Joyce C Wambui
Elkton,MD
Summary
Experienced counselor with 9 years of experience in Substance use and Mental health counseling. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving client satisfaction. Committed and well-educated therapist offering a comprehensive service for individuals, couples and families with medical and private practice setting. Proficient in creating and maintaining a timely and accurate progress reports, treatment plans and termination summaries. An excellent communicator, critical thinker and well versed in therapeutic assessment and diagnosis.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Marriage Family Therapist/Mental Health
Rising Hope Therapy LLC
02.2023 - Current
- Addressed clients' family relationship concerns through development of individualized therapy plans.
- Educated clients and families on importance of mental health and self-care.
- Developed and implemented creative interventions to engage families in managing complex family systems including stepfamilies and extended families.
- Counseled clients on concerns such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation or financial difficulties.
- Conducting Psychosocial family assessments that identify the child(ren)’s needs and each parent’s strengths and limitations in meeting those needs as directed by order of referral from the court that contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
Marriage & Family Therapist & Outpatient Counselor
CORAS Wellness & Behavioral Health
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Deliver therapy services to couples and families dealing with familial issues.
- Observe how clients interact within units and highlight problematic relational or behavioral patterns.
- Facilitate monthly & bi-monthly, individual , couples sessions and weekly group therapy meetings to over 50 clients with mental health and Substance use problems
- Facilitate support groups for 15 -18 outpatient clients court ordered for treatment by Probation and Discharge At Risk program
- Support outpatient clients with legal issues, liaising between Probation Officers, DFS workers and families to help clients complete Probation & DAR program.
- Work with Psychiatrist for outpatient Suboxone clients to implement effective treatment plans and communicate any issues with medications.
- Prepare reports, letters requested for court hearing or requests from probation officers, DFS workers for clients progress in treatment.
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
CORAS Wellness Behavioral Health
02.2019 - 07.2022
- Provided therapy to over 20 couples to prevent family separation and facilitate reconciliation
- Observed how people interact within units
- Evaluate and resolve relationship problems
- Guide clients through transitional crisis such as divorce, grief and trauma
- Highlight problematic relational and behavioral patterns in clients
- Help replace dysfunctional behaviors with healthy alternatives
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Counselor
CORAS Wellness & Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 04.2022
- Managed caseload of 50 patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Evaluating patients' physical and mental behaviors and monitor patients treatment progress overtime.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational, activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Identifying behaviors that interfere with treatment and recovery plans
- Provided weekly individual counseling sessions and one group therapy weekly.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Counselor
Connections CSP
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies tailored to client needs.
- Managed caseload of 10-15 patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from SA and MH diseases and issues.
Continuing Care Coordinator
Brandywine Women's Treatment (Connections CSP)
01.2016 - 03.2018
- Participate in weekly treatment team meetings, discuss client's plans for discharge and status on housing and social services.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to discuss housing and after-care needs for clients. Participate in after-care Case Consultation with client and counselors before client's discharge.
- Utilization Review- According to department policy, procedure and protocols consistently apply and verbally communicate approved utilization review criteria and guidelines for services delivered in acute or alternative care settings
- Initiates Discharge Planning referrals to transitional and sober living housing .
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
Case Management Specialist
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)Connections CSP
09.2014 - 01.2016
- Assisted and accompanied clients and families to court, legal appointments, health care, public benefits and community agencies.
- Created well-written, effective care plans appropriately matching needs of clients following standards and guidelines of funders, contractors and governmental regulations.
- Referred families to shelters, legal resources and educational programs and other social services
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
Recovery Innovations International
05.2012 - 12.2015
- Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
- Educated senior citizen groups to expand community engagement and program outreach.
- Worked with clients to improve life choices and maximize benefits of social services programs.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately and with a positive attitude.
Home Health Aide Provider
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
11.2009 - 04.2012
- Assisted patients with personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, and other activities of daily living.
- Perform basic health care services for patients including checking vital signs or administering prescription medication.
- Work with nurses, personal care aide, CNA, nurse aide, nursing assistant, and other caregivers and in-home care professionals.
- Observe and report on patient condition.
- Increased medication and medical terminology knowledge through research and continuing education
Education
Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy
NorthCentral University
San Diego, CA07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College School of Human Services
Springfield, MA04.2018
Skills
- Patient confidentiality
- Coping skills
- Couples counseling
- Treatment plan development
- Crisis Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Multitasking Abilities
- Active Listening
Certification
- Certified Peer Support Specialist - 2017
Timeline
Marriage Family Therapist/Mental Health
Rising Hope Therapy LLC
02.2023 - Current
Marriage & Family Therapist & Outpatient Counselor
CORAS Wellness & Behavioral Health
04.2022 - 01.2023
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Counselor
Connections CSP
01.2021 - 12.2021
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
CORAS Wellness Behavioral Health
02.2019 - 07.2022
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Counselor
CORAS Wellness & Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 04.2022
Continuing Care Coordinator
Brandywine Women's Treatment (Connections CSP)
01.2016 - 03.2018
Case Management Specialist
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)Connections CSP
09.2014 - 01.2016
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
Recovery Innovations International
05.2012 - 12.2015
Home Health Aide Provider
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
11.2009 - 04.2012
- Certified Peer Support Specialist - 2017
Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy
NorthCentral University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College School of Human Services
Affiliations
Social Africa
Amkeny Organization : amkeny.org
Awards
• 2nd Place for the West Chester University, 2024 Spring Research & Creative Activity Day on April 17, 2024, for an Oral Presentation of a study titled “Air Quality Around Mushroom Farm Operations in Southeast Pennsylvania”. Engelbrecht, D., Nwinee, V., Hampton, J., & Cena, L. (2024). Air quality measurements near mushroom farm operations in Southeast PA. West Chester University Research & Creative Activity Day Spring 2024AbstractBooklet(p.8).https://www.wcupa.edu/_admin/research/documents/RCAD%20Abstract%20Bookl et%20Spring%202024.Final.pdf •2024-2025 Graduate Dean’s Scholarship for Global Diversity & Academic Achievement, West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Similar Profiles
ROBEL ZELEKEROBEL ZELEKE
CAREGIVER at Rising Hope Adult Foster CareCAREGIVER at Rising Hope Adult Foster Care
Christine CantrellChristine Cantrell
Psychotherapist at New Hope RisingPsychotherapist at New Hope Rising
Christiana EssienChristiana Essien
Medication Technician at Rising Hope Healthcare ServicesMedication Technician at Rising Hope Healthcare Services