Lacy Swank
LAKEWOOD,CO
Summary
Experienced Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years in behavioral health and a focus on emergency psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, and suicide risk evaluation. Conducts trauma-informed assessments, coordinates inpatient admissions, and collaborates with healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care. Provides staff debriefing and clinician support while educating multidisciplinary teams to enhance care processes and patient outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assessment and Referral Specialist
Lutheran Medical Center
Wheat Ridge
07.2018 - Current
- Diagnosed and managed various mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders to enhance patient well-being, modifying care plans based on ongoing evaluations.
- Oversaw behavioral health consultations for patients and caregivers, ensuring appropriate support. Executed psychosocial assessments to facilitate patient care. Implemented crisis intervention strategies and bereavement support as necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
- Coordinated care transitions for patients to ensure seamless clinical continuity and promote improved long-term health outcomes.
- Facilitated referrals for other services such as community resources, treatment programs, support groups, psychiatrists, or other mental health providers.
- Managed comprehensive record-keeping of referral processes through effective use of electronic health record systems.
- Ensured clear communication with patients to streamline referral processes and enhance follow-up appointment adherence.
- Facilitated collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and service delivery.
- Built professional relationships with service providers and external healthcare facilities, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care coordination.
- Worked with the multidisciplinary team to develop a discharge plan to provide further care, services, and referrals to ensure continuity of care.
- Educates, communicates, and coordinates with multiple patient care teams and outside agencies as necessary to ensure the patient receives quality care.
- Delivered emotional support and organized debriefing sessions to enhance resilience among emergency department personnel after high-stress events.
Licensed Crisis Clinician
Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH)
Wheat Ridge
01.2015 - 02.2023
- Conducted emergency mental health evaluations at designated internal and external sites following JCMH policies.
- Determines need for higher level of care (Inpatient, CSU, Teller Place) based on JCMH practices, Colorado Crisis Service guidelines and CRS 27-65
- Facilitated admissions to inpatient facilities and Teller Place, completing Medicaid authorizations to ensure timely access to care
- Acknowledged and adapted to the diverse cultural and linguistic requirements of clients and their families to enhance communication.
- Guided clients through therapeutic exercises rooted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Motivational Interviewing to promote mental health resilience.
Mental Health Counselor
Children's Hospital Colorado
06.2010 - 01.2015
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Conducted patient intake interviews to collect critical information for personalized treatment plans.
- Collaborated with treatment teams on a daily basis to develop and refine patient care plans and treatment goals.
- Monitored and documented client behavior and responses to therapy to inform ongoing treatment adjustments.
- Displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served.
- Consistently communicated with other team members in a therapeutic, helpful and constructive manner.
Youth Treatment Counselor / Case Manager
Family Tree Gemini
Lakewood
10.2005 - 08.2010
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Worked with runaway, homeless, and at risk adolescence.
- Provided in-home case management for clients and their families.
- Facilitated prevention and intervention presentations at middle and high schools in Adams, Boulder, and Jefferson Counties, enhancing community understanding of mental health issues.
- Developed goal-oriented psycho-educational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Organized outreach events with local agencies, fostering collaboration to raise awareness of mental health services and referral options in the community.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, developing tailored treatment plans and connecting clients and families to essential resources for improved outcomes.
- Conducted treatment groups aimed at improving clients' coping skills and emotional well-being. and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues.
- Oversaw daily activities at a residential treatment center to support adolescents struggling with behavioral and mental health issues.
- Facilitated prevention and intervention presentations within Adams, Boulder, and Jefferson County middle and high schools.
- Supervised daily activities at a residential treatment center to ensure a safe environment for adolescents. at a residential treatment center to support adolescents struggling with behavioral and mental health issues.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
Regis University
Denver01-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metro State College
Denver01-2005
Skills
- Medical terminology
- Physician authorizations
- Prior authorizations
- HIPAA regulations
- Epic charts
- Patient assessment
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Basic life support for health care providers (BLS)
- Active listening
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor - Active
Timeline
Assessment and Referral Specialist
Lutheran Medical Center
07.2018 - Current
Licensed Crisis Clinician
Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH)
01.2015 - 02.2023
Mental Health Counselor
Children's Hospital Colorado
06.2010 - 01.2015
Youth Treatment Counselor / Case Manager
Family Tree Gemini
10.2005 - 08.2010
Master of Arts - Counseling
Regis University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metro State College