Dr. Bianca Mickan
Dallas/ Fort Worth
Summary
Licensed counseling professional with proven ability to support clients in overcoming emotional and mental health issues. Known for achieving positive outcomes through evidence-based therapeutic practices and personalized treatment plans. Strong understanding of building trusting client relationships and adaptable to changing client needs, demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and strong/positive outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Professional Counselor
Private Practice Setting
12.2018 - Current
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.
- 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.
- Advanced professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to mental health counseling practices.
- Managed caseload of diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
- Assisted families in navigating complex systems related to mental health services and resources available within the community.
- Built trust with at-risk populations through empathetic listening and culturally sensitive counseling approaches.
- Served as an advocate for clients'' rights ensuring they were treated fairly and appropriately by various systems, organizations, and agencies.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing solution-focused counseling sessions addressing specific concerns.
- Delivered psychoeducation presentations to community groups on topics such as stress management, coping skills, and mental health awareness.
- Established a network of professionals within the field for collaboration purposes enhancing overall service quality provided to clients.
- Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication among participants and promoting mutual support.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Adjunct Professor of Graduate Counseling Program
Texas Wesleyan University
12.2018 - 05.2022
- Educator of students on mental health courses at a COAMFTE Accredited University
- Taught Masters Level and PhD level Counseling courses, providing instruction to up to 25 graduate students per course.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to graduate students on topics such as Life Span and Human Development, Theories of Counseling, Sexuality in Counseling, and Multicultural and Diversity Counseling.
- Established collaborative relationships with community organizations, enhancing opportunities for applied learning experiences for students.
- Utilized a variety of assessment tools to evaluate student learning outcomes, ensuring course objectives were met effectively.
- Incorporated multimedia resources into lectures to enrich classroom discussions and increase student comprehension of complex topics.
- Enhanced student understanding of counseling theories by incorporating real-life examples and case studies in lectures.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop a new curriculum that led to improved student engagement and performance.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for continual improvement.
- Regularly met with students during office hours to provide additional support and guidance on coursework or career planning matters where necessary.
On-Call Assessor
Behavioral Health Connections
07.2016 - 12.2020
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to determine appropriate levels of intervention and support for each client''s unique situation.
- Evaluation of acute psychotic and/or crisis states
- Evaluation of suicidal/homicidal behavior
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations by administering psychological assessments in order to assess client’s functioning and determine program placement
- Developed comprehensive assessments to identify client needs, strengths, and barriers to progress.
- Established rapport with clients by actively listening, demonstrating empathy, and building trust.
- Provided on-site crisis response services at hospitals, emergency rooms, free standing clinics, schools and other community locations where immediate assistance was needed.
- Enhanced communication between clients and service providers, ensuring timely access to appropriate resources.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for effective coordination of care.
- Employing conflict resolution skills when working with diverse populations allowed me to effectively manage challenging behaviors.
- Served as a liaison between clients and external organizations like psychiatric/behavioral health hospitals and/or substance abuse treatment centers.
- Assessed program effectiveness through regular evaluation processes which led to continuous improvement efforts within the organization.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities that helped me stay current on best practices in the field of crisis case management.
- Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive crisis intervention plans.
- Facilitated successful transitions from crisis stabilization units to community-based services.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within various agencies, ensuring equitable access to needed services.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate positive change in clients'' lives.
- Engaged families and support systems in the treatment process for optimal results.
- Provided emotional support during crisis situations, promoting recovery and resilience.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
Business Development Director
Behavioral Health Connections, UHS
11.2017 - 11.2020
- Identifying and targeting potential growth opportunities for contracting with emergency rooms and hospitals to provide tele-psychiatry, tele-assessments, and mobile mental health services
- Oversee operational management and training to contracted facilities
- Management of 10 Universal Health Services hospital marketing teams
- Business liaison duties performed to maintain positive working relationships with providers, local mental health authorities and competitors
- Completed and submitted monthly and yearly reports to support executive decision making.
- Increased client base by implementing strategic business development initiatives and fostering long-lasting partnerships.
- Secured high-profile contracts through effective relationship management and academic/professional knowledge of mental health community.
- Delivered psychoeducation presentations to clients, families, and community members on various mental health topics to increase awareness and understanding.
- Enhanced client satisfaction through providing compassionate care and fostering strong therapeutic relationships within the Dallas/Fort Worth Community.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pathways Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program
09.2013 - 07.2016
- Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy: Counseled group therapy sessions consisting of clients suffering from co-occurring disorders: mental illness and substance abuse
- Provided therapeutic modalities, coordinated treatment plans, and discharge plans for a caseload of 65+ clients
- Co-Created Program/Hospital Protocols for Intensive Out-patient Program: Served on a multidisciplinary treatment team focused on symptom recognition and reduction, providing various psychotherapies, medical management/adherence, developing community integration strategies, and daily living and social skills management
- Developed and implemented hospital wide protocols, procedures and marketing strategies for developing diagnosis program.
- Implemented performance improvement standards for Suboxone treatment, random drug screenings, relapse prevention, and community referrals.
- Individual and Family Therapy: Provide couples, families and individual clients with therapy sessions consisting of psychotherapy, and psycho-education.
- Developed stabilization plans and implementation techniques
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
- Developed relapse prevention strategies for clients transitioning out of treatment programs, empowering them to maintain long-term sobriety.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Reduced substance abuse relapse rates by implementing evidence-based counseling strategies and treatment plans.
- Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, creating an open dialogue about their experiences and challenges related to substance abuse.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Advocated for clients'' needs within the legal system, ensuring access to essential services and support during rehabilitation efforts.
- Increased patient engagement in group therapy sessions by fostering a safe and supportive environment for open communication.
- Conducted regular evaluations of program effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to optimize client outcomes.
Glick House Community Counseling Center
08.2011 - 08.2012
- Company Overview: Texas Wesleyan University Campus, Fort Worth, Texas
- Client Therapy: Counseled adult and juvenile, male and female clients regarding a variety of mental health issues to support them to successfully mitigate and resolve their presenting problems
- Provided a variety of Emotionally Focused therapeutic (EFT) methods to alleviate the following issues: PTSD in Veteran clients, addictions, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, relationship stress, depression, and financial
- Consulted with the team Supervisor who recommended the use of additional methods to improve the client’s overall mental health
- Case Management: Managed 80+ cases to ensure compliance with Texas state board requirements
- Conducted client intake evaluations
- Documented clients’ counseling sessions and ongoing progress in a timely and accurate manner
- Recommended therapeutic methods and a level of care to support clients to achieve their targeted short-term and long-term goals
- When necessary, communicated legal and ethical concerns to the Supervisor, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and other organizations
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy - Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, Texas08.2018
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, Texas08.2012
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas12.2007
Skills
- Relationship Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Mental Health Counseling
- Depression/ Anxiety Management
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Self-esteem and Women's Issues
- Motivation and Men's Issues
- Childhood Abuse/ Domestic Violence Survivors
- Crisis Intervention/Trauma Psychotherapy
Published:
Co-author of the textbook Marriage and Family Therapy: A Practice Oriented Approach (2018).
Certification
- LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor, #70937
Distinguishments:
TAMFT Annual Conference Presenter:
Trauma and Resilience; Healing through Connection.
A Miracle Encounter: Enhancing Marital Relationships of Survivors
Provided CEUs to Mental Health Professionals:
Discernment Counseling and Using it for Best Practice with Couples on the Brink.
Suicide and Physicians.
Motivational Interviewing with School Aged Clients.
The Taste of Sisterhood
Mindfulness and Intentional Emotional Regulation
Foriegn Study Abroad to Enhance Clinical Effectiveness:
Beijing, China; Awareness of Cultural Diversity, Human Sexuality: Participated in a 2.5 week foreign study program featuring practices to integrate cultural sensitivity into counseling and effective methods for sex therapy. Traveled and conducted on-site observations in Xian and Shanghai.
London, England: Brief Therapy Counseling Center, Solution Focused Counseling: Participated in a 2.5 week, comprehensive, foreign study program featuring current research and methods designed to facilitate and improve the counseling and therapy process for clients.
Distinguished Professional Development:
Discernment Counseling: Individually studied under Dr. Steve Harris and Dr. Bill Doherty in Minneapolis, Minnesota, creators of Discernment Counseling, for a total of 80 hours to become certified in the model. The model is a 5 session therapy created to help couples become clear and confident in their choice to work on the relationship or to separate amicably.
Restructuring and Recontextualizing Family Systems; Using Intensive Structural Therapy (IST) Theory: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering the basics of IST and applications to a variety of presenting issues. The workshop featured Dr. Charles Fishman MD, who worked with Salvador Minuchin, Founder of Structural Therapy.
Harnessing the Power of Emotion; Using Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT): Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering the basics of working with emotion and couples. The workshop featured Dr. Brent Bradley, Founder of The Couple Zone and apprenticed under Dr. Sue Johnson, Founder of EFT.
Elements of Healing in Marriage and Family Therapy; Using Restoration Therapy: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering
the new approach of restoration therapy derived from Contextual Family Therapy. The workshop featured Dr. Terry Hargrave, authored the book Restoration Therapy: Understanding and Guiding Healing in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Troubled Times, Troubled Families; Using Bowen Family Systems Theory: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering the history and application of Bowen Therapy featuring Roberta Gilbert, MD, who studied under Murray Bowen and authored the book Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interaction.
Listening, Witnessing, and Intimate Relationships; Using Narrative Therapy in Working with Couples: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour
workshop covering the epistemology of Narrative Family Therapy featuring Jill Freedman, MSW, founding member of the Chicago Center for Family Health.
Epistemology not History; Reclaiming the Communication Theory Basis of Systemic Therapy: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering the epistemology of Strategic and Structural Family Therapy featuring Wendel Ray, PhD, former Director of the Mental Research Institute (MRI), Palo Alto, CA.
Solution Building Couples Therapy: Participated in a 2 day, 12 hour workshop covering the epistemology of Solution Focused Couples Therapy featuring Elliot Connie, PhD-C, LPC-S, co-editor of The Art of Solution Focused Therapy, and author of Solution Building in Couples Therapy.
Timeline
Licensed Professional Counselor
Private Practice Setting
12.2018 - Current
Adjunct Professor of Graduate Counseling Program
Texas Wesleyan University
12.2018 - 05.2022
Business Development Director
Behavioral Health Connections, UHS
11.2017 - 11.2020
On-Call Assessor
Behavioral Health Connections
07.2016 - 12.2020
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pathways Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program
09.2013 - 07.2016
Glick House Community Counseling Center
08.2011 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Texas State University
Doctorate of Philosophy - Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University
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