrals with community services and treatment providers.
- Maintained confidential files following clinic privacy standards.
- Reinforced recovery goals during supervised counseling sessions.
- Facilitated psycho-educational groups on topics such as relapse prevention, anger management, and communication skills.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations regarding the confidentiality of patient information.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Provided referrals to appropriate resources within the community when necessary.
- Participated in regular clinical supervision sessions to review case progress.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Advised family members on how to support their loved ones through recovery efforts.
- Assisted in the development of recovery goals and objectives for clients in treatment programs.
- Conducted assessments of clients' mental, emotional, and physical health status.
- Collaborated with case managers and other professionals to ensure coordinated care for clients.
- Monitored patient compliance with medication regimens prescribed by physicians.
- Led therapeutic activities designed to help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Developed strategies for relapse prevention planning with clients.
- Educated patients on the dangers of drug use and its effects on their lives.
- Attended professional conferences to stay abreast of best practices in the field.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss cases, review treatment plans, and coordinate services.
- Conducted addiction education classes for community organizations and schools.
- Created educational materials about addiction for use by counselors and patients alike.
- Engaged in outreach activities designed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Assessed patients in active drug and alcohol withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
- Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played a role in past criminal behavior
Medical Records Clerk
Wellpath Recovery Solutions
Columbia, SC
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Maintained patient medical records for correctional healthcare intake and discharge workflows.
- Scanned, indexed, and filed charts in electronic health record systems.
- Processed release of information requests following HIPAA and facility privacy rules.
- Verified records for accuracy, completeness, and proper document placement.
- Retrieved charts for nurses, providers, and custody staff during daily operations.
- Updated patient demographics, consent forms, and treatment documentation in records.
- Audited files for missing pages, signatures, and required legal documentation.
- Coordinated record transfers between departments and outside healthcare partners.
- Safeguarded patient records, managing data transfers in compliance with HIPAA standards and organizational regulations.
- Processed incoming medical records requests.
- Scanned incoming documentation.
- Organized patient charts, gathering medical histories, lab results and consents.
- Scanned and validated medical records for upload.
- Maintained a secure filing system for confidential documents.
- Entered data into electronic health record systems.
- Retrieved medical charts for healthcare staff for filing in medical records.
- Retrieved patient medical records in response to requests from authorized personnel.
- Scanned paper records into digital format.
- Updated patient files with new medical information.
- Kept department clean, organized and professional.
- Tracked and processed release of information requests.
- Managed release of information requests and identified requestors as patient, relation or provider.
- Processed and invoiced records requests from patients, providers and third parties.
- Reviewed patient charts for accuracy and completeness.
- Responded to inquiries from patients, physicians and other healthcare providers regarding medical records.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal regulations regarding release of information.
- Pulled patient charts for upcoming appointments.
- Maintained complete confidentiality in accordance with organization and legal requirements.
- Purged outdated files.
- Observed confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information.
- Supported administration staff with records requests to support patient care.
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures related to the maintenance of accurate medical records.
- Performed quality assurance reviews of medical records for accuracy and completeness.
- Obtained information by contacting appropriate personnel or patients.
- Consolidated diverse medical records.
- Provided training to staff members on proper documentation techniques for medical records.
- Prepared reports summarizing patient information as requested by physicians or other healthcare providers.
- Conducted periodic audits of physical documentation versus electronic health records.
- Identified discrepancies between physical documentation and electronic health records.
- Compiled discharge summaries for all discharged patients.
- Verified insurance eligibility prior to releasing protected health information.
- Resolved any discrepancies found in the review process.
- Assisted in developing processes for maintaining current information in patient's files.
- Collected, compiled and maintained statistical data on hospital utilization, beds occupied.
- Participated in quality assurance activities to enhance the accuracy and privacy of patient records.
- Scanned and converted paper records to digital format, ensuring clear and legible documents.
- Organized and filed hard copy patient records in designated areas.
- Reviewed medical records for completeness and accuracy, updating information as needed.
- Indexed and cataloged medical records for easy retrieval and archival purposes.
- Processed and responded to external requests for medical records following established protocols.
- Retrieved medical records upon request from healthcare professionals.
- Monitored and managed inventory of medical record supplies, such as folders and labels.
- Scheduled appointments and updated calendars for medical staff based on patient records.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to clarify unclear or incomplete information in records.
- Accurately entered patient information into electronic health record systems.
- Collected, sorted, and distributed incoming correspondence and reports related to medical records.
- Facilitated the transfer of records between departments and external healthcare facilities.
- Retrieved patient records and shared necessary information with relevant healthcare providers.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Safeguarded medical records to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Proofread documents carefully to check accuracy and completeness of all paperwork.
- Transmitted information or documents to customers through email, mailings or facsimile machine.
- Purged inactive files and destroyed obsolete files following procedures.
- Located and retrieved files, assisting the public with general information.
- Determined and implemented techniques to improve medical records the medical records retrieval process.
- Managed inventory by ordering and restocking medical record supplies within budget constraints.
- Mentored junior team members and managed employee relationships.
- Assigned patients to diagnosis-related groups using appropriate computer software.
- Compiled and coded patient data using standard classification systems.
Education
Master of Arts - Master's in Clinical Mental Health Conseling
South University Savannah
GA12-2019
Master of Arts - Social Work
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC05-2011
Skills
- Intake assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment planning
- Behavioral screening
- Clinical documentation
- Care coordination
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Outpatient counseling
- Referral management
- Active listening
- Clear communication
- Critical thinking
- Emotional regulation
- Cultural sensitivity
- Personality disorder treatment
- Facilitating counseling sessions
- Case documentation
- Client goal planning
- Anxiety reduction techniques
- Tracking client progress
- Anger management techniques
- Individual counseling
- Multicultural competence
- Safety and risk assessments
- Depression management
- Building rapport
- Discharge planning
- Empathy development
- Stress management strategies
- Psychoeducation delivery
- Group therapy facilitation
- Mental health screening
- Behavioral assessment
- Suicide prevention
- Psychosocial assessment
- Psychological evaluation
- Patient evaluation
- Family therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Service referral
- Group counseling
- Social skills teacher
- Mental health advocacy
- Residential treatment plans
- Teamwork
- Electronic medical record software
- Family therapy background
- Therapeutic interventions
- Analytical thinking
- Excellent communication
- Community referrals
- Electronic health records
- Behavioral documentation
- Clinical judgment
- Court reporting
- Conflict resolution
- Involuntary hospitalization coordination
- Substance abuse treatment
Timeline
Mental Health Professional
Columbia Area Mental Health
10.2024 - Current
Foster Care Social Worker
Department of Social Services
03.2021 - 04.2022
Case Manager
William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute
02.2020 - 01.2021
Internship Student
Three Rivers Behavioral Health Hospital
01.2018 - 12.2019
Medical Records Clerk
Wellpath Recovery Solutions
01.2017 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Master's in Clinical Mental Health Conseling
South University Savannah
Master of Arts - Social Work
South Carolina State University