James Morris III
Hanover Park,IL
Summary
Long-serving clinical professional and educator with a record of accomplishment as a practitioner and administrator. History as a full-time faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University. Current Behavioral Health Surveyor for The Joint Commission. Current Behavioral Health Consultant and Trainer for Montrose Behavioral Health. Systems-oriented with strengths in program evaluation, program development, risk assessment, and leadership development. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Psychotherapist.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor-Psychology | Graduate Studies (Full-time)
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
07.2017 - Current
Assistant Professor-Psychology (Part-time)
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
01.2016 - 08.2016
Adjunct Faculty-Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adler University (School of Psychology)
Chicago, IL
09.2015 - 01.2016
Adjunct Faculty-Psychology
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
08.2014 - 01.2016
Behavioral Health Risk Surveyor
The Joint Commission
01.2023 - Current
- Applies systems analysis skills and inductive reasoning skills to determine health care organizations' degree of compliance with applicable standards and functionality of care delivery systems
- Engages health care organization staff in interactive dialogues on standards based issues in health care to assess compliance and to identify opportunities for improving compliance
- Prepares management reports that clearly link individual standards deficiencies with potential systems vulnerabilities and related organization risk points
CEO and Founder
Safe Harbour Integrated Wellness PLLC
06.2021 - Current
- Operational and Program Consultant- Provide multi-phase assessment, program evaluation and expert clinical advice to healthcare professionals
- Analyzing and interpreting clinical data
- Identifying opportunities for improving clinical care
- Developing and implementing clinical guidelines
- Conducting clinical audits
- Undertaking research into new treatments and therapies
- Presenting findings at conferences and meetings
- Program development and PI consultation
- Forensic Evaluation and Expert witness testimony
Manager (Director03/22) of Residential Treatment Services
Riveredge Hospital | Residential Treatment Center
Forest Park, IL
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Provided clinical and operational oversight for a residential program, including trauma-informed supervision for self-harm reduction suicide prevention, and specialized treatment in sexual behavior problems (SBP)
- Supported strategic planning, program evaluation and assisted in developing the initiatives to achieve the overall mission and vision of the organization
- Provided for the day-to-day operation of the residential program by providing coordination and oversight in the areas of quality assurance and resident mental health
- Provided overall support to persons served care providers, clinicians, and discharge planners to ensure optimal growth of residents, employees, and the program
- Co-created, with the team, a shared vision for the program that aligned with the organization’s mission and standards for service excellence
- Highlights include but are not limited to: Successful recertification as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program, Successful DCFS License Renewal, Marked reductions in restraints and other forms of crisis intervention, Implementation of Restorative Practices and current evidenced-based trauma-informed approach to residential treatment,100% retention of employees during a period marked by high volume resignations hospital-wide, Operational and systems upgrades, Increased collaboration and contractual programming agreements with external partners, increase in staff training and supervision, increased volunteer opportunities for youth, internal promotions of team members into leadership positions and more
Clinical Director
Adolescent Growth Inc. - Community-Based Residential
Lombard, IL
07.2016 - 09.2018
- Developed and implemented group, triadic, individual, and peer supervision plans for clinical staff
- Facilitated clinical training and established committees for staff and program development to ensure the highest quality of clinical care
- Supervised10+ employees including primary and group therapists, academic coordinator, medical assistants, and direct care staff for residential, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs
- Co-Led the successful process of Joint Commission Accreditation; Supervision, coaching, and consultation in trauma-informed care, human development, mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive behavioral-based approaches (CBT, DBT, etc.) Process and systems improvement, including the development of risk mitigation plans for the organization
Mental Health Consultant
Cook County Juvenile Detention Center | Isaac Ray Psychiatry and Mental Health Center
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - 05.2014
- Provided mental health and programming consultation to juvenile detention center administration, management, and employees, including self-harm reduction and suicide prevention
- Facilitated group psychotherapy and individual therapy/counseling for detention center detainees
- Conducted assessment of emotional, intellectual, and cognitive levels of function for detainees referred for mental health evaluation
- Developed and executed Group Psychotherapy Programs, Training in cognitive behavioral and rational emotive behavioral approaches for incarcerated youth
- Peace Circle Facilitator
School-Based Trauma-Informed Therapist
Chicago Public Schools | Wes Health Systems
Chicago, IL
10.2010 - 01.2011
- Delivered school-based trauma-informed therapy/crisis intervention (group and individual) as a member of assigned high schools’ “culture of calm team.” Consulted educators on the integration of restorative practices into a larger culture of trauma sensitivity
- Provided behavioral health consultation to teachers and administrators to aid in students’ progressive academic development
Child and Adolescent Therapist
Youth & Family Guidance, Inc.
Forest Park, IL
10.2010 - 01.2012
- Offered culturally competent, solution-oriented child, adolescent, and family home-based counseling/therapy and crisis intervention for both privately and publicly insured youth
- Performed extensive psychosocial assessments and collateral interviews for treatment planning and appropriate client referrals for supplemental support services
Adult Acute Inpatient Program Therapist
Brentwood Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
Shreveport, LA
01.2010 - 01.2010
- Directed extensive psychosocial assessment and collateral interviews for patient treatment planning
- Provided individual, group, and family counseling for dual-diagnosed adults admitted for inpatient treatment
- Catered milieu consultation and crisis management for the acute adult population
- Facilitated group psychotherapy with soldiers referred from Barksdale Air Force Base
- Recognized and received patient/family nominations for excellence in clinical service in4 out of6 months as a clinician
Outpatient Program Therapist (Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient)
Riveredge Behavioral Health Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
Forest Park, IL
05.2009 - 11.2009
- Provided child and adolescent outpatient individual, group, and family counseling
- Conducted extensive psychosocial and suicide risk assessments and collateral interviews for treatment planning and diagnosis
Therapy Practicum/Internship (Partial Hospitalization/Inpatient Boys)
Riveredge Behavioral Health Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
Forest Park, IL
06.2008 - 05.2009
- Conducted individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents in an in/outpatient setting
- Evaluated adolescents through standard measures of cognitive, intellectual, and personality functioning for diagnosis and treatment planning
Education
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology - Clinical Supervision and Counseling Education
Illinois Professional School of Psychology/Argosy University
Schaumburg, IL01.2017
Master of Arts - Clinical Professional Psychology
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01.2002
Awards
Co-wrote Will County Community Partnership Grant; $10,000: Joliet School District86 (2020)-Lewis University, Board Member (Oak Park and River Forest), African American Parents for Purposeful Leadership in Education (APPLE)201, Board Member (Bellwood, IL), High Praise Bible Fellowship2014 -2017, Excellence in the Arts Award Recipient, “Take Notes”, Music Mentoring Program2008, Outstanding Community Servant Award, Chicago Juvenile Probation2004, State Chair of Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.2002 –2003
Timeline
Behavioral Health Risk Surveyor
The Joint Commission
01.2023 - Current
Manager (Director03/22) of Residential Treatment Services
Riveredge Hospital | Residential Treatment Center
11.2021 - 02.2023
CEO and Founder
Safe Harbour Integrated Wellness PLLC
06.2021 - Current
Assistant Professor-Psychology | Graduate Studies (Full-time)
Lewis University
07.2017 - Current
Clinical Director
Adolescent Growth Inc. - Community-Based Residential
07.2016 - 09.2018
Assistant Professor-Psychology (Part-time)
Lewis University
01.2016 - 08.2016
Adjunct Faculty-Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adler University (School of Psychology)
09.2015 - 01.2016
Adjunct Faculty-Psychology
Lewis University
08.2014 - 01.2016
Mental Health Consultant
Cook County Juvenile Detention Center | Isaac Ray Psychiatry and Mental Health Center
01.2011 - 05.2014
School-Based Trauma-Informed Therapist
Chicago Public Schools | Wes Health Systems
10.2010 - 01.2011
Child and Adolescent Therapist
Youth & Family Guidance, Inc.
10.2010 - 01.2012
Adult Acute Inpatient Program Therapist
Brentwood Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
01.2010 - 01.2010
Outpatient Program Therapist (Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient)
Riveredge Behavioral Health Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
05.2009 - 11.2009
Therapy Practicum/Internship (Partial Hospitalization/Inpatient Boys)
Riveredge Behavioral Health Hospital (PsySolutions PSI)
06.2008 - 05.2009
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology - Clinical Supervision and Counseling Education
Illinois Professional School of Psychology/Argosy University
Master of Arts - Clinical Professional Psychology
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Illinois University