Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Irene Schmerler-Lenna

Northport,NY

Summary

Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 25 years of successful experience in leadership, individual counseling and group facilitation. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to the success of the agency.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Northwell Health - Zucker Hillside Hospital, AOPD
2022.04 - Current
  • Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients
  • Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance, and commitment therapy to assist patients
  • Led counseling group to discuss topics such as managing OCD, anxiety, relationship issues, mindfulness skills, and managing medical issues with a mental health diagnosis
  • Facilitated a smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions
  • Improved outcomes of patients with psychiatric and co-morbid chronic pain conditions
  • Implemented and coordinated services of the Whole Health Team
  • Consulted with and assisted with supporting highly skilled mental health and medical staff
  • Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.

Supervisor of Behavioral Health

Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital - PROS
2019.09 - 2022.04
  • Provided supervision to a team of counselors that provide intensive psychological rehabilitation
  • Provided individual cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing
  • Provided training for the new peer certification program that provided the opportunity for many clients to become peer certified and obtain employment within Northwell and beyond
  • Implemented a new group counseling model in psychiatric rehabilitation to address trauma and PTSD during COVID19
  • Implemented and provided pandemic first aid in the community during COVID19
  • Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients
  • Implemented and facilitated on-site activities and coping skills groups including mindfulness and meditation
  • These groups continue to be very effective at managing emotional stress from the pandemic
  • Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for all new admissions
  • Prepared and submitted daily reports to management
  • Coordinated professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Well Life Network
2017.09 - 2019.09
  • Provided individual counseling to a caseload of 30 clients
  • Coordinated community resources and secured referrals
  • Promoted development of interviewing, resume writing and etiquette skills
  • Administered preliminary and comprehensive vocational assessments
  • Prepared and maintained records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence
  • Helped clients adapt to altered lifestyles while providing therapeutic environments for clients and families
  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and evaluated patient care plans
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
  • Assisted individuals with addressing mental health barriers and developing career plans.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Beacon Therapy Services
2010.11 - 2017.01
  • Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans
  • Handled caseload of more than 20 clients
  • Coordinated community resources and secured referrals
  • Promoted development of interviewing, resume writing and etiquette skills
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
  • Administered preliminary and comprehensive vocational assessments
  • Consulted with interdisciplinary teams to enhance the coordination of care.

Education

Certificate in Mental Health Counseling -

Long Island University
Greenvale, NY
06.2019

Master of Science Advanced Certificate -

Long Island University
Greenvale, NY
06.2019

Master of Science - Rehabilitation Therapy

St John's University
Jamaica, New York
01.1995

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Hunter College
New York, NY
06.1988

Skills

  • Crisis Management
  • Needs Assessment
  • Critical Thinking
  • Patient Counseling
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Encouragement and Motivation
  • Care Coordination
  • Psychological Therapy Treatments
  • Employee Training
  • Supervision of staff
  • Community training

Certification

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Reiki Practitioner

Timeline

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Northwell Health - Zucker Hillside Hospital, AOPD
2022.04 - Current

Supervisor of Behavioral Health

Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital - PROS
2019.09 - 2022.04

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Well Life Network
2017.09 - 2019.09

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Beacon Therapy Services
2010.11 - 2017.01

Certificate in Mental Health Counseling -

Long Island University

Master of Science Advanced Certificate -

Long Island University

Master of Science - Rehabilitation Therapy

St John's University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Hunter College

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Reiki Practitioner

Irene Schmerler-Lenna