Melissa Ford
Truckee,CA
Summary
Experienced Clinical Psychologist with expertise in Integrative Behavioral Health (IBH) Services. Highly skilled at diagnosing and educating patients on mental conditions. History of successful coordination between physicians and other healthcare providers in developing highly individualized treatment plans. Certified Autism Specialist and subject matter expert in Autism. Successful at multi-tasking and solutions-oriented problem-solving.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Reviewer Psychologist
Optum Health
Truckee, CA
10.2010 - Current
- Developed procedures/guidelines for peer review process regarding Applied Behavior Analysis therapy
- Conducts peer to peer reviews with providers regarding patient levels of care; works with legal and appeals departments
- Handling complaints by conducting clinical quality of care reviews, investigations and writing reports
- Facilitate supervision groups for clinical staff
- Works with the internal staff on team wellness issues such as stress Management; Reviews work of team members & provides feedback
- Clinical training for new employees
- Provides case consultation/staffing for clinical staff.
Psychologist
Private Practice
Redding, CA
07.2007 - 09.2010
- Individual, family, and group therapy: children and adults
- Psychological testing/evaluations of children and adults
- Professional consultation and clinical supervision
- Provided clinical support and interventions for Victim Witness families.
- Attended conferences or workshops to maintain professional knowledge.
Psychologist
Redding Rancheria Health Clinic
Redding, CA
02.2009 - 08.2009
- Individual, family, and group therapy for Native American children and adults
- Clinical support for Head Start program
- Psychological testing of children and adults
- Provided Integrative Behavioral Health Services alongside physicians
- Provided case management/consultation services as needed.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in order to provide comprehensive care for clients.
Psychologist
Children First Counseling
Red Bluff, CA
12.2008 - 02.2009
- Individual, family, and group therapy for children and adults
- School based counseling elementary, middle, and high school students
- School based counseling for adolescents on probation
- Psychological testing of children and adults
- Provided case management/consultation services as needed at local Mental Health Department
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in order to provide comprehensive care for clients.
- Forensic testing and court testimony for Department of Social Services.
Psychologist-Contract Position
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Redding, CA
06.2008 - 10.2008
- Developed template/procedures for compensation and pension evaluations for California Veteran’s Affairs
- Conducted compensation and pension evaluations of Veterans.
- Met with patients and provided diagnoses and consultations.
Therapist III-Psychologist
Northern Valley Catholic Social Service
Red Bluff, CA
02.2004 - 07.2007
- Assisted with development & implementation of counseling program
- Trained new clinical staff
- Served as co-manager of program & supervision of clinical staff
- Individual, family, and group therapy for children and adults
- Psychological testing of children and adults
- Facilitated trainings for community members
- Provided case management/consultation services as needed with other mental health agencies/providers.
Social Work Therapist
Youth & Family Programs
Anderson, CA
01.2001 - 02.2004
- Provided support and services/resources for biological families in reunification through Children’s Protective Services in various counties
- Individual and/or group therapy, as well as case management services for children and/or their parents
- Supervised and provided therapeutic family visits
- Worked with foster families to ensure a therapeutic home environment for children
- Facilitated orientation classes/training for prospective foster parents.
Service Coordinator
Far Northern Regional Center
Redding, CA
11.1998 - 01.2001
- Provided case management services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in various placement settings
- Worked with families in order to facilitate continuation of relationships, supervise visits when appropriate
- Acted as liaison while coordinating and advocating for services with other agencies and service providers
- Conducted home visits with clients, families, and other care providers
- Provided transitional services for adolescents
- Provided crisis intervention services to maintain placement when necessary
- Consultation with clinical and other professional staff such as nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and attend court hearings.
Education
Doctoral Degree – Psy.D. - Clinical Psychology
Ryokan College
01.2004
Masters of Science Degree - Psychology
California Coast University
01.2001
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Simpson University
01.1998
Associates Degree - Business Administration
Shasta College
01.1993
Skills
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychological Assessment
- Client Counseling
- Team Collaboration
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Attention to Detail
Certification
- Certified Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist Certification (ASDCS)
- Licensed as Psychologist in California and North Carolina
- Licensed as a Health Services Provider Psychologist (HSPP) in North Carolina
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Peer Reviewer Psychologist
Optum Health
10.2010 - Current
Psychologist
Redding Rancheria Health Clinic
02.2009 - 08.2009
Psychologist
Children First Counseling
12.2008 - 02.2009
Psychologist-Contract Position
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
06.2008 - 10.2008
Psychologist
Private Practice
07.2007 - 09.2010
Therapist III-Psychologist
Northern Valley Catholic Social Service
02.2004 - 07.2007
Social Work Therapist
Youth & Family Programs
01.2001 - 02.2004
Service Coordinator
Far Northern Regional Center
11.1998 - 01.2001
Doctoral Degree – Psy.D. - Clinical Psychology
Ryokan College
Masters of Science Degree - Psychology
California Coast University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Simpson University
Associates Degree - Business Administration
Shasta College
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