Erika Caizaguano
New York,NY
Summary
Bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a background in providing group and individual therapy to diverse populations, with a particular focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and immigrants. Proficient in tailoring evidence-based interventions to address the unique needs of clients, fostering a culturally sensitive and empowering therapeutic environment. Committed to social justice, equity, and advancing the well-being of those facing complex life challenges.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
LSA Family Health Service
New York , NY
03.2023 - Current
- Provide individual and group therapy using evidence based practices (TF-CBT, SFBT, MI, DBT skills) tailored to clients' unique needs.
- Integrated evidence-based practices into art therapy interventions when appropriate.
- Conduct crisis intervention, assessing and managing immediate risk factors.
- Work with women with complex trauma histories, addressing cultural and immigrant-specific challenges.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive and client-centered care.
- Monitored and evaluated client progress compared to measurable treatment and care plan goals.
- Created referrals to appropriate community resources when needed.
- Maintained accurate records of client sessions, treatments and progress using an electronic health record system.
Coordinator's Assistant
LSA Family Health Service
New York , NY
02.2022 - 03.2024
- Aided the project coordinator in LIFE initiative, connecting immigrant families to early childhood education.
- Advocated for 3-4-year-old children's rights and guided parents in early education decisions. Streamlined application processes for Head Start, 3-K, and Pre-K programs.
- Contributed to the Participatory Budgeting Project, organizing events and workshops.
- Ensured precise data entry and documentation.
Clinical Social Work Intern
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
New York , NY
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Created client treatment plans based on assessments and goals.
- Utilized the Social Determinants of Health framework and assessments like PHQ9, GAD7, C-SSRS, ACE, and BDI.
- Referenced clients to external resources for additional support.
- Demonstrated competence in treating diverse patients and used TF-CBT, SFBT & DBT distress tolerance skills.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists and psychologists.
- Documented service plans, treatment reports, and progress notes via EPIC.
- Co-facilitated a Geriatric Maintenance and Wellness group therapy.
- Provided individual psychotherapy to weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly patients.
- Monitored medication compliance among clients taking psychotropic medications.
Intern
International High School at Union Square
New York , NY
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided in-service educational sessions to teachers and school staff members on topics related to sexual harassment, immigration and trauma.
- Worked with students/guardians and connected them to food pantries, medical care, immigration services and housing.
- Provided crisis intervention support for students and families.
- Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs including CBT and Motivational Interviewing during individual and group therapy
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Developed partnerships with external organizations providing mental health services or other forms of assistance for families in need.
Volunteer
Kids In Need of Defense
El Paso , TX
06.2021 - 06.2021
- Engaged adolescents with activities while they waited for their screenings and legal intakes.
- Conducted grounding , breathing and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
- Assisted/coordinated Know Your Rights presentations.
- Led brief questionnaires with the minors in hopes of gathering specific sponsor-related data.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work Practice
Columbia School of Social Work
New York, NY05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Human Services And Community Justice
John Jay College Of Criminal Justice CUNY
New York, NY05.2021
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Advanced computer skills
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Crisis Intervention/Risk Assessment
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Competence
- Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrated dedication to creating inclusive spaces for individuals from various cultural backgrounds, including immigrants and BIPOC communities
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Electronic Record Software EPIC & my Evol
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
LSA Family Health Service
03.2023 - Current
Clinical Social Work Intern
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
09.2022 - 05.2023
Coordinator's Assistant
LSA Family Health Service
02.2022 - 03.2024
Intern
International High School at Union Square
09.2021 - 06.2022
Volunteer
Kids In Need of Defense
06.2021 - 06.2021
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work Practice
Columbia School of Social Work
Bachelor of Science - Human Services And Community Justice
John Jay College Of Criminal Justice CUNY
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