Kristina L. Wells
West Palm Beach
Summary
Accomplished, licensed therapist with extensive experience in defining and developing substance abuse, and mental health care strategies and programs. Leading top teams in clinical management, operations management, and project management roles, implementing effective curricula for substance abuse programs, and programs for severely mentally ill children and adults. Entrepreneurial, self-starter, and independent thinker rooted in processes and system development; designs unique sessions pulling from expertise in various forms of therapy, including EMDR. Exceptional communicator and team motivator, with an eye for detail, and an ability to meet clients where they are for true and lasting change. Welcome to major challenges!
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Utilization Review Clinician
Centene/Sunshine Health Plan
West Palm Beach
09.2018 - Current
- Provide clinical oversight of patient needs and monitor medical necessity for inpatient psychiatric treatment and authorize appropriate mental health/substance abuse treatment.
- Understand severe mental health/substance abuse, diagnosing and the DSM-V.
- Speak to UR nurses at hospitals to discuss patient and to review symptoms and treatment plan. Knowledge and experience working with severe mental health issues that consist of suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, hallucinations, violence, substance abuse.
- Authorize treatment based on mental health guidelines outlined by InterQual Review Manager. Provide clinical recommendations to assist facility in providing the best treatment possible.
- Clear understanding of required staffing of cases with the clinical team and Medical Director.
- Work closely with my supervisor to maintain required documentation for Medicaid patients.
- Discuss severely mentally ill patients with Medical Director and set up doctor to doctor reviews as well as complete peer to peer reviews when patient does not meet the requirements for inpatient level of care.
- Complete required documentation for concurrent reviews and maintain the standards outlines for inpatient level of care.
- Excellent problem solving skills and work to ensure patients are getting the care they need in the hospital.
- Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and maintain a ‘can do’ attitude.
Private Practice Therapist
Gateway Counseling Center
Boynton Beach
01.2016 - 06.2021
- Delivered clinical treatment for couples and individuals facing depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Utilized EMDR trauma counseling methods to achieve significant therapeutic outcomes.
- Conducted assessments and diagnoses of mental health disorders following DSM-5 criteria.
- Supervised trainee therapists, enhancing their understanding of counseling theory and practice.
- Performed crisis intervention services for clients in acute emotional distress.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to improve communication and strengthen relationships.
- Counseled parents on child-rearing challenges, offering practical coping strategies.
- Employed various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy.
Clinical Director
Unity Recovery Center
North Palm Beach
02.2017 - 05.2018
- Oversaw clinical operations for 40-bed facility focusing on PHP and IOP programming.
- Developed comprehensive treatment programs to improve patient care outcomes.
- Trained and supervised therapists in documentation practices and clinical supervision standards.
- Facilitated individual therapy sessions and clinical groups to support patient needs.
- Administered EMDR therapy as part of recovery strategies when appropriate.
Compliance Director & Clinical Director
Dream Recovery International
Boca Raton
11.2015 - 10.2016
- Clinical Director and Clinical Compliance Director for a 20-bed facility, specializing in clinical PHP and IOP programming and treatment for substance abuse, mental health disorders, and eating disorders.
- Reviewed all clinical charts for DCF, Joint Commission, and Insurance Compliance.
- Trained and supervised therapists on best practices for providing clear and concise documentation, clinical guidance, and supervision.
- Provided clinical groups to clients, as well as individual therapy.
- Worked closely with the Utilization Review (UR) department, making sure documentation and insurance requirements were met.
Clinical Director
The Gardens At Lake Worth treatment center
Lake Worth
05.2014 - 11.2015
- Oversaw clinical programming, ensuring compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Led a team of four therapists and two case managers in developing clinical curriculum for inpatient PHP and IOP programs.
- Conducted quality assurance checks to meet DCF and Joint Commission standards.
- Delivered EMDR therapy to clients experiencing trauma and PTSD.
- Administered individual and family therapy to support client recovery.
Director of Program Operations
Children’s Home Society
West Palm Beach
05.2013 - 04.2014
- Oversight of all clinical practices, budget, contractual requirements, and day-to-day operations of residential programming for children ages 10 to 18 years old, a 10-bed program for pregnant women, and a 14-bed therapeutic foster group home for girls.
- Assist with the development and implementation of new programs; identify grants, and other funding sources; participate in fundraising and grant writing activities.
- Ensured all programs met CHS, COA, licensing, contractual, and quality assurance outcome standards.
- Assisted in the development and regular monitoring of the program budgets.
- Established and maintained collaborative relationships with community agencies, representing the agency in community meetings.
Director of Women’s Residential Services
CARP treatment center
West Palm Beach
06.2012 - 11.2012
- Directed and oversaw all clinical practices in a 48-bed women’s residential drug rehabilitation program, specifically geared toward individuals ordered to treatment by the Department of Corrections. Levels of care included detox, PHP, IOP, and OP.
- Monitored and maintained facility standards required by the Department of Children and Families, as well as the Department of Corrections.
- Monitored and provided close clinical supervision to four therapists to provide state-mandated treatment for severe substance abuse.
Clinical Director
Palm Beach Institute
West Palm Beach
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Managed clinical operations for 80-bed substance abuse and eating disorder treatment center, overseeing detox and various service levels.
- Developed clinical curriculum approved by Florida State and JCAHO for substance abuse programs.
- Provided licensed supervision for registered interns and college students during practicum hours.
- Delivered individual therapy sessions to clients as needed.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to support client recovery.
- Supervised all aspects of clinical treatment from admissions through discharge.
- Collaborated with medical team to ensure patient comfort during detoxification process.
- Conducted family sessions to educate on addiction, trauma, and recovery expectations.
Program Director
Parent-Child Center
Riviera Beach
09.2006 - 03.2012
- Facilitated a 16-bed transitional living program for young adults aging out of foster care.
- Developed program rules and procedures based on successful models from various states.
- Reported monthly results to State of Florida to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Provided crisis intervention, individual therapy, and group therapy to support youth needs.
- Presented program to community providers to enhance referral networks and public awareness.
Senior Clinical Program Director
Alternate Family Care
Jupiter
01.2003 - 09.2006
- Supervised all clinical and administrative staff and foster parents for a population of 140 severely emotionally disturbed children.
- Attended juvenile court hearings to testify on behalf of the child’s needs.
- Provided the courts with recommendations regarding reunification with biological parents, evaluating current and future treatment needs.
- Oversaw clinical utilization management systems.
- Assisted the Director of Clinical Services in quality assurance development and training to JCAHO and Medicaid Standards.
Education
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
St. Thomas University
01.2001
Bachelor of Arts -
University of South Florida
01.1998
Skills
- Utilization review expertise
- Substance abuse counseling
- Trauma therapy techniques
- EMDR therapy
- Eating disorder treatment
- Multi-site management
- Grant writing skills
- Project management
- Clinical process improvement
- Operations management
- Member of AAMFT
- Expert witness in trauma cases
- Computer proficiency
- Recovery literature knowledge
- ASAM criteria application
- Clinical licensing supervisior for MFT and MHC
- Tier EMR expertise
License
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Florida, MT 2035
Additional Accolades
- Clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- Qualified clinical supervisor for MFT & MHC through the state of Florida
- Kipu, Zen and Tier EMR
Key Skills And Accomplishments
- Clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- Expert witness in childhood trauma in Palm Beach County Courts
- Certified in hypnosis therapy and EMDR therapy
- Computer Literate all Microsoft Office Suites, Excel, Social, and Web-Research
- Proficient in 12 Step and Recovery based literature as well as ASAM criteria
- Dedicated clinical supervisor for MFT and MHC through the State of Florida
- Experienced in Tru Care, Kipu, Zen, Best Notes and Tier EMR
Certification
- licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Qualified supervisor in state of Florida for registered interns in marriage and family and mental health counselors seeking licensure.
- EMDR certified
- trauma therapist
Timeline
Utilization Review Clinician
Centene/Sunshine Health Plan
09.2018 - Current
Clinical Director
Unity Recovery Center
02.2017 - 05.2018
Private Practice Therapist
Gateway Counseling Center
01.2016 - 06.2021
Compliance Director & Clinical Director
Dream Recovery International
11.2015 - 10.2016
Clinical Director
The Gardens At Lake Worth treatment center
05.2014 - 11.2015
Director of Program Operations
Children’s Home Society
05.2013 - 04.2014
Director of Women’s Residential Services
CARP treatment center
06.2012 - 11.2012
Clinical Director
Palm Beach Institute
03.2012 - 06.2012
Program Director
Parent-Child Center
09.2006 - 03.2012
Senior Clinical Program Director
Alternate Family Care
01.2003 - 09.2006
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
St. Thomas University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of South Florida
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