MELINA SILVA
New York,NY
Summary
Dedicated MSW graduate and LMSW candidate passionate about mental health care, advocacy, and systemic change. Experienced in providing trauma-informed support to marginalized communities, including immigrants, trauma survivors, and crime victims. Skilled in crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessments, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve access to quality mental health services. Fluent in English and Portuguese with strong Spanish comprehension and conversational proficiency. Committed to ensuring all individuals receive compassionate, equitable care that empowers and validates their experiences.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychotherapist
AthenaPsych
06.2023 - Current
- Provide trauma-informed therapy to diverse populations, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address clients' needs, including referrals for legal, housing, and financial assistance.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments to guide individualized treatment plans.
- Advocate for clients' rights within various systems, ensuring access to supportive services.
- Complete documentation in compliance with Medicaid and OMH (Office of Mental Health) standards, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Maintain detailed and confidential clinical records to support continuity of care and meet audit requirements.
Social Work Intern
Minds Together PC
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed a caseload of 16+ clients, providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other challenges.
- Assisted immigrant and low-income clients in navigating mental health services while addressing cultural stigma.
- Drafted psychosocial assessments, progress notes, and reports for interdisciplinary use.
- Conducted outreach and psychoeducational programming to support underserved communities.
Social Work Intern
New York Presbyterian - Lang Youth Medical Program
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Provided case management for at-risk youth, conducting assessments to determine their needs and develop action plans.
- Led psychoeducational workshops for parents and adolescents on mental health topics.
- Supported crisis intervention efforts, ensuring participants were linked to appropriate resources.
Mental Health Counselor Intern
Healthy Thinking Therapy
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Shadowed staff and learned advanced work such as Psychological assessments and writing corresponding reports
- Assisted Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in conducting psychosocial assessments for undocumented immigrants seeking asylum.
- Observed and participated in client interviews, gathering critical information for legal reports used in asylum petitions.
- Translated and interpreted Portuguese and Spanish documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity for legal and clinical purposes.
- Maintained and organized confidential documentation for over 30 active cases, ensuring compliance with privacy standards.
- Provided emotional support and accessibility to clients navigating the asylum process, fostering a sense of safety and trust.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Columbia School of Social Work
New York, NY05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Neuroscience
Pace University
New York, NY05.2020
Skills
- Client Advocacy & Holistic Support
- Trauma-Informed Counseling
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Case Management & Documentation
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Community Outreach & Resource Linkage
- Motivational interviewing
- Multicultural competence
- Conflict resolution
Certification
- LMSW Candidate (Exam Scheduled)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid – National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- Adult Mental Health First Aid – National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- CPR/AED & First Aid (Adult, Child, and Baby) – American Red Cross
- Mandated Reporter Training (02/02/2025)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Psychotherapist
AthenaPsych
06.2023 - Current
Social Work Intern
Minds Together PC
09.2022 - 05.2023
Social Work Intern
New York Presbyterian - Lang Youth Medical Program
01.2022 - 09.2022
Mental Health Counselor Intern
Healthy Thinking Therapy
08.2021 - 01.2022
Master of Social Work -
Columbia School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Neuroscience
Pace University
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