Kimberly Hammonds
Glendale ,AZ
Summary
Dedicated behavioral health professional with 22 years of military leadership experience in public health, crisis response, and team coordination. Brings strong clinical exposure through therapy internships and hands-on experience as a crisis counselor supporting individuals in high-stress and acute situations. Skilled in inpatient assessment, therapeutic support, and maintaining safety and continuity of care within fast-paced environments. Recognized for excellent communication, cultural competence, and the ability to build trust with diverse populations, including active-duty service members. Committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-informed support that promotes stabilization, resilience, and overall well-being.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist Intern, Mental Health Clinic
Luke Air Force Base
09.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive therapist intakes and biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate mental health history, presenting concerns, psychosocial functioning, and risk factors.
- Utilized DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to develop accurate, evidence-based diagnoses under clinical supervision.
- Completed crisis assessments to rapidly determine risk, safety needs, and the appropriate level of care.
- Facilitated a CBT-focused therapy group for high-acuity patients recently discharged from inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, supporting skill-building and stabilization.
- Maintained an active caseload, provided therapeutic support, and ensured timely, accurate documentation in accordance with clinic policies and regulatory requirements.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to support the mental health and wellness of clients.
- Aided providers in reviewing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and coordinating care for high-risk individuals.
- Built and maintained therapeutic relationships, fostering positive, supportive, and empowering client environments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care delivery.
- Encouraged self-care habits among clients, supporting their overall well-being outside of therapy sessions.
- Built trust and rapport with compassionate approach.
- Maintained confidentiality and adhered to ethical guidelines, upholding the professional standards of the mental health field.
- Maintained detailed records of individual therapy sessions, ensuring accurate documentation of client progress and adherence to ethical guidelines.
- Encouraged self-care habits among clients, supporting their overall wellbeing outside of therapy sessions.
Public Health Flight Chief
U.S. Air Force
01.2003 - Current
- Conducted patient interviews, monitored physical and psychosocial status, and documented findings to support clinical decision-making
- Educated patients and families on health conditions, coping strategies, and treatment adherence, promoting dignity, independence, and informed choices.
- Provided individual support during screenings, evaluations, and health encounters, respecting privacy, cultural diversity, and boundaries.
- Identified individuals at risk for self-harm, aggression, or crisis escalation through behavioral observation and environmental assessment.
- Coordinated responses to communicable diseases and occupational health issues, working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, organized care environments.
- Led teams in high-stress situations, practicing de-escalation, redirection, and emergency response protocols to maintain safety for patients and staff
- Served as a patient advocate by observing and reporting changes in behavior, communication, and health status to clinical leadership.
- Guided patients and families through complex health systems, connecting them with medical services, mental health resources, and support programs.
- Managed case coordination for over 600 individuals with special needs, ensuring access to appropriate developmental, educational, and behavioral services
- Recorded and tracked vital health data, maintained accurate documentation, and supported admission and transfer processes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Monitored medication administration programs and maintained knowledge of common side effects, contraindications, and patient safety considerations.
- Conducted contact tracing, validated laboratory results, and assessed patients to support disease surveillance and treatment adherence (e.g., TB Direct Observation Therapy).
- Worked closely with nurses, mental health providers, community, clinics, and county health departments to coordinate care and implement patient-centered treatment plans.
- Provided health and safety education to diverse populations, including those in crisis or requiring specialized behavioral support.
- Collaborated with mental health facilities and community agencies to promote resilience, crisis resources, and access to behavioral health services.
- Managed health programs serving over 5,000 personnel, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting patient well-being.
- Led community outreach events focused on mental health, crisis resources, and healthcare access for more than 1,100 civilians and veterans.
- Supervised interdisciplinary teams and coordinated multi-agency initiatives supporting vulnerable populations, including single parents and retirees.
- Multiple Locations (AZ, DE, Japan, CO, NC, GA, Guam)
Crisis Counselor Intern
Childhelp USA
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Completed 40+ hours of initial crisis intervention and trauma-informed care training, with ongoing monthly education on counseling skills, child welfare systems, and vicarious trauma prevention.
- Provided crisis counseling via hotline, rapidly building rapport, delivering emotional support, and offering psychoeducation to individuals experiencing acute distress.
- Conducted risk assessments and screened callers for safety concerns, mental health needs, and resource gaps; escalated cases appropriately to supervisors or emergency services.
- Identified and connected help-seekers with appropriate local services, including mental health providers, shelters, child welfare resources, and community support programs.
- Developed and implemented individualized safety plans for at-risk youth.
- Adhered to confidentiality standards, documentation protocols, and ethical guidelines in all crisis interactions.
- Provided timely assistance to individuals in crisis, utilizing active listening skills and empathy to establish rapport quickly.
- Managed high-stress situations with a calm demeanor, providing the necessary support to both clients and team members during challenging times.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
Education
Master of Science - Master of Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2027
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Health Education
Ashford University
San Diego, CA10-2018
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Psychosocial assessment
- Evidence-based diagnosis
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Treatment planning
- Group therapy facilitation
- Active listening skills
- Confidentiality adherence
- Boundary setting
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Effective communication
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Crisis Counselor Intern
Childhelp USA
05.2024 - 09.2024
Therapist Intern, Mental Health Clinic
Luke Air Force Base
09.2023 - Current
Public Health Flight Chief
U.S. Air Force
01.2003 - Current
Master of Science - Master of Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Health Education
Ashford University