James R. WATSON
Mental health, Behavioral and Spiritual Counselor
Bowie ,MD
Summary
Compassionate and enthusiastic clinician with a decade of experience delivering mental, behavioral, substance abuse, and pastoral counseling to diverse populations, including teens and adults. Completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), enhancing the ability to provide empathetic and effective care. Proven track record in various settings, including residential, outpatient, intensive home-based care, and hospitals. Currently recognized as a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work by the Virginia Board of Counseling, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and excellence in practice.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Primary Therapist
Mission Connection (AMFM)
Falls Church, VA
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, process groups, and trauma-informed care.
- Provided psychoeducation on related mental health and behavioral health topics.
- Produced biopsychosocial assessments, person-centered and collaborative treatment plans progress notes, and discharge planning.
Primary Therapist
North Spring Behavioral Health
Leesburg, VA
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Counseled the adolescent population on developing coping strategies, managing self-harm and suicidal ideation.
- Utilized psychotherapies for adolescent patients with various mental health diagnoses (CBT, DBT and MDT) to manage mental and behavioral disorders.
- Conducted individual, group and family therapy sessions daily.
- Submitted biopsychosocial assessments intakes, clinical formations, progress and group therapy notes with a 24-hour time frame
- Taught psychoeducation regarding mental health diagnosis, and social emotional learning.
- Prepared patients for discharge planning/aftercare referrals.
Family Counselor
Phillips Family Schools
Annandale, VA
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered intensive home-based counseling for children/adolescents with mental and behavioral disorders.
- Educated clients in social emotional learning, and how to manage school truancy
- Completed individuals service plans, comprehensive assessments, crisis safety plans, protective factor surveys and progress reports.
Social Work Intern
Lutheran Social Services
Washington, D.C.
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Administered cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy and narrative therapy for children aged 8 to 18 years of age.
- Supported the emotional wellness of refugees and asylum seekers integrating into the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Foster Care Program (URM).
- Developed departmental social work/ case manager manual.
- Advocated for children and foster parents on community resources for educational support, housing, and mental health wellness.
- Co-managed a caseload of 10 clients weekly.
Clinical Chaplain Intern-Resident
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Documented pastoral interventions for patients through emotional and spiritual support.
- Conducted daily rounds in the emergency room, palliative, oncology, and neonatal intensive care units providing pastoral care and counseling with patients and families.
- Facilitated spirituality groups.
Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager
Samaritan Village, Inc
Jamaica, NY
12.2008 - 11.2012
- Provided substance abuse counseling as a CASAC-T.
- Completed biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans and discharge planning.
- Facilitated individual counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention groups.
- Submitted timely court reports to the departments of probation, parole, and child protective services.
- Advocated and provided case management services for community resources. Successfully managed a caseload of 30 to 40 clients.
Education
Ph.D. - Counseling and Psychological Studies
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2025
Master of Arts - Social Work
Fordham University
Manhattan, NY12-2022
Master of Arts - Divinity/Chaplaincy
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical and Theological Studies
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2015
NYS CASAC Training Certification - undefined
The Resource Training Center
Brooklyn, NY02-2008
Skills
- Board Certified Chaplaincy eligble, the National Association of Social Workers
- Skills: Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, bereavement counseling, trauma-informed care, substance abuse and pastoral counseling, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, evidence-based practices, social science research, and oral and written skills
Timeline
Primary Therapist
Mission Connection (AMFM)
10.2024 - 05.2025
Primary Therapist
North Spring Behavioral Health
01.2023 - 05.2024
Family Counselor
Phillips Family Schools
07.2022 - 01.2023
Social Work Intern
Lutheran Social Services
01.2021 - 12.2021
Clinical Chaplain Intern-Resident
Westchester Medical Center
09.2016 - 09.2018
Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager
Samaritan Village, Inc
12.2008 - 11.2012
Master of Arts - Social Work
Fordham University
Master of Arts - Divinity/Chaplaincy
Regent University
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical and Theological Studies
Regent University
NYS CASAC Training Certification - undefined
The Resource Training Center
Ph.D. - Counseling and Psychological Studies
Regent University