Laura Cotter
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Dedicated substance use disorder counselor skilled in conducting clinical assessments and delivering therapeutic services to diverse populations. Demonstrated ability to develop effective treatment plans and collaborate with healthcare professionals to support holistic recovery and client well-being.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Substance Use Disorder Counseling Intern
Jade Wellness
05.2025 - Current
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions, enhancing client engagement in recovery.
- Evaluated client physical and mental behaviors to create tailored treatment and recovery plans.
- Monitored client progress over time to ensure effective treatment outcomes.
- Facilitated collaboration with interdisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists and social workers, to coordinate client care.
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Liaison
Human Services Administration Organization
12.2024 - Current
- Conducted screenings for youth through the SAP process, providing advocacy, assessment, outreach, and resource linkage to support clients and families.
- Identified and linked behavioral health and substance use needs for referred children and adolescents, facilitating access to necessary support.
- Assisted in identifying non-academic barriers to learning and collaborated with families to refer community services, enhancing student school success.
Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Case Manager
Human Services Administration Organization
02.2022 - 12.2024
- Conducts interviews utilizing the appropriate assessment practices to obtain the necessary information from the client, families, and/or involved collateral for the identification of services needed.
- Determines appropriate funding arrangements and authorizes services for clients with drug or alcohol needs.
- Utilizes and promotes recovery principles in an effort to promote client’s resiliency and recovery.
- Maintains monthly contact with all clients and providers/system partners.
- Participated in meetings with system partners to discuss client needs and services.
- Complies with and adheres to HIPAA and Drug and Alcohol confidentiality policies.
- Coordinates with families, providers, Children Youth and Families, Juvenile Probation, educational systems and any other community partners as necessary to contribute to client’s success. Attends all ancillary meetings with systems involved (court hearings, permanency planning, IEP etc.).
- Advocated for educational support by attending school meetings and providing technical assistance.
Assistant Manager/Stylist
Sport Clips
Greensburg, USA
06.2015 - 02.2022
- Deliver high-quality haircuts tailored to client preferences.
- Supervised stylist operations to enhance team efficiency and service quality.
- Addressed client concerns and staff disputes to maintain a positive work environment.
- Review performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
- Trained new employees on computer systems and sanitation protocols for consistent service delivery.
Education
Masters of Arts - Clinical Addictions Counseling
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA05-2026
Bachelors of Science - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA01-2020
Skills
- Substance abuse treatment strategies
- Medication-assisted treatment knowledge
- Crisis intervention
- Mental health counseling
- Motivational interviewing
- Behavioral therapy and interventions
- Client screening and assessment
- Client-centered treatment planning
- Behavioral therapy
- Group therapy facilitation
- Group curriculum development and implementation
- Documentation and reporting
- Case management and service coordination
- Collaboration with families and providers
- Educational advocacy
- Knowledge of juvenile welfare systems
- Juvenile welfare knowledge
- Interpersonal skills
- Substance abuse strategies
- CBT techniques
- Client-centered planning
References
- Jennifer Ackerman, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, ACS, ATCS, Jade Wellness Clinical Supervisor, 412-380-0100 ext 403
- Steven Gradeck, LAPC, Jade Wellness Mentoring Therapist, 412-736-1682
- Roslynn Zielinski, LPC, HSAO Child and Adolescent Unit Manager, 412-639-1488
- Angela Fratangelo, MA, HSAO SAP Supervisor, 412-639-2203
- Shannon Sommers, M.A., CAAP, CCJ, HSAO DA Unit Manager, 412-496-9082
Timeline
Substance Use Disorder Counseling Intern
Jade Wellness
05.2025 - Current
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Liaison
Human Services Administration Organization
12.2024 - Current
Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Case Manager
Human Services Administration Organization
02.2022 - 12.2024
Assistant Manager/Stylist
Sport Clips
06.2015 - 02.2022
Masters of Arts - Clinical Addictions Counseling
Waynesburg University
Bachelors of Science - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Indiana University of Pennsylvania