Laria Davis
Staunton,IL
Summary
MSW-trained Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience supporting diverse client populations, and managing the largest caseload within my program. Adept at teaching psychological concepts in both clinical and educational settings, simplifying complex ideas, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Areas of strength include positive psychology, child/adolescent mental health, and trauma-informed practice.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Counselor
Montgomery County Health Department
Hillsboro, IL
01.2022 - Current
- Passionate Mental Health Counselor dedicated to empowering children, adolescents, adults, and families to achieve meaningful progress in their mental health and overall well-being.
- Known for building strong, trusting relationships, and providing compassionate, client-centered care to a diverse caseload of 60+ individuals.
- Experienced in delivering individual, group, and family counseling, as well as case management and community support, while educating clients on their diagnoses to foster understanding and growth.
- Committed to developing individualized treatment plans that honor each client’s unique needs, ensuring access to the highest quality clinical services.
Crisis Leader
Montgomery County Health Department
Hillsboro, IL
01.2022 - Current
- Participated in monthly on-call rotation of 168–336 hours, providing leadership during behavioral health emergencies.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement, hospitals, and 988 hotline for timely information on individuals in crisis.
- Communicated crucial details to Engagement Specialist to create tailored response plans ensuring safety.
- Employed trauma-informed de-escalation strategies during crisis calls to mitigate tensions effectively.
Managed hospitalizations when required, completing all necessary petitions and documentation.
Maintained alignment of crisis procedures with organizational policies and best-practice standards.
Youth Substance Use Clinician
Chestnut Health Systems
Maryville, IL
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Fostered supportive client rapport, encouraging trust and participation in program activities.
- Supervised residential clients during afternoon and evening schedules to maintain safety and consistency.
- Delivered individualized guidance through group sessions and one-on-one support, improving emotional regulation.
- Designed engaging nightly educational groups focused on accountability, skill development, and personal growth.
- Supported clients in establishing healthy boundaries with others to promote interpersonal skills.
- Ensured confidentiality of client information by following organizational protocols and ethical standards.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues to create a positive work culture that enhanced program outcomes.
- Prepared meals while adhering to sanitation standards, ensuring compliance with dietary requirements.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
12.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
12.2020
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Diagnosis and documentation
- Crisis intervention
- Client assessment
- Virtual meeting facilitation
- Individual and group therapy
- Building rapport
- Client advocacy
- Marriage and family therapy
- Cultural competence
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and organization
- Decision making
- Time management
- Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor
Montgomery County Health Department
01.2022 - Current
Crisis Leader
Montgomery County Health Department
01.2022 - Current
Youth Substance Use Clinician
Chestnut Health Systems
09.2021 - 12.2021
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale