Karen Valdez
Bakersfield
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years of experience delivering comprehensive mental health services in medical, outpatient, and correctional settings. Expertise in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Proven ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered, culturally responsive care. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Social Worker
Kaiser Permanente
08.2015 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, including diagnosis and development of individualized treatment plans
- Provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy using evidence-based clinical interventions
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, physicians, case managers, therapists, and medical social workers to support integrated behavioral health treatment
- Facilitate Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services to provide higher levels of care and reduce inpatient hospitalizations
- Ensure timely and accurate clinical documentation, referrals, and follow-up in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards
- Serve as a member of Kaiser’s Local Professional Practice Committee (LPPC), collaborating with leadership to improve workflow efficiency and clinical practices
Clinical Social Worker
Avenal State Prison
12.2013 - 08.2015
- Performed clinical assessments to determine appropriate diagnoses and treatment modalities for incarcerated individuals
- Provided individual therapy and crisis intervention services for patients experiencing acute mental health concerns
- Participated in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to develop and implement individualized treatment plans
- Collaborated with medical staff, correctional counselors, and mental health professionals to ensure continuity of care
- Applied timely and appropriate interventions for patients identified as being in crisis
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation in compliance with mental health program standards and policies
Education
Master of Social Work -
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Child, Adolescent, & Family Studies
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA06.2010
Skills
- Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis
- Individual, Group, Family & Couples Therapy
- Treatment Planning & Care Coordination
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Clinical Documentation & Compliance
- Culturally Responsive Care
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
- License #80643 | Expires: 04/30/2027
Languages
Bilingual: English / Spanish
Timeline
Psychiatric Social Worker
Kaiser Permanente
08.2015 - Current
Clinical Social Worker
Avenal State Prison
12.2013 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Child, Adolescent, & Family Studies
California State University, Bakersfield
Master of Social Work -
California State University, Bakersfield