HEIDI SCHAEFER
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
New Palestine,Indiana
Summary
Psychiatric Admission Coordinator processes direct admit requests into acute inpatient behavioral care. Screens referral requests, arranges transfers to other acute psychiatric hospitals when Community is full, and keeps contracted agencies updated on patient status. Supports timely placement decisions in a high-volume admissions environment.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Psychiatric Admission Coordinator.
Community Health Network -Behavioral Care Services
Indianapolis, IN
01.2007 - Current
- Screened direct admit requests for acute inpatient psychiatric services, then staffed with Crisis psychiatrist to ensure most appropriate, timely patient placement.
- Served as primary liaison for Seasons Unit, facilitating communication with ECF staff and families. Over the years have connected with 475 referral sources.
- Arranged inter-hospital transfers when community units reached capacity. Provided regular updates to contracted agencies on patient status, enhancing communication and continuity of care.
Crisis Therapist
Community Health Network -Behavioral Care Services
Indianapolis, IN
05.1990 - 01.2007
- Conducted face-to-face crisis, inpatient, and detention evaluations across diverse settings, encompassing psychosocial evaluations and treatment planning. Triaged calls through clinical assessment of caller's needs, referring to the most suitable program in the network.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments and safety evaluations during crisis situations.
Therapist Intern
Peoria Human Service Center
Peoria, IL
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Provided outpatient therapy to adults, conducted intakes, formulated and implemented treatment plans addressing anxiety, affective, and adjustment disorders. Co-led therapy group for adults children of alcoholics and co-dependent women, facilitating support and coping strategies.
Therapist Intern
Student Counseling Center, Illinois State University
Normal, IL
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Provided individual psychotherapy to adults, incorporating progressive relaxation training.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-1990
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 05.2001 -
Skills
- Psychiatric admission screening
- Inpatient placement coordination
- Transfer coordination
- Contracted agency communication
- Crisis assessment
- Detention evaluations
- Behavioral health intake
- Treatment planning
Certification
2002 Received Senior Clinical Facility Status for Behavioral Care Services which enabled me to orient and train new Crisis employees.
Timeline
Psychiatric Admission Coordinator.
Community Health Network -Behavioral Care Services
01.2007 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Purdue University
05.2001 -
Crisis Therapist
Community Health Network -Behavioral Care Services
05.1990 - 01.2007
Therapist Intern
Peoria Human Service Center
01.1989 - 01.1990
Therapist Intern
Student Counseling Center, Illinois State University
01.1989 - 01.1990
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Illinois State University
2026 Continuing Education
Dementia Clinical Care Education -by Alzheimer's Association
Grave Disability -by Jennifer Needler with Community Health Network
Ethics and Boundaries in the Behavioral Health Workplace -by Community Health Network
Intro to Trauma-Informed Care for Substance Use -by Midwest Trauma-Informed Training Center
Intensive Therapeutic Aggression Management -by Community Health Networ
RECENT ACTIVITIES
- 2018 began working with Youth Service Advisory group to coordinate services between inpatient, school-based & outpatient clients.
- 2020 became founding member of Crisis Practice Council and applied Relationship Based Care principles to our team.
- 2001 joined the SPMI Committee that is responsible for ensuring a smooth continuum of care for clients with chronic mental illnesses. Then I was a founding member of its spin-off group, Team 100, which met bi-monthly to manage care of the most frequent users of inpatient.