Melissa Braun, LSW
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Master Level Social Work professional able to promote transformative growth and create community through meaningful connection, empowerment and inclusion. Bringing extensive experience in trauma-informed crisis assessment and intervention in group and individual settings, biopsychosocial evaluations, psychoeducational sessions, utilization review, telehealth, community outreach and referrals. Aspire to continue serving as a behavioral health professional addressing trauma and crisis in partnership with individuals who are looking to impact lasting ecological change.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
Ellie Mental Health
Colorado Springs , CO
2024.04 - Current
- Conduct assessments to diagnose mental illness, develop treatment plans and monitor progress.
- Assist clients in developing healthy coping skills, setting goals and improving communication.
- Participate in case conferences with other healthcare providers to discuss best practices for patient care.
- Counsel patients on stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Provide crisis intervention services when necessary including emergency assessments, short-term counseling, referral to appropriate services or hospitalization if needed.
- Implement evidence-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Acceptance Commitment Therapy.
- Maintained accurate records of client sessions, treatments and progress using an electronic health record system.
Partial Hospitalization Dual Diagnosis Therapist
Sandstone Care
Colorado Springs , CO
2023.07 - 2024.03
- Evaluated and complete a comprehensive assessment of clients interests, abilities and needs alongside clinical presentations to develop targeted treatment plans.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for clients with similar issues or diagnoses.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills to better manage symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Monitored clients progress throughout the course of therapy by tracking goals and outcomes set in treatment plan.
- Developed individualized therapeutic interventions based on diagnosis and best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
- Coordinated care plan with interdisciplinary teams and community contacts to promote continuity of care.
- Communicated with school personnel, probation officers, psychiatrists, and other professionals regarding client progress.
- Created documentation including assessment notes, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and referrals according to agency policy and procedure/
- Utilized a variety of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices during sessions.
- Participated in regular case reviews with other clinicians to discuss client progress.
Admissions and Assessment Intern
Peakview Behavioral Health
Colorado Springs , CO
2021.10 - 2022.03
- Conducted initial intake, assessment and crisis intervention screenings for patients 7 years-geriatric
- Solution-focused short-term case work with mandated clients in an in-patient setting with a focus on restoration, substance use and mental health.
- Knowledge of and referral to community resources/programs.
- Conducted group psychoeducational sessions four times a week, with up to 22 adults aged 18-geriatric relating to topics including sobriety, anger management, goal setting and re-entry
- Use of de-escalation skills and techniques
- Actively sought out processes, information and support within other departments to facilitate integrated care.
Social Work Intern
StableStrides
Elbert , CO
2022.06 - 2024.02
- Participated in treatment planning by helping to identify clients' problems, needs and strengths.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for active-duty clients with similar issues or diagnoses.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in electronic systems.
- Attended meetings, training, conferences and seminars to advance professional knowledge.
Education
Mental Health and Trauma
University of Denver
Denver, CO03.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA08.2020
Advanced Skills for Working with Military Families. Suicide Assessment and Interventions, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use and Trauma -
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Treatment Planning
- Conduct Biopsychosocial evaluations
- Group Psychoeducational facilitation
- Create and maintain electronic medical documentation
- Team leadership/collaboration
- Client-focused organizational planning
- First Aid/CPR
Certification
- Licensed Social Worker
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency License number: LSW.0009924877
Expires 08/31/2025
- Social Work Candidate
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency License number: SWC.0000001256
Expires: 04/28/2027
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR
Issue Date: 04/26/2023: Expiration Date 04/2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Ellie Mental Health
2024.04 - Current
Partial Hospitalization Dual Diagnosis Therapist
Sandstone Care
2023.07 - 2024.03
Social Work Intern
StableStrides
2022.06 - 2024.02
Admissions and Assessment Intern
Peakview Behavioral Health
2021.10 - 2022.03
Mental Health and Trauma
University of Denver
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California Baptist University
Advanced Skills for Working with Military Families. Suicide Assessment and Interventions, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use and Trauma -
- Licensed Social Worker
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency License number: LSW.0009924877
Expires 08/31/2025
- Social Work Candidate
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency License number: SWC.0000001256
Expires: 04/28/2027
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR
Issue Date: 04/26/2023: Expiration Date 04/2025
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