Dr. James R. Watson
Columbia Mental Health Associates
Bowie,MD
10
Years of experience
Compassionate mental health therapist skilled in crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, empathy development, and trauma-informed care. Dedicated to facilitating effective therapy sessions that enhance client coping strategies and wellness.
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
4 Months- Developed individualized treatment plans to address diverse client needs and promote mental wellness.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate client progress and enhance coping strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify mental health issues and recommend appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and continuity of support for clients.
Mental Health Therapist
7 Months- Facilitated individual and group therapy (psychoeducational, process, CBT, DBT, emotional regulation, substance abuse awareness and relapse prevention sessions to enhance client coping strategies.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for optimal results.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to support communication, boundary setting, and healthy relationships among family members affected by mental health issues.
- Developed discharging planning towards aftercare.
Mental Health Therapist
7 Months- Reduced client symptoms of anxiety and depression with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and psychodynamic approaches.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the broader healthcare system when necessary to ensure access to appropriate resources or accommodations during the treatment process.
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
Family Counselor
1 Year- Rendered mental health and counseling services to adolescents population in home on a weekly basis focusing on development of healthy relationships within the family dynamics.
- Maintained accurate and thoroughly documented notes and client records in accordance with licensing standards.
- Encouraged individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for constructively confronting problems.
Social Work (MSW) Intern
2 Years 7 Months- Provide regular home visits to program participants, delivering education and coaching on prenatal care, infant/child health, breastfeeding, parenting, nutrition, and safe sleep.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments (health, psychosocial, safety, developmental) for mothers, infants, and families.
- Assisted with case management for youth, placed in foster care for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM) in the Virginia region.
- Maintained case history records and prepare reports (i.e.: court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports)
Chaplain Intern/Resident
2 Years- Provided spiritual care and support to patients, families and hospital staff in critical situations.
- Conducted regular hospital rounds to assess spiritual needs and offer comfort to patients.
- Delivered meaningful sermons, engaging audiences with thought-provoking messages relevant to their lives.
- Facilitated spirituality groups within the behavioral health units.
- Submitted spirituality (S.O.A.P) notes in a timely manner.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
Education
Ph.D. - Psychological/ Counseling Studies / Pastoral Couns
Master of Arts - Social Work
Master of Arts - Master of Divinity/Chaplain Ministry
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical And Theological Studies
Skills
Psychotherapy techniques
Crisis intervention
Empathy development
Trauma-informed care
Spiritual formation
Anxiety management
Behavior modification
Substance abuse treatment
Pastoral care
Four Clinical Pastoral Education units (CPE)
Affiliations
- Association of Professional Chaplaincy
- National Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Columbia Mental Health Associates
05.2026 - CurrentRead More
Mental Health Therapist
AMFM Mission Connection
10.2024 - 05.2025Read More
Mental Health Therapist
North Spring Behavioral Health Center
06.2022 - 01.2023Read More
Family Counselor
Phillips Schools
01.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Social Work (MSW) Intern
Lutheran Social Services National Capital Region
01.2018 - 08.2020Read More
Chaplain Intern/Resident
Westchester Medical Center
09.2016 - 09.2018Read More
Regent University
Master of Arts from Master of Divinity/Chaplain Ministry
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Fordham University
Master of Arts from Social Work
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Regent University
Ph.D. from Psychological/ Counseling Studies / Pastoral Couns
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Regent University
Bachelor of Arts from Biblical And Theological Studies
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