Janay McPherson, LCSW
Lithonia,GA
Summary
Dedicated mental health professional with 6 years of experience seeking a role as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Proven expertise in mental health assessments, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention, with a strong focus on trauma-informed therapy and solution-driven interventions. Skilled in developing person-centered treatment plans and connecting clients with essential community resources.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Specialist
Mercy Care
Atlanta, Georgia
02.2026 - Current
- Implemented therapeutic techniques to foster client engagement and progress.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Documented information for charts, progress reports, assessments and other paperwork within specific timeframes.
- Provided direct patient care in a behavioral health setting, including assessment and treatment of mental health issues.
Counselor
Lakeview Behavioral Health
Norcross, GA
05.2024 - Current
- Assist patients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Conduct 3-4 interviews daily using assessment tools to evaluate emotional, functional, and psychological conditions.
- Develop person-centered treatment plans and discharge patients once they have stabilized and secured necessary community resources.
- Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and educate them on community resources to foster empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Residential Treatment Center Admissions Counselor
Laurel heights hospital
Atlanta, Georgia
03.2025 - 02.2026
- Respond promptly to inquiries from families, referral sources, and prospective clients via phone, email, and online forms.
- Conduct initial intake interviews to determine clinical appropriateness for admission.
- Explain program services, policies, and treatment options clearly and empathetically.
- Coordinate pre-admission paperwork, assessments, and insurance verification as needed.
- Collaborate with clinical, nursing, and administrative staff to ensure seamless client onboarding.
- Maintain accurate records in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
- Track and follow up on leads to maximize admissions conversions.
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA and all applicable regulations
Mental Health Counselor
Georgia Department Of Juvenile Justice
Decatur, GA
12.2021 - 09.2024
- Utilized advanced counseling techniques and evidence-based practices to develop personalized goals and treatment plans for clients.
- Facilitated Anger Management groups, focusing on identifying triggers, early warning signs, and developing effective coping strategies.
- Conducted one-on-one counseling sessions addressing a range of issues including emotional distress, mental health disorders, and suicidal ideation.
- Managed a caseload of 7-15 clients, ensuring comprehensive documentation and connection to necessary resources and services.
Crisis and Access Specialist
Protocall Services
Atlanta, GA
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Responded to an average of 20 calls per shift, assessing each for routine, urgent, or emergent needs, and implemented appropriate suicide and mental health crisis prevention strategies.
- Provided support and brief counseling to individuals in crisis by connecting them with suitable community services and programs.
- Evaluated risk to clients and others through information gathering and assessments, coordinating with emergency responders during critical incidents for efficient crisis resolution.
- Delivered psycho-education on risks like substance abuse and impulsivity, offering prevention techniques and coping skills through active listening and collaborative problem-solving.
Social Work Intern
Easter Seals of North Georgia
Norcross, Georgia
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Managed a caseload of over 40 families, conducting assessments to evaluate individual circumstances and collaboratively developing action and follow-up plans.
- Facilitated communication with families to navigate program processes, linked them to necessary resources, and conducted evaluations to assess program effectiveness.
- Collaborated in leading parenting classes and assisted with administrative tasks, including organizing and inputting case notes.
Education
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY12-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Speech Communication
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05-2017
Skills
- Mental Health Evaluations and Assessments
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Suicide Precaution
- Solution-Driven Interventions and Coping Skills
- Anger Management
- Active Listening
- Trauma-Informed Therapy and Interventions
- DSM 5-Tr Knowledge
- ICD Knowledge
- 1013/2013 Knowledge
- Crisis management
- Motivational interviewing
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CSW009911
- Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy, 12/01/23
- Basic Life Skills, 04/01/24
Timeline
Behavioral Health Specialist
Mercy Care
02.2026 - Current
Residential Treatment Center Admissions Counselor
Laurel heights hospital
03.2025 - 02.2026
Counselor
Lakeview Behavioral Health
05.2024 - Current
Crisis and Access Specialist
Protocall Services
09.2023 - 05.2024
Mental Health Counselor
Georgia Department Of Juvenile Justice
12.2021 - 09.2024
Social Work Intern
Easter Seals of North Georgia
01.2019 - 12.2019
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Campbellsville University
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Speech Communication
Georgia State University