Elizabeth A. Whitehead
Summary
Highly experienced mental health and nursing professional with over forty years of expertise. Seeking a position to effectively utilize leadership skills, experience, and educational background to make a positive contribution to the organization. Demonstrated success in providing therapeutic support and counseling as a mental health professional, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and client assessment. Consistently achieves meaningful results in improving client outcomes. Recognized for fostering collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and adapting to evolving client needs. Trusted for reliability and effective communication. Ready to bring expertise to the next challenge.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Private Practice Mental Health Counselor
Whitehead Counseling Services, PLLC
02.2021 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
Mental Health Counselor
Spectrum Behavioral Health
12.2016 - 02.2021
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Developed individualized goal-setting tools to empower patients in taking ownership of their progress towards improved mental health.
- Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care for patients with mental health disorders.
- Improved client mental health stability with consistent one-on-one counseling sessions focused on trauma-informed care.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
RN, Behavioral Health
Silver Cross Hospital, Silver Cross Boulevard
10.2014 - 04.2017
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Charge Nurse
Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
01.2009 - 10.2014
- Served: Adults with substance/process addictions and mental health issues
- Coordinated the daily activities and decisions of the unit during the absence of an on-site manager
- Managerial experience including interviewing, scheduling, performance reviews, and payroll
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with various departments, outside agencies/providers, and community resources
- Facilitated groups educating on the topic of dual diagnosis
- Independently reviewed policies and procedures in efforts to maintain continuity and evidence based care
- Conducted monthly Quality Assurance reviews
- Participated regularly in Leadership and Strategic Planning meetings
- Facilitated quarterly Medical Staff meetings
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Contributed significantly towards Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Reduced medication errors by establishing stringent medication administration procedures.
- Managed supply of medical equipment and consumables, ensuring availability and reducing instances of stock-outs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, improving patient recovery rates.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate intake.
- Advocated for patient needs, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, Illinois01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Clinical Option
Purdue University Calumet
Hammond, Indiana01.1999
Associate Degree of Science - Registered Nurse
Thornton Community College
South Holland, Illinois01.1981
Skills
- Client Relationship Management
- Efficient Time Management
- Building Professional Relationships
- Clear Verbal and Written Communication Skills
- Quality Assessment Skills
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois
- Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP,Tennessee
- Registered Nurse, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee
Timeline
Owner/Private Practice Mental Health Counselor
Whitehead Counseling Services, PLLC
02.2021 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Spectrum Behavioral Health
12.2016 - 02.2021
RN, Behavioral Health
Silver Cross Hospital, Silver Cross Boulevard
10.2014 - 04.2017
Charge Nurse
Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
01.2009 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Clinical Option
Purdue University Calumet
Associate Degree of Science - Registered Nurse
Thornton Community College
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology
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