Frances Neal
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Compassionate mental health counselor skilled in providing effective and empathetic support. Have successfully developed and implemented individualized care plans that significantly improved clients' quality of life. Possess strong communication, crisis management, and therapeutic relationship-building skills. Demonstrated impact by fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments through innovative treatment strategies and patient advocacy.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist
Progressive PHP of Seaside
Zachary, Louisiana
07.2026 - Current
- Provided individual therapy sessions for diverse client needs and backgrounds.
- Developed treatment plans tailored to clients' specific mental health goals.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and mental wellness practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care strategies.
- Maintained accurate client records in compliance with privacy regulations.
Discharge Planner
Progressive PHP of Seaside
Zachary, Louisiana
07.2025 - 07.2026
- Coordinated comprehensive discharge plans with healthcare teams and families to ensure seamless transitions.
- Conducted functional assessments to identify patient needs and appropriate post-discharge resources.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure successful transition from hospital to home setting.
- Educated patients on follow-up care and medication management.
- Collaborated with social workers to resolve patient concerns and facilitate smoother transitions to home care.
- Developed resource lists for post-discharge support services.
Patient Access Coordinator
Baton Rouge General Hospital
Baton Rouge, LA
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Coordinated with clinical staff to manage patient flow, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction.
- Addressed patient inquiries and concerns, resolving issues in a timely and empathetic manner.
- Shared insights and strategies during team meetings to enhance patient access services and foster collaborative problem-solving.
- Updated reference materials with Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer requirements and policies to ensure compliance and accessibility for staff.
Internship
Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Researched local mental health resources for therapeutic use.
- Adjusted therapy plans to align with evolving client needs.
- Facilitated access to external resources for individuals seeking support.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
- Coordinated closely with probation staff during the patient care process.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Intervened in urgent cases of major mental health crises.
- Supported clients in expressing feelings and discussing life events to foster self-insight and relationship understanding.
Admission Specialist
Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital
12.2018 - 06.2023
- Collected data to ensure accurate patient registration and streamline admission process.
- Assessed and addressed patient concerns to enhance overall patient experience.
- Maintained confidentiality and adhered to ethical standards in all interactions with patients and their families.
- Provided guidance and support for patients transitioning back into the community or workplace after hospitalization.
- Guided patients in setting personal goals and strategies to improve quality of life post-hospitalization.
Behavioral Intake Coordinator/Counselor
Allstar Community Care
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Resolved client concerns regarding intake procedure, improving client satisfaction and trust.
- Implemented policies and procedures that strengthened service delivery and client care.
- Coordinated with external agencies and community partners to facilitate referrals and access to services.
- Conducted preliminary risk assessments to identify key issues.
- Provided information and referrals to clients for additional resources and support services.
- Monitored client progress and updated case files accordingly.
- Participated in ongoing training and professional development related to intake procedures and client care.
- Cultivated professional relationships with referral sources, facilitating smoother referrals and access to services.
Behavioral Health Provider/Counselor
HealthCare Options
12.2016 - 12.2017
- Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
- Developed treatment strategies based on thorough patient evaluations.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up sessions and adjusted treatment plans.
- Engaged clients in goal-setting and action planning, fostering personal growth and facilitating positive lifestyle changes.
- Utilized interpersonal skills to build rapport and help patients feel at ease during stressful situations.
- Guided clients in identifying effective solutions to challenges through teaching intervention techniques.
- Provided information to patients regarding diagnoses and treatment options.
Intervention Specialist
Baker Heights Elementary
Baker , LA
08.2011 - 12.2017
- Facilitated access to resources and services for students with disabilities to enhance their learning experience.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Addressed and resolved student behavioral issues in alignment with building expectations and codes of conduct, fostering a positive classroom environment.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Analyzed and assessed student behavior data to identify trends and inform individualized interventions.
Intern
Department of Juvenile Services
12.2009 - 12.2010
- Monitored client’s adherence to court orders and informal supervision agreement to ensure compliance and support rehabilitation
- Monitored client’s school performance and behavior by reviewing academic reports and collaborating with teachers to address academic challenges
- Provided referrals for counseling services and community programs to facilitate access to needed support
- Document all visits, calls, and assessments including keeping casefile up to date
Education
Master of Arts - College of Education And Behavioral Sciences
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA12-2024
Masters of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern University and A&M College
01-2011
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern University and A&M College
01-2008
Skills
- Mental health counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Substance abuse therapy
- Treatment plans
- Child therapy
- Healthcare administration
- Medical record management
- Solution-focused counseling
Certification
- License # - PLC11423
Timeline
Therapist
Progressive PHP of Seaside
07.2026 - Current
Discharge Planner
Progressive PHP of Seaside
07.2025 - 07.2026
Patient Access Coordinator
Baton Rouge General Hospital
06.2024 - 07.2025
Internship
Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital
01.2024 - 12.2024
Admission Specialist
Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital
12.2018 - 06.2023
Behavioral Intake Coordinator/Counselor
Allstar Community Care
12.2017 - 12.2018
Behavioral Health Provider/Counselor
HealthCare Options
12.2016 - 12.2017
Intervention Specialist
Baker Heights Elementary
08.2011 - 12.2017
Intern
Department of Juvenile Services
12.2009 - 12.2010
Master of Arts - College of Education And Behavioral Sciences
Nicholls State University
Masters of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern University and A&M College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern University and A&M College