Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Websites
Timeline
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Melissa Cooper

Melissa Cooper

Northlake,TX

Summary

Dedicated clinical social worker with a strong background in providing evidence-based counseling services to individuals. Skilled in developing comprehensive treatment plans, conducting thorough assessments, and accurately documenting client progress. Committed to advocating for the mental health and overall well-being of clients, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed for their journey towards recovery.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

LCSW, LCDC (Counselor)

Focused Awareness Counseling
10.2020 - Current


  • Develops master treatment plans and utilizes the DSM-5 to diagnose clients
  • Facilitates counseling sessions with clients using traditional face-to-face therapy and Telehealth, and applies evidence-based interventions
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.

THERAPIST

NEW HOPE COUNSELING CENTER
09.2018 - 10.2020
  • Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring compliance with state regulations and ethical standards.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices in therapeutic interventions, staying up-to-date on current research findings in the field of social work.
  • Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • Built strong rapport with clients through active listening and empathetic communication for improved mental health outcomes.
  • Developed crisis intervention strategies, providing immediate support in high-stress situations.
  • Empowered clients by teaching coping mechanisms and self-advocacy skills to promote independence and resilience.
  • Enhanced client well-being by providing comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, and tailored interventions.
  • Evaluated client progress through regular follow-ups, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for optimal results.

COUNSELOR

Life Online Counseling
07.2019 - 07.2020
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated mental health or substance abuse issues using DSM-V criteria
  • Provided individual counseling to clients 18 years and older in a rehabilitation hospital setting
  • Referred clients to community programs, agencies and therapists, when appropriate
  • Consulted with hospital case managers, when appropriate
  • Maintained appropriate documentation of services to clients, including intakes, assessments, and progress notes

THERAPIST

UNIVERSITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
12.2017 - 08.2018


  • Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
  • Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
  • Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
  • Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver treatment plans and patient care.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of latest therapeutic techniques and best practices.
  • Contributed to treatment team meetings by interacting with psychiatrists, nurses, utilization review personnel, and counselors.

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

SPRINGWOOD HOSPITAL
06.2017 - 08.2017
  • Completed biopsychosocial assessments for inpatients admitted to the hospital within 72 hours
  • Conducted direct social services with adult and geriatric patients
  • Coordinated, planned, and co-facilitated process and facilitated psychoeducation groups in the inpatient adult unit
  • Utilized computerized record system to upload therapeutic notes into the patient’s chart
  • Provided counseling via one-on-one sessions using evidence-based interventions with patients as requested by supervisor
  • Completed family phone calls with patients’ families within 72 hours of hospitalization
  • Observed and interacted with the treatment team including psychiatrists, nurses, utilization review personnel, and counselors

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

UT Center for Clinical Social Work
01.2017 - 05.2017
  • Administered intake assessments with clients first entering the center using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) or the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC)
  • Made preliminary diagnosis based upon the information provided by the client
  • Contacted and collaborated with collateral contacts when necessary
  • Provided community referrals to the client, as needed
  • Forwarded all cases to the field instructor for review and assignment to a treatment protocol

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

UBH
01.2016 - 05.2016
  • Facilitated psycho-education therapy groups in the outpatient (IOP/PHP) day programs with adult, adolescent, and chemical dependency (dual diagnosis) patients
  • Administered biopsychosocial assessments to patients first entering the program
  • Collaborated with clients in order to implement a treatment plan
  • Completed discharge planning with clients discharging from the program

Education

Masters Of Social Work - Mental Health And Substance Abuse

The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX
08.2017

Bachelor Of Science - Legal Studies

Texas Woman’s University
Denton, TX
12.2004

Skills

  • Biopsychosocial assessments
  • Treatment plans
  • Client records management
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • EMDR Certified Therapist
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Grief counseling
  • Self-compassion focused
  • PTSD specialist
  • Coping Skills and Psychoeducation
  • Curriculum Development

Accomplishments

  • Founder and director of Focused Awareness Counseling specializing in the treatment of adults suffering from trauma.
  • Received advanced clinical training and certification in EMDR treating adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Collaborated with a team of seven in the development of the We Are More art exhibit advocating for domestic violence awareness.
  • Developed a 12-week online coaching curriculum for women struggling with stress and the physiological symptoms of stress.

Affiliations

  • National Association of Social Work, Professional Member
  • EMDR International Association, EMDR Certified Therapist

Certification

  • EMDR Certified, EMDRIA, March 2021

Timeline

LCSW, LCDC (Counselor)

Focused Awareness Counseling
10.2020 - Current

COUNSELOR

Life Online Counseling
07.2019 - 07.2020

THERAPIST

NEW HOPE COUNSELING CENTER
09.2018 - 10.2020

THERAPIST

UNIVERSITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
12.2017 - 08.2018

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

SPRINGWOOD HOSPITAL
06.2017 - 08.2017

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

UT Center for Clinical Social Work
01.2017 - 05.2017

SOCIAL WORK INTERN

UBH
01.2016 - 05.2016

Masters Of Social Work - Mental Health And Substance Abuse

The University of Texas At Arlington

Bachelor Of Science - Legal Studies

Texas Woman’s University

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Melissa Cooper