Eric Ysabel
Paterson,US
Summary
Bilingual and compassionate Behavioral Health Professional & Activities Therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and double minors in Psychology and Business Administration. Currently enrolled in masters program for public health. Over 12 years of hands-on experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and social services, specializing in detox support, harm reduction, crisis intervention, and individual/group counseling. Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with 270 educational hours completed toward CADC certification. Skilled in designing and facilitating therapeutic activities that promote emotional regulation, cognitive growth, and social engagement across diverse populations. Recognized for strong leadership, documentation accuracy, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure clinical environments while delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally competent care.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Activities Therapist (Psychiatric Unit)
Hoboken University Medical Center
Hoboken, NJ
07.2025 - Current
- Adult psychiatric and geriatric unit specializing in art therapy, mental health and addictions counseling
- Contribute to a positive therapeutic environment by maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace for patients.
- Enhance patient well-being by developing individualized therapy plans tailored to specific needs and interests
- Manage safety of activity therapy work areas, maintaining quantity and variety of supplies.
- Recognize as a dedicated Activity Therapist by consistently receiving positive feedback from patients, families, and colleagues regarding my professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach.
- Activities admission assessment
- Promote a stimulating environment through the incorporation of diverse activities such as arts and crafts, music therapy, pet therapy, and exercise programs.
- Assesse patients via observations and interviews, maintaining notes on needs, skills, interests and limitations.
- Maintaine thorough documentation of each session''s progress notes, ensuring accurate record-keeping for continuity of care.
- Participate in case conferences with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient progress and collaborate on treatment plans moving forward.
- Improve patient engagement by designing various activities that catered to physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
- Develop and implemented individualized treatment plans to enhance patient engagement and wellbeing.
- Partnered with psychiatrists and licensed social workers in an interdisciplinary care team to monitor patient progress through shared clinical documentation, contributing to individualized discharge plans and coordinated referral services.
- Utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques alongside expressive art activities to support patient insight into thought-behavior patterns, trigger identification, and emotional regulation.
- Educate patients on the importance of medication adherence and the role of family support in recovery, while coordinating with case managers to ensure appropriate aftercare referrals for patients lacking social support.
- Guided patients in understanding personal responsibility in the change process, emphasizing self-effort, insight, and skill utilization to maintain stability following symptom stabilization.
CADC Intern
Options Counseling Center
Paterson, NJ
02.2024 - 05.2025
- Collaborated with juvenile and adult probation/parole officers (state and federal).
- Provided comprehensive counseling and case management services within residential inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, facilitating individual and group therapy sessions focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and coping strategies for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Worked closely with domestic violence programs and DCP&P.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and plan further interventions.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, and nurses, to coordinate quality care for each client.
- Ensured the safety of all clients through continuous observation and monitoring during shift hours.
- Created activities that promoted physical wellness, emotional stability, cognitive functioning, independent living skills, and social interaction among patients.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through reward systems when appropriate.
- Maintained accurate records regarding treatments provided, medication administration, and patient progress notes.
- Provided education about mental illness symptoms and causes to family members of patients.
- Supported clients in developing daily living skills, such as budgeting money, or time management.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding toward them.
- Actively participated in continuing education programs related to mental health care delivery.
- Delivered presentations at local schools and community organizations about the dangers of drug use and addiction.
- Assessed clients to determine individual needs, and developed treatment plans accordingly.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups on topics such as relapse prevention, anger management, and communication skills.
- Conducted assessments of the client's mental health status and substance use history.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care.
- Implemented structured group therapy sessions, leading to noticeable improvements in client engagement and recovery outcomes.
Behavioral Health Case Manager
North Jersey Community Research Initiative
Newark, NJ
11.2022 - 01.2024
- Proficient in using EHR and Athena health system by swiftly navigating through patient records and efficiently processing billing information.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients with mental health issues.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop social skills and support networks.
- Assisted clients in identifying resources to meet their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
- Monitored client progress through assessments, interviews, and observations.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure proper medication management for clients.
- Coordinated referrals to other community-based programs, such as housing or employment services.
- Organized educational workshops on topics related to substance abuse prevention, or mental health awareness.
- Compiled relevant clinical data into reports for review by supervisors, or administrators.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all client activities in accordance with state regulations.
- Provided guidance and counseling to individuals struggling with addiction or depression.
- Assessed the risk factors associated with suicide attempts or self-harm behaviors among clients.
- Educated clients on healthy coping strategies for managing stress or anxiety levels effectively.
- Participated in team meetings regarding case management strategies and outcomes assessment.
- Developed individual service plans that addressed the specific needs of each client served.
- Actively participated in developing innovative approaches to improving the overall quality of life for clients.
- Assessed patients to identify individual needs, and created care plans to address objectives and goals, as identified during evaluation.
- Coordinated counseling efforts with mental health professionals, doctors, nurses, and social workers.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals, and other staff members, to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
- Prepared and maintained the required treatment records and reports.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
- Sought out quality jobs for individuals and matched them with employers for successful employment.
- Implemented harm reduction approaches when working with high-risk populations, such as needle exchange programs.
- Counseled individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders, using harm reduction approaches.
- Facilitated educational sessions focused on topics such as relapse prevention, coping skills, and harm reduction strategies.
Counseling Intern
CURA, INC
Secaucus, NJ
08.2018 - 10.2022
- Assessed client needs through comprehensive evaluations, leading to effective service plans that addressed specific challenges faced by individuals.
- Prepared and submitted comprehensive monthly reports to overseeing agencies and referral sources, including DCP&P, Drug Court, probation, and parole officers, ensuring compliance and transparency.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions, addressing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders through client-centered approaches.
- Facilitated both didactic and process group therapy sessions, promoting psychoeducation, peer support, and personal insight among clients.
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to client needs, diagnoses, and stage of recovery, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices.
- Provided referrals for continuing care and connected clients with community-based services for housing, employment, and medical support.
- Completed thorough patient intakes, screenings, and assessments to inform clinical decisions and guide treatment planning.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date clinical records, including case notes, treatment updates, and documentation in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.
- Delivered crisis intervention services, utilizing de-escalation and behavioral management strategies to support client safety and emotional stability.
- Applied cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral intervention techniques, and motivational interviewing to support client growth and relapse prevention.
- Managed a diverse caseload and engaged in case management activities, including advocacy, progress tracking, and interdisciplinary coordination.
- Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity while interacting with individuals from varied backgrounds, fostering trust and therapeutic alliance.
- Utilized electronic health record (EHR) systems and followed established clinical protocols for documentation, scheduling, and care coordination.
- Promoted positive behavior change, coping skills development, and improved decision-making through structured activity planning and supportive counseling.
- Provided empathetic counseling to clients, fostering a safe environment and facilitating meaningful discussions on personal development.
Residential Life Associate
Straight and Narrow Inc
Paterson, NJ
06.2017 - 07.2018
- Skilled and trained in all tasks assigned particularly Admissions, Residential Living, and Detox.
- Logs and sends urines to lab, documenting client behaviors, screening and intake.
- Responds to director's instructions and needs via email or oral instructions.
- Counsels clients and assist with their daily needs.
- Update roster on daily basis and logs in daily activities on the computer and log book.
- Bilingual fluent in English and Spanish.
- Encourages daily living skills.
- Taking care of client's daily needs.
- Monitors medications and sick call.
- Transports clients on O.S.
- Supports all staff members when needed.
- Monitors and assists in recreational and social activities.
- Communicates all significant changes in clients' behaviors and notable incidents to the appropriate.
- Team leader always willing to learn and teach new employees the ropes.
- Documents client's movements and drop offs on client chart.
- Strong and vigil to keep a safe and therapeutic environment while adhering to all safety standards, government regulations, and corporate policies.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for residents, promoting community engagement and enhancing overall satisfaction.
Mental Health & Addictions Support Intern / Program Aide
Eva's Village
Paterson, NJ
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Collected urine samples for rapid testing and laboratory submission; ensured secure handling and accurate documentation.
- Conducted client admissions, including intake assessments, facility orientations, urine screens, and secure storage of personal belongings.
- Maintained and updated census reports, client databases, and daily progress notes in compliance with program protocols.
- Monitored and documented client behavior, intake screenings, discharges, and daily activities in detox and residential units.
- Escorted clients to designated units, medical check-ups, transportation hubs, and external appointments, ensuring safety and supervision.
- Supported clinical staff by assisting in daily care routines, including medication monitoring, hygiene encouragement, and wellness checks.
- Facilitated structured group activities and client schedules under supervision, promoting recovery-based engagement.
- Promoted positive behavior, personal hygiene, and socially appropriate habits through ongoing support and redirection.
- Enforced facility policies while maintaining a calm, compassionate, and therapeutic presence during all interactions.
- Communicated thoroughly between shifts and participated in weekly team meetings, contributing behavioral observations and care suggestions.
- Performed facility walkthroughs to monitor client well-being, ensure environmental safety, and reinforce program rules.
- Responded to crisis situations and supported de-escalation procedures while obtaining appropriate clinical or emergency support.
- Maintained facility cleanliness, prepared meals as needed, and supported safe food handling and distribution.
- Assisted with client discharge planning and transportation, ensuring smooth transitions and proper documentation.
- Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and adaptability by being available full-time during business hours and on-call evenings/weekends.
- Supported supervisor with administrative tasks, community outreach, and materials preparation to improve client engagement.
- Known for being observant, empathetic, and level-headed—able to work independently or as part of a team to support both staff and clients.
Education
Master's in Public Health - Occupational Health And Public Health Policy
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
William Paterson University
Wayne, NJ05.2025
Associates Degree - Human Services
Passaic County Community College
Paterson, NJ05.2017
High School Diploma -
Silk City Academy
Paterson, NJ01.2012
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Treatment Planning
- Group Facilitation
- Patient Assessment
- Harm Reduction
- Counseling
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
- Healthcare
- Microsoft Office
- EHR Systems
- Documentation
- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Care
- Communication
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Documentation and reporting
- Age-appropriate activities
- Disability awareness
- Patient assessment
- Behavior management strategies
- Safety and risk management
- Recreational therapy techniques
- Patient motivation techniques
- Therapeutic recreation
- Stress management techniques
- Art and music therapy
Accomplishments
- Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS), New Jersey
- 270 Educational Hours completed toward CADC credential
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Arabic
Elementary
Additional information
- Volunteer Work
- Speaker for troubled youth at Juvenile probation in Paterson, NJ
- Mentor for Omega Teens Mentoring Program in Paterson, NJ
Timeline
Activities Therapist (Psychiatric Unit)
Hoboken University Medical Center
07.2025 - Current
CADC Intern
Options Counseling Center
02.2024 - 05.2025
Behavioral Health Case Manager
North Jersey Community Research Initiative
11.2022 - 01.2024
Counseling Intern
CURA, INC
08.2018 - 10.2022
Residential Life Associate
Straight and Narrow Inc
06.2017 - 07.2018
Mental Health & Addictions Support Intern / Program Aide
Eva's Village
09.2015 - 05.2017
Associates Degree - Human Services
Passaic County Community College
Master's in Public Health - Occupational Health And Public Health Policy
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
William Paterson University
High School Diploma -
Silk City Academy