Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Superior HealthPlan Core Value Achievement Award in Innovation (2nd quarter of 2020)
Generic
Open To Work

Kristen K. Charron

Licensed Professional Counselor
McKinney,TX

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Lead Client Care Coordinator, CounselorClient Care Coordinator, CounselorClinical Manager, Behavioral Health Utilization ManagementBehavioral Health Utilization Management Team LeadBehavioral Health Utilization Manager

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkConsultingVolunteer

Location Preference

RemoteHybridOn-Site
Location: McKinney, TX, USDallas, TX
Open to relocation: No

Salary Range

$75000/yr - $200000/yr

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time off401k matchCareer advancementPaid sick leave

Summary

Licensed Professional Counselor (TX#72315, since 2016) with over 13 years of behavioral health experience, including 7 years in utilization management for a managed care organization and recent return to clinical practice in community and private settings. Proven expertise in conducting medical necessity reviews, prior authorizations, level-of-care determinations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual guidelines. Seeking to leverage strong clinical acumen, analytical skills, and deep understanding of behavioral health services to contribute to efficient, high-quality utilization management and care coordination in a managed care environment.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Client Care Coordinator, Counselor

Room for Change
Garland, TX
04.2025 - Current
  • Assumed leadership role in client care coordination, ensuring optimal placement of new clients with clinicians based on geographic location and therapist qualifications.
  • Evaluated client backgrounds and coordinated referrals to qualified clinicians tailored to individual requirements and practice standards.
  • Coordinated client appointments and follow-ups to enhance service delivery.
  • Developed and maintained client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and retention.
  • Trained new team members on client care protocols and organizational procedures.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients to build trust and loyalty, resulting in repeat business.

Client Care Coordinator, Counselor

Room for Change
Garland, TX
06.2024 - 04.2025
  • Evaluated client backgrounds through intake assessments and coordinated referrals to qualified clinicians tailored to specific client requirements.
  • Conducted individual, couples, and family therapy sessions for a weekly caseload of 25 clients, addressing the needs of clients aged 12 to 60.
  • Assisted clients in applying cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Supported individuals in utilizing dialectical behavior therapy strategies. Facilitated sessions to promote mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Supported individuals facing personality disorders, anxiety, and depression through tailored interventions. Assisted clients in overcoming substance abuse and addiction challenges. Guided trauma survivors and neurodivergent individuals in navigating life transitions. Provided resources and support for LGBTQ+ populations and those recovering from narcissistic abuse.
  • Facilitated communication between clients and support teams to resolve issues efficiently.

Clinical Manager, Behavioral Health Utilization Management

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
Dallas, TX
04.2022 - 06.2024
  • Led a team of seven licensed behavioral health clinicians in utilization management and retrospective audits of provider documentation for behavioral health services.
  • Collaborated with senior director of behavioral health utilization management to oversee and enhance outpatient level of care utilization management processes.
  • Analyzed clinical data to identify trends, driving improvements in patient outcomes and satisfaction.
  • Evaluated performance metrics to inform strategic planning and enhance overall program effectiveness.
  • Regularly evaluated employee performance and provided feedback.
  • Promoted high morale and staff retention through dynamic communication, prompt problem resolution, proactive supervisory practices and facilitation of positive work environment.

Behavioral Health Utilization Management Team Lead

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
Dallas, TX
04.2018 - 04.2022
  • Executed comprehensive utilization management functions as a behavioral health utilization manager while supporting leadership initiatives.
  • Implemented a specialized audit tool and trained staff to ensure compliance with Texas administrative code guidelines for mental health targeted case management and rehabilitation services.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.

Behavioral Health Utilization Manager

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
Dallas, TX
09.2017 - 04.2018
  • Facilitated integration of Cenpatico by managing inpatient facility caseload.
  • Achieved and surpassed productivity and quality benchmarks, as demonstrated by audit scores.
  • Facilitated communication between leadership and staff by serving as primary point of contact for prior authorization inquiries.
  • Designed and executed comprehensive training schedules for new hires.
  • Oversaw additional site visits for local mental health authority providers to facilitate new hire training and ensure adequate coverage.

Behavioral Health Utilization Manager

Cenpatico for Envolve PeopleCare (Centene)
Dallas, TX
11.2016 - 08.2017
  • Conducted inpatient and outpatient medical necessity reviews to determine appropriate levels of care
  • Engaged with new Local mental health authority providers to establish and solidify effective working relationships.
  • Maintained high standards of productivity and quality to support operational efficiency.
  • Achieved improved member care outcomes by conducting quarterly assessments of provider sites. Maintained oversight of the largest caseload of provider locations, driving operational excellence.

Licensed Professional Counselor (Independent Contractor)

Exult Healthcare
McKinney, TX
09.2016 - 11.2016
  • Performed comprehensive utilization reviews for various MCOS to facilitate timely prior authorization of Intensive Outpatient Programs.
  • Spearheaded development of Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at new location, leveraging experience from sister facility Grace Counseling Center in curriculum development and group facilitation.
  • Provided tailored counseling services for adolescents and adults, focusing on personal development and emotional support.
  • Developed personalized treatment plans based on client assessments and therapeutic goals.
  • Conducted intake assessments to evaluate client needs and establish rapport effectively.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Grace Counseling Center
Lewisville, TX
07.2016 - 09.2016
  • Performed comprehensive utilization reviews for various MCOs to ensure timely prior authorization of IOP services.
  • Designed and implemented curriculum for Intensive Outpatient Program focused on mood disorders.
  • Led intensive outpatient program (IOP) groups for adolescents and adults with mood disorders and substance abuse issues.
  • Facilitated individual counseling sessions for children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Collaborated with teams at Exult Healthcare to design and implement IOP programming for the new facility.
  • Maintained accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.

Behavioral Health Case Worker

LifePath Systems
McKinney, TX
11.2014 - 06.2016
  • Facilitated collaboration with Northstar/Value Options and Medicaid representatives to ensure delivery of appropriate behavioral healthcare services.
  • Executed CANs/ANSA assessments and ensured accurate documentation for prior authorization of levels of care (LOC) as mandated by Senate Bill 58.
  • Facilitated training sessions for team members on effective utilization of Clinical Management for Behavioral Health Services (CMBHS) system.
  • Achieved effective service delivery for Northstar, Value Options, and Medicaid clients by adhering to contracts and state guidelines. Enhanced client support through skills training, case management, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Fostered collaboration with psychiatrists and medical teams to improve client well-being.
  • Trained in state approved curricula for skills training and psychosocial rehabilitation

Clinical Case Manager

Metrocare Services (formerly LifeNet Texas)
Dallas, TX
02.2013 - 11.2014
  • Coordinated with Northstar, Value Options, and Medicaid to ensure optimal client care in utilization review processes.
  • Facilitated CANS/ANSA assessments from initial implementation in Texas LMHAs, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
  • Managed case documentation utilizing electronic health record systems for compliance and reporting accuracy.
  • Facilitated crisis intervention sessions, providing immediate support to clients in distressing situations.
  • Facilitated comprehensive training sessions on electronic health records software to empower coworkers in effective system utilization.
  • Clinical Management for Behavioral Health Services (CMBHS)
  • Facilitated skills training, case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, and crisis intervention to enhance member support and well-being.

Assessment Clinician Intern

Allen Psychological Center
Allen, TX
08.2012 - 02.2013
  • Conducted psychological assessments and authored detailed diagnostic reports for children and adults utilizing specialized instruments under licensed psychologist supervision.

Masters Psychology Practicum Student Clinician

Federal Medical Center, Carswell
Ft. Worth, TX
07.2011 - 06.2012
  • Authored comprehensive diagnostic assessment reports utilizing specialized instruments under licensed psychologist supervision.
  • Conducted engaging psychoeducational seminars to enhance participant knowledge and skills.
  • Provided trauma and drug abuse treatment through structured group therapy, focusing on cognitive behavioral and client-centered approaches for female inmates.

Education

Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

University of North Texas
08-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of North Texas
Denton
05-2010

Skills

  • Coaching team members on complex processes
  • Skilled in CANS/ANSA as a provider and manager
  • Familiarity with LMHA's implementation of Senate Bill 58 services
  • Proficient in electronic healthcare record software (Anasazi/Cerner, CMBHS, TruCare)
  • Care planning
  • Documentation
  • Goal setting
  • Team supervision
  • Quality assurance
  • Performance monitoring
  • Assessing treatment effectiveness
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, group counseling, crisis management, case management, comprehensive psychological assessment
  • American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification
  • Support for individuals with severe mental health conditions
  • Organizational skills

Certification

  • CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid, American Red Cross
  • Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry
  • Texas Adult Needs & Strengths Assessment (ANSA), The Praed Foundation
  • Texas Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths Assessment (CANS), The Praed Foundation
  • Cerner/Anasazi Super User, Cerner

Timeline

Lead Client Care Coordinator, Counselor

Room for Change
04.2025 - Current

Client Care Coordinator, Counselor

Room for Change
06.2024 - 04.2025

Clinical Manager, Behavioral Health Utilization Management

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
04.2022 - 06.2024

Behavioral Health Utilization Management Team Lead

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
04.2018 - 04.2022

Behavioral Health Utilization Manager

Superior HealthPlan (Centene)
09.2017 - 04.2018

Behavioral Health Utilization Manager

Cenpatico for Envolve PeopleCare (Centene)
11.2016 - 08.2017

Licensed Professional Counselor (Independent Contractor)

Exult Healthcare
09.2016 - 11.2016

Licensed Professional Counselor

Grace Counseling Center
07.2016 - 09.2016

Behavioral Health Case Worker

LifePath Systems
11.2014 - 06.2016

Clinical Case Manager

Metrocare Services (formerly LifeNet Texas)
02.2013 - 11.2014

Assessment Clinician Intern

Allen Psychological Center
08.2012 - 02.2013

Masters Psychology Practicum Student Clinician

Federal Medical Center, Carswell
07.2011 - 06.2012

Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of North Texas

Superior HealthPlan Core Value Achievement Award in Innovation (2nd quarter of 2020)

Awarded by the A.S.P.I.R.E. Committee and Mark Sanders, Plan President and CEO for demonstrating the core value of Innovation during the second quarter of 2020 for development and implementation of audit and performance tools and measures for community behavioral health providers

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Kristen K. CharronLicensed Professional Counselor
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