- Exploring various forms of art, such as painting and teaching, to nurture creativity and personal growth in myself and empowering others
- Experimenting with different creative mediums, like acrylics and oils, fabric design, and mixed media, to expand skills and techniques
Melisa Phillips
Anniston
Summary
Behavioral health professional with comprehensive experience in delivering therapeutic support and developing tailored treatment plans. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to achieving measurable results. Reliable team player who adapts to changing needs, exhibiting strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Empathetic with hands-on experience providing quality psychological services in clinical and telehealth delivery methods. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Health Specialist
United Health Care / Optum
United States
03.2019 - 10.2025
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and develop individualized care plans through telehealth methods.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment delivery.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to improve patient mental health outcomes.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care strategies as necessary for optimal results.
- Provided crisis intervention support, ensuring safety and stability for patients in distress.
- Educated families on behavioral health resources and coping strategies to enhance support systems.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' mental health status to identify areas requiring targeted interventions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of behavioral health.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and interventions in the behavioral health setting.
- Designed tailored intervention protocols based on a comprehensive understanding of each client''s unique strengths, challenges, and goals. These included CBT and crisis intervention.
- Contributed to a positive organizational culture that fostered collaboration, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to client-centered care.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, interventions provided, and relevant clinical data for record-keeping purposes.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual client needs and preferences for optimal results.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach to care by encouraging clients to recognize and build upon their existing capabilities for positive change.
- Used [Software] to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, ensuring seamless delivery of services for clients.
- Educated clients on self-help strategies and coping skills to enhance resilience and promote long-term recovery.
Counselor, Curriculum Design, & Instruction
Contract
United States
01.2005 - 02.2019
- Responsibilities: Online course design & instruction for education centers in Atlanta. Courses include: Interpersonal Communication Strategies, Small Group and Team Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking, and Understanding Soft Business Skills. I also meet in office and home environments for counseling to determine what were among the diagnosis that were impacting their lives.
- In addition, I have worked as a seminar presenter for the University of Alabama, Department of Professional Development, Georgia Pacific Corporate Headquarters, the U.S. Marshall Service, DCH Regional Medical Center, Mercedes-Benz International, and others.
- Independent Contractor
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
DCH Regional Medical Center
Tuscaloosa, AL
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Responsibilities: I conducted new patient admissions and psychiatric assessments for level of care, daily assessments of each patient on my unit for stability, relationship building with others on the unit, physical issues, Meet one of one with each patient for individual counseling. Helped clients write a plan of progress that would give them measurable results. Our client base had a large number of ADHD adults with this underlying disorder at the base of what was causing much of their confusion, anger, feeling overwhelmed, conflict in personal and professional relationships, etc.
Adjunct Faculty: Management – Instructor/Guest Lecturer
The University of Alabama
01.1997 - 01.2004
- Responsibilities: Curriculum design and instruction for Interpersonal Communication Strategies. A challenging and creative course to teach, each section ranged from 40-50 upper level classman students In addition, I carried top departmental rankings on instructor evaluations.
- Culverhouse College of Commerce & Business Administration
- Department of Management and Marketing
- Developed and delivered engaging lecture materials to enhance student comprehension.
- Mentored undergraduate students in research methodologies and academic writing skills.
Adjunct Faculty: Interpersonal Communication – Instructor
The University of Alabama
01.1997 - 01.2004
- Responsibilities: Course design and instruction included Small Group and Team Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication In addition, I also participated in forensics coaching and competitive speaking events with my students.
- College of Communication
- Department of Communication Studies
Nursing Case Management: Graduate Fellow – Instructor & Research Associate
The University of Alabama
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Responsibilities: Grant writing and research in the area of health education specifically in the area of mental health and maternal/ child care were the focus of my responsibilities. It was my job to look at rural populations with barriers to education and health services, and design methods that would strengthen communities, develop networks for technology and computer access, and recruit health educators and providers. Risk management and performance improvement projects were developed for the Alabama State Board of Health as a result of my efforts.
- College of Nursing
- Department of Graduate Studies
Registered Nurse / Educator
Johnson City Medical Center
Johnson City, TN
01.1979 - 01.1990
- With vision and creativity, what began as a volunteer position coordinating a low-income maternity clinic in the basement of a local hospital is now a thriving program part of the Quillen-Dishner School of Medicine and the East Tennessee State University Center for Rural Health Nursing. Not only was my vision realized and exceeded, the program continues to grow in the hands of others. Clinics are now scattered throughout the mountains staffed with excellent health care providers. A strong focus is placed on education and Spanish interpreters serve the Hispanic migrant workers of the region. Though the term was not used at the time, I realize now I was a transformational leader in the making mental health and maternal / baby needs met.
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Nursing
University of Alabama
01-2003
Master of Arts - Interpersonal Communication
University of Alabama
01-1997
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mississippi College
01-1977
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Individual counseling
- Mental health assessment
- Motivational interviewing
Interests
Timeline
Behavior Health Specialist
United Health Care / Optum
03.2019 - 10.2025
Counselor, Curriculum Design, & Instruction
Contract
01.2005 - 02.2019
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
DCH Regional Medical Center
01.2003 - 01.2005
Nursing Case Management: Graduate Fellow – Instructor & Research Associate
The University of Alabama
01.2002 - 01.2003
Adjunct Faculty: Management – Instructor/Guest Lecturer
The University of Alabama
01.1997 - 01.2004
Adjunct Faculty: Interpersonal Communication – Instructor
The University of Alabama
01.1997 - 01.2004
Registered Nurse / Educator
Johnson City Medical Center
01.1979 - 01.1990
Master of Arts - Interpersonal Communication
University of Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mississippi College
Master of Science - Psychiatric Nursing
University of Alabama
Awards
University of Alabama National Alumni Graduate Fellowship, Alabama Board of Nursing Post-Graduate Scholarship, Hardin Foundation Graduate Scholarship, Gil Carrell Graduate Scholarship, Hardin Foundation Scholarship