Mariza Mendoza LCSW,126323
Watsonville,CA
Summary
Bilingual therapist specializing in behavioral, mental, and emotional health. Proven ability to build trusting relationships with clients, facilitating effective communication and support. Experienced in advocating for individuals and families facing addiction and mental health challenges. Committed to delivering compassionate care and tailored therapeutic strategies.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
Gardner Health Services, A California Health
06.2021 - Current
- Managed caseload of 36 adult and older adult clients under SCC supervision.
- Provided substance use treatment services including individual and group psychotherapy.
- Guided clients through therapeutic exercises utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
- Conducted intakes, ASAM assessments, and culturally sensitive treatment plans to address addiction.
- Determined DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnoses for adults experiencing substance use challenges.
- Advocated for clients by collaborating with Parole Officers and Crisis Centers for quality care.
- Maintained current electronic health records to ensure accurate documentation of client progress.
- Trained and supervised interns in clinical documentation and feedback for professional development.
Mental Health Clinician Intern
FURTE Wraparound, Encompass Community Services
(831) 316-2205, Wraparound@encompasscs.org
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered individual counseling services to youth under youth court supervision, focusing on strength-based goals.
- Facilitated psychoeducational sessions for parents and guardians to address youth challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to devise effective care plans for at-risk youth.
- Employed evidence-based practices like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in counseling sessions.
- Established linkages and referrals to mental health advocacy organizations for additional support.
- Developed engaging group curriculum topics that encouraged youth exploration of skills and interests.
- Provided crisis intervention services, including thorough risk assessments and safety planning.
- Actively contributed to team meetings for regular case discussions and coordination.
Outpatient Counselor
Encompass Community Services
831-226-3728, 380 Encinal St, Suite 200 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
04.2020 - 05.2021
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions for clients in DUI and outpatient treatment programs.
- Promoted positive behavior change through cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Created an atmosphere of trust where clients felt safe discussing personal matters.
- Performed intake assessments using American Society for Addiction Medicine Assessment tool.
- Developed individualized treatment plans with measurable goals in collaboration with clients.
- Maintained up-to-date chart documentation in electronic health record system (AVATAR).
- Guided clients through effective therapeutic exercises based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to enhance peer support and engagement.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted treatment strategies as necessary.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and recovery resources.
DFCS DEPENDENCY INVESTIGATOR INTERN
Santa Clara County Social Services
(408) 758-3440, South County – Gilroy
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Educated families on developmental milestones and integrated interventions into daily routines.
- Conducted safety and risk assessments to ensure child well-being.
- Collaborated with community partners to evaluate and link families with appropriate services.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings from investigations of reported incidents.
- Provided case management services connecting children and parents with mental health providers.
- Worked with field instructor to review and write comprehensive court reports.
- Attended training sessions to remain updated on investigative trends and technologies.
- Informed clients about available resources and support services.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Supervisor Intern
CASA of Santa Cruz County
(831) 761-2956, 813 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Advocated for children's best interests in court proceedings and legal settings.
- Supported advocates using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches with families and children.
- Coached advocates on navigating case challenges, boundaries, and maintaining professional conduct.
- Supervised writing of court reports, offering recommendations and edits as needed.
- Collaborated with attorneys, judges, social workers to coordinate child support efforts.
- Prepared detailed reports with findings and recommendations for court review.
- Attended court hearings to provide insights on child welfare cases.
- Developed strong relationships with children and families to address needs.
Lead Counselor
Janus of Santa Cruz
(831) 462-1060, 200 7th Ave Ste 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Led team of 12 addiction counselors while managing caseload of 20 patients.
- Coached counseling staff in creating individualized, trauma-informed treatment plans.
- Provided training and constructive feedback to support onboarding of new staff.
- Conducted monthly audits on counselors' documentation in AVATAR electronic system.
- Facilitated weekly staff meetings to discuss quality improvement and documentation standards.
- Assisted with crisis intervention and developed individualized discharge plans for clients.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to enhance client care and treatment strategies.
- Monitored medication adherence and recommended dosage adjustments when necessary.
Mental Health Therapist School Intern
Pajaro Valley School Prevention/Ann Soldo Elementary School
(831) 728-6445, 411 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076-4424 ·
01.2016 - 06.2017
- Delivered one-on-one counseling services to students aged five to twelve, developing strength-based goals tailored to individual needs.
- Facilitated social and emotional support groups, teaching coping strategies and behavior modification techniques.
- Provided psychoeducation to parents and guardians during collateral sessions, assisting them in addressing children’s challenges.
- Collaborated with principals, psychologists, RSP specialists, and parents to enhance academic performance for students facing behavioral issues.
- Assessed risk and safety, making Child Protective Services reports when necessary.
- Utilized evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in individual and family counseling sessions.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to improve social skills and foster peer relationships.
- Participated in multidisciplinary meetings to create coordinated comprehensive care plans.
Education
MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK -
San Jose State University
01.2021
BACHELORS OF SOCIAL WORK -
San Jose State University
01.2017
ASSOCIATES DEGREE OF HUMAN SERVICES -
Cabrillo College
01.2015
Skills
- Strong verbal and written English and Spanish skills
- Cultural competency practices
- Avatar Electronic Health Record
- EHR, electronic health record
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Medical documentation
- Active listener
- Critical thinker
- Interpersonal
- Collaboration
- Proactiveness
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Strong work ethic
- Case assessment
- Case notes
- Case plan
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker 126323
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Training
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Trauma Informed Approach
- Relapse Prevention
- Crisis Safety Planning
- Risk and Safety Assessments
- Psychosocial assessment
- ASAM assessment
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Gardner Health Services, A California Health
06.2021 - Current
Mental Health Clinician Intern
FURTE Wraparound, Encompass Community Services
01.2021 - 12.2021
DFCS DEPENDENCY INVESTIGATOR INTERN
Santa Clara County Social Services
09.2020 - 12.2020
Outpatient Counselor
Encompass Community Services
04.2020 - 05.2021
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Supervisor Intern
CASA of Santa Cruz County
01.2019 - 05.2020
Lead Counselor
Janus of Santa Cruz
09.2017 - 08.2019
Mental Health Therapist School Intern
Pajaro Valley School Prevention/Ann Soldo Elementary School
01.2016 - 06.2017
MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK -
San Jose State University
BACHELORS OF SOCIAL WORK -
San Jose State University
ASSOCIATES DEGREE OF HUMAN SERVICES -
Cabrillo College