La-Thea Davis
Rancho Cucamonga,US
Summary
Empathetic Clinical Therapist with extensive experience providing crisis intervention, psychological evaluations and psychotherapy services to children, adolescents and adults. Expertise in PTSD, sexual assault and other trauma-related disorders. Understanding and compassionate professional committed to performing all duties in accordance with customary rules of ethics. Extensive military background with creating small and large audience targeted teachings. Able to create engaging curriculum to increase participation. Effective written and verbal communication. Frequently sought for consultation by colleagues on challenges cases.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Therapist II
Riverside County Mental Health
2016.03 - Current
- Prepared and maintained comprehensive progress notes to be used by treatment team to support client in normal and elevated mindsets.
- Assisted Transitional Age Youth consumers in improving self-esteem, communication and coping skills.
- Delivered quality, comprehensive and well-integrated clinical services in alignment with patient needs.
- Completed assessments and planned customized treatments, applying wide range of resources.
- Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Collected information about individuals or clients using interviews, observational techniques and other assessment methods.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Compiled detailed client histories using intake forms, interviews and assessments to build complete picture for determining optimal therapeutic approaches.
- Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
- Offered perspective on effectiveness of treatments concerning conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Referred clients to other specialists, institutions or support services as necessary.
- Leveraged excellent oral and written communication skills to interact professionally with staff and clients.
- Provided guidance and oversight to Behavioral Health Specialists and Peer Support Specialists with handling complex cases by consulting on psychological diagnoses and treatments.
- Identified indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior or maladjustment through direct observation.
- Offered specific advice to help clients work through educational or occupational issues.
- Helped clients obtain outside specialist services by coordinating referrals and advising on options.
- Evaluated and completed 5150 holds to ensure safety to client and community at large.
- Oversaw curriculum development and implementation in alignment with consumer needs.
- Customized teaching styles, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Communicated student progress to parents and guardians for collaborative approach to educational and behavioral goals.
- Instructed and coached students to help overcome academic issues and personal challenges.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Interacted with clients and support systems to identify mental health needs and determine how to support during crisis.
Social Services Worker V
Riverside
2015.07 - 2016.03
- Interviewed clients, relatives and caregivers to gather personal, medical, social, and psychological information deemed relevant to assess for physical, mental health, or emotional disorders
- Prescribed changes to existing care plans to help caregivers support clients to develop and maintain independence in major areas of life, to include psychological, economic, educational, vocational, physical, social and housing needs
- Assessed developmental tasks and explained how to support client's families with follow up call to ensure unmet needs were identified.
- Worked alongside and sought the guidance of more senior clinicians and staffed cases with them to help broaden my base of knowledge.
- Maintained a close working relationship with community agencies to ensure our client’s needs were met immediately to allow the client to remain safely in their home
- In assessing the client, I interacted with the family members to ensure their needs were being met and helped them to understand the diagnosis as well provide psychoeducation on the diagnoses and resources to facilitate a transition from one developmental task to another
- Supported the consumer and family to understand and choose an option for mental health treatment
- Referred and coordinated individual and group therapy sessions for the client as well as their family members
- Established and fostered a relationship with local mental health providers and hospitals to ensure a near seamless transition to inpatient status should the need arise
- Prepared narrative and written correspondence to provide attending physicians as well as future clinicians with relevant history of the client
- Identified the current condition and outlined options of care for the client as well as the family
- Attended mental health conference calls
- Assessed and made determinations with the assistance of peers and supervisor on Tarasoff cases and participated in expediting care for those clients needing 5150 admissions
- Delivered comprehensive therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults to support child welfare and prevention services.
Couple and Family Therapy Intern
Catholic Charities
2014.07 - 2015.06
- Interviewed consumers, their family members and any others involved with the client for instance, child welfare social workers and school counselors, to gather personal and social information relevant to assessing the client’s mental or emotional state.
- Developed service plans for consumers that fostered growth in psychological, economical, vocational, educational, physical and emotional health needs as well as social and housing.
- Coordinated with staff members and community agencies in carrying out and designing treatment or rehabilitation plans.
- Led discussions on how to identify and implement community resources to lessen stigma of mental health.
- Created and facilitated quarterly job preparation classes.
- Evaluated pre-existing programs and provided feedback and structure on how to strengthen programs and increase community involvement.
- Increased community outreach efforts to support consumers in less visited areas.
- Taught psychoeducational classes on various diagnoses and provided additional information and support to family members to help the family adjust to the client’s behaviors and needs.
- Explained to the consumer as well as their family members, options for them in treating the mental health issues.
- Worked alongside team members and supervisors in learning and conducting Tarasoff assessments and 5150 admissions.
- Initiated and conducted initial family and group therapy session as well as established and maintained contact with various local mental health resources.
- Prepared and wrote correspondence on behalf of the client and participated in conferences locally as well as out of town.
- Documented therapeutic goals and client progress.
- Maintained client confidentiality to protect patient privacy.
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to deliver successful treatment.
- Supported clients in developing coping skills to help patients manage life challenges and difficulties.
- Attended continued education sessions to maintain professional standards and stay up-to-date with new developments.
- Addressed cultural and diversity issues to provide clients with culturally responsive care.
- Helped clients work through emotional and psychological issues in both individual and group therapy sessions.
- Facilitated support groups, supporting safe and collaborative environments for clients.
- Raised awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma through community education and outreach.
Couple and Family Therapy Trainee
San Diego Rescue Mission
2012.06 - 2013.08
- Provided assessment, counseling and psychoeducational services to indigent clients and their families.
- Gathered personal and social data relevant to assess their mental and emotional need.
- Created and used genograms as part of treatment strategies to foster growth and development in clients to support them on their path to independent living.
- Identified housing need, as well as the need for psychological, economic, vocational, educational and physical stability.
- Taught psychoeducational classes on various DSM-IV-TR diagnoses as well as behavior modification techniques to support clients and their family members to effectively manage the client’s diagnoses.
- Led discussions in supervision groups, conferences, and local committees and events that provided peer support while learning various theoretical perspectives that broadened my base of knowledge in dealing with chronic mental health issues.
- Prepared reports for, coordinated and attended initial and periodic follow-up psychiatric appointments with clients to help client present a full picture of how medications were impacting their current diagnosis.
- Worked alongside peer therapists, social workers and psychologists to refer clients for care after completing Tarasoff assessments and determining the need for 5150 admissions.
- Worked with couples, families and children in defining familial roles and supporting adults in parenting roles while supporting children in learning to identify their needs and have their needs met with minimal discord in the family.
- Collaborated with other mental health professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans.
- Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional relationships with clients.
- Conducted intake and assessments to formulate treatment plan and manage client records.
- Educated clients and families on importance of mental health and self-care.
Superintendent of Clinical Services Supervisor
United States Air Force
2008.08 - 2011.07
- Co-facilitated high risk treatment groups and served as lead instructor targeting relapse behaviors among incarcerated individuals.
- As superintendent, I annually evaluated, trained and corrected assigned personnel in accordance with published standards.
- Created training protocol for newly arriving. personnel and monitored the progress of incumbents.
- Assigned duties included, but not limited to writing performance appraisals and determining corrective actions as needed.
- Prepared, submitted and maintained reports, files and records required for audits.
- Utilized feedback/hotwash from Department of Defense inspection team to improve departmental management of critical administrative and personnel files.
- Interviewed inmates to determine what their needs would be once released from the facility.
- Helped inmates to identify their psychological, economic, vocational, educational, physical, health, social, and housing needs.
- All needs were met with individualized plans for the area they were being released too.
- Provided information on the need/requirement to register as well as a point of contact to help them with the registry and transition process.
- Supported inmates with individual and group sessions on identifying and dealing with socially inappropriate behaviors and how to manage negative emotions that might arise.
- Provided individual counsel for inmates the staff identified as special needs consumers to help enrich their verbal skills and become more expressive when they felt overwhelmed by their emotions.
- Developed service plans for the detainee that was designed to be implemented upon release to help with securing a job to reduce the risk of recidivism.
- Provided incarcerated sex offenders with an updated list of providers in the areas they are to be released to so they can continue with treatment for their prescribed sex offense crime.
- Attended quarterly multi-disciplinary community-based focus groups designed to identify and update members on new risks and treatment options for transitioning inmates.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with consumers, recordkeeping and data entry for increased efficiency.
- Established administrative work procedures to track staff's daily tasks.
- Identified and recommended changes to existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and quality service.
- Transcribed and organized information to assist in preparing speeches and presentations.
Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
United States Air Force
2003.08 - 2008.08
- As the lead substance abuse counselor, I facilitated weekly treatment and aftercare groups for up to 10 clients
- Trained and supervised incumbent mental health technicians on assessing, providing counseling and initiating referrals for clients identified for care
- Interviewed clients, family members and supervisors to establish a more fully developed picture of the person
- Used a biopsychosocial assessment approach to garner information to determine an individualized treatment plan for the client
- In developing a service/treatment plan, I was able to help the client identify areas in their psychological, vocational, educational, physical, health, social and housing needs where that may require additional support and assistance
- In addition to discussions in group settings, I met regularly with clients for individual sessions to discuss issues not appropriate for group dynamics
- All care provided was captured in their clinic charts
- This written report was used to create correspondence needed for the governing command to make a decision around retaining the member on active duty status
- This clinical documentation was used during quarterly interdisciplinary team meeting, attended by staff from other healthcare agencies, i.e., physician, nutritionist, and social worker, to monitor the client's progress and consult/refer clients to higher levels of care if deemed appropriate
- In working with community healthcare agencies and sister services, consultation and referral to residential programs were made
- While working with those transitioning from the military, I facilitated referrals to Veteran Affairs and home of record agencies to assist the member in securing care once their military entitlements expired
- Clients were assessed for involuntary hospitalizations as well as Tarasoff reportable behaviors routinely
- Upon arrival, I created a tool and trained junior counselors on using it to appropriately refer a patient to higher level of care.
- Created a referral listing for community or military treatment programs.
- As lead counselor for the base, I briefed audiences of up to 300 on triggers, causes and consequences of uncontrolled substance use
- I briefed local and detached commanders, first sergeants and department heads on identifying and preventing trends in their units
- These interventions led to increased walk-in patrons requesting our six-hour educational workshops on how to self-assess and address substance use before it became problematic
- Created a multipurpose user-friendly biopsychosocial assessment tool that allowed for in-depth questioning to facilitate referrals to appropriate levels of care
- Created a treatment referral binder to streamline this process
- The by-name identification of the liaison and their role in the referral process was also captured
- Successfully secured treatment for enlisted, officer and civilian personnel and developed aftercare plans that allowed members to maintain sobriety while deployed or to return to their full duties.
- This tool was assessed during the Health Services Inspection and garnered the treatment program a rating of Outstanding.
Certified Addictions Counselor
Tripler Army Medical Center
1997.09 - 2003.09
- Co-facilitated five substance abuse groups, conducted three educational workshops, and expertly managed a caseload of no less than five high-risk clients for individual counseling sessions
- During these individual sessions, I helped the patient address treatment goals directed at establishing sobriety, incorporating sober leisure activities and addressing familial issues
- I ensured comprehensive documentation of patient care services was captured in the SOAP format, to include consultation and referral to members of other healthcare agencies
- I worked with the departmental interdisciplinary treatment team that included psychiatrist, psychologists and social workers to create liaisons with hospital management team to ensure FY funding for further development of our program activities
- Using the bio-psycho-social assessment model, I effectively used the DSM criteria to determine a diagnosis of dependence or abuse
- Employing criteria established by American Society for Addictive Medicine, I determined the appropriate level of care for the patient and consulted the treatment team to further support the need for a higher level of treatment or a lower level of education
- After assessing the client, family members and supportive persons in the client’s life, I thoroughly documented and facilitated the patients’ transition to the best suited level of care
- Coordination and consultation for care, as well as establishing liaisons with other healthcare agencies for elderly, retiring or separating personnel, was a primary duty
- I trained interns in the Master’s level Social Worker programs at the local universities
- Developed three classes and sharpened my skills as an instructor
- Lauded by JCAHO when appropriate clinical documentation of patient care services was being assessed
- As a lead instructor, I created an educational presentation that taught creating, identifying and respecting boundaries as well as workshops that taught incorporating sober leisure activities into their lives and addressing intimacy in recovery.
- The treatment program was rated as Outstanding on both JCAHO inspections while I was assigned
- Social Worker students were able to utilize skills learned in the groups to further their base of knowledge and expand their skills with working with a high risk adolescents as well as adults dealing with addiction.
- Collaborated with physicians to determine effective combination of therapy and medical treatments for patients in recovery.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Education
Licenses and Certifications: Parent and Child Therapy; Social Bases of Behavior, Marriage - Psychology
Alliant University
Master's Degree - Marriage and Family Therapy
Pepperdine University
12.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
Chaminade University
06.2002
Skills
- Chronic Disorders
- Training Skills
- Cognitive Behavior Practices
- Critical Thinking
- Session Documentation
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Grief Support
- Admission Procedures
- Therapy and Counseling
- DSM-IV Classification
- Project Requirements
- Juvenile Probation
Affiliations
Black Student Organization - Member
Delta Epsilon - Member
Timeline
Clinical Therapist II
Riverside County Mental Health
2016.03 - Current
Social Services Worker V
Riverside
2015.07 - 2016.03
Couple and Family Therapy Intern
Catholic Charities
2014.07 - 2015.06
Couple and Family Therapy Trainee
San Diego Rescue Mission
2012.06 - 2013.08
Superintendent of Clinical Services Supervisor
United States Air Force
2008.08 - 2011.07
Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
United States Air Force
2003.08 - 2008.08
Certified Addictions Counselor
Tripler Army Medical Center
1997.09 - 2003.09
Licenses and Certifications: Parent and Child Therapy; Social Bases of Behavior, Marriage - Psychology
Alliant University
Master's Degree - Marriage and Family Therapy
Pepperdine University
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
Chaminade University
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