Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Melissa Carlson

Melissa Carlson

Shingleton,MI

Summary

Professional with significant experience in mental health care, ready to contribute effectively. Strong skills in client assessment, therapeutic interventions, and crisis management. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and achieving outcomes in dynamic settings. Dependable, empathetic, and skilled in maintaining confidentiality and high ethical standards.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Mental Health Specialist

LMAS District Health Department
07.2020 - Current


  • Maintained detailed clinical records of clinical interventions, progress notes, treatment plans, and other documentation required for regulatory compliance.
  • Provided psychoeducation for clients, families, and school professionals, increasing understanding of mental health conditions and treatment options.
  • Maintained caseload of 40-45 active clients.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure the highest quality of care for all clients served.
  • Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
  • Developed and trained new staff members on facility policies, procedures, best practices in mental health care delivery, ensuring consistent service standards across the team.

Emergency Services Worker/on-call

Pathways Community Mental Health
09.2019 - 08.2021
  • Provided emergency screening for psychiatric hospitalization
  • Assessed level of emergency care, provided community resources
  • Provided compassionate and ethical services to those in crisis

Behavioral Health Therapist

Sault Tribe Behavioral Health
08.2015 - 07.2020
  • Evaluated treatment effectiveness regularly, adjusting intervention strategies based on client feedback and clinical judgment as required.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health distress, ensuring safety and stabilization.
  • Assessed new clients thoroughly to determine appropriate level of care and recommend suitable treatment options within the community if needed.
  • Coordinated care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other relevant in house healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for clients.

Emergency Services Worker/on-call

Hiawatha Behavioral Health
09.2015 - 08.2018
  • Provided emergency screening for psychiatric hospitalization
  • Assessed level of emergency care, provided community resources
  • Provided compassionate and ethical services to those in crisis

Mental Health Therapist

Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan
08.2011 - 10.2015


  • Implemented behavioral modification techniques, utilizing the Teaching Family Model, for clients struggling with unhealthy patterns of behavior or thought processes contributing to their mental health challenges.
  • Led psychoeducational groups covering topics such as emotion regulation, communication skills development, and relapse prevention strategies among others related to mental health improvement outcomes.
  • Tailored therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse client populations, including individuals with substance use disorders, sexual offending behaviors and trauma histories.
  • Advanced clinical practice through participation in multidisciplinary case reviews, integrating diverse perspectives for holistic treatment.
  • Mitigated impact of trauma, employing trauma-informed care practices to support recovery and resilience.

Advocate

Violence Intervention Project
04.2008 - 01.2011



  • Facilitated referrals for mental health counseling or other specialized services when necessary, ensuring holistic care for each client's unique needs.
  • Served as a valuable resource for law enforcement officers by providing information on victim assistance programs and services available in the community.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive safety plans for at-risk individuals, helping reduce instances of repeat victimization.
  • Assisted crime victims by providing emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice process.
  • Provided crisis intervention during emergencies involving clients or local community members who were experiencing trauma related to crime exposure or victimization incidents.
  • Promoted community awareness of available victim services through public speaking engagements and educational presentations.


Education

Master’s degree - Counseling

Bachelor’s degree - Human Services and Management

Master of Arts - Counseling

Lakeland University
Sheboygan, WI
01-2012

Skills

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Over 65 hours Continuing Education for Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Treatment with adolescents, teens, and vulnerable populations
  • Certified in Auricular Acupuncture
  • CPR/AED

Certification

Fully Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Michigan

Timeline

Mental Health Specialist

LMAS District Health Department
07.2020 - Current

Emergency Services Worker/on-call

Pathways Community Mental Health
09.2019 - 08.2021

Emergency Services Worker/on-call

Hiawatha Behavioral Health
09.2015 - 08.2018

Behavioral Health Therapist

Sault Tribe Behavioral Health
08.2015 - 07.2020

Mental Health Therapist

Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan
08.2011 - 10.2015

Advocate

Violence Intervention Project
04.2008 - 01.2011

Bachelor’s degree - Human Services and Management

Master’s degree - Counseling

Master of Arts - Counseling

Lakeland University