Michelle Johnson
Jacksonville
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Behavioral and Mental Health Counselor with demonstrated expertise in crisis intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of individualized treatment plans. Proficient in delivering evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing to support client recovery and improve clinical outcomes.
Committed to ethical, culturally responsive practice and effective communication to provide comprehensive care for diverse populations. Proven track record of exceeding performance goals in high-demand environments, combining strategic clinical insight with practical experience to deliver meaningful, client-centered solutions and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Therapist
Wakulla Correctional Institution
07.2024 - Current
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy to clients experiencing mental health, emotional, and behavioral challenges across diverse populations.
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and risk assessments to develop personalized treatment plans.
- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, primary care providers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure integrated and coordinated care.
- Monitor client progress, adjust treatment goals as needed, and maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines.
- Support crisis intervention efforts, including suicide risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to higher levels of care when necessary.
- Educate clients and families on coping skills, mental health conditions, and community support resources.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards, including confidentiality, licensing board regulations, and HIPAA compliance.
- Recommended therapeutic action plans and treatments based on results from behavioral assessments.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Consulted with other therapists, public, and private service agencies and university researchers to advise clients on resources available.
- Determined if non-progressing clients should continue to be counseled or referred to other specialists.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Cen
04.2023 - 07.2024
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Facilitate evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-step facilitation.
- Monitor client progress, maintain accurate records, and adjust treatment plans as needed in accordance with clinical best practices and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate care with physicians, mental health professionals, and case managers to support holistic recovery.
- Lead or participate in aftercare planning and support clients in building relapse prevention strategies.
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards (HIPAA), ethical guidelines, and all relevant licensing or accreditation requirements.
- Effectively and efficiently maintain 25 or more caseloads
- Conduct client interviews and assessments to review substance use disorder and treatment history
- Observe and evaluate client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan
- Manage caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
- Lead and assist basic didactic group counseling including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education
- Provided individual and group client counseling and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
- Develop discharge summary and integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
Mental Health Technician
Florida State Hospital
03.2020 - 02.2024
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Provide direct care and support to individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges in inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment settings.
- Assist in the implementation of individualized care plans under the direction of licensed mental health professionals.
- Monitor and document patients’ emotional and behavioral status, reporting any significant changes to clinical staff.
- Engage patients in therapeutic activities, group sessions, and coping skills development to promote mental and emotional well-being.
- Ensure a safe, structured environment by following established protocols for crisis prevention, de-escalation, and intervention.
- Support patients with daily living tasks, such as hygiene, nutrition, and medication reminders, while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support individualized treatment goals and participate in regular case review meetings.
Behavioral Health Technician
Apalachee Center
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Provide direct support to patients with mental health or behavioral conditions in inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment settings.
- Assist in implementing individualized treatment plans under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
- Observe, monitor, and document patient behavior, mood, and responses to interventions, reporting significant changes to clinical staff.
- Facilitate daily activities, therapeutic groups, and skill-building exercises to promote emotional stability and personal growth.
- Ensure a safe and supportive environment by adhering to crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when necessary.
- Support patients with daily living activities, including hygiene, meals, and medication reminders, as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with HIPAA and facility guidelines.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during staff meetings and treatment planning sessions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL08-2021
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL08-2018
Skills
- Group therapy facilitation
- Cognitive and Behavior modification
- Motivational interviewing
- Cognitive behavioral therapy/DBT
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Professional ethics
- Recovery strategies
- Mental health assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Treatment plans
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Crisis Intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Assessment
- Communication verbally
and written - Leadership
- Detail oriented
- Effective Psychology skills
- Microsoft (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc)
- Data entry (EMR/EDR)
- Advocacy
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- CNA
- HIPAA
- Security Awareness
- A Multicultural Approach to Recovery-Oriented Practice
- Application of Ethical Decision-Making in Clinical Practice
- Bloodborne Pathogens and the Use of Standard Precautions
- Ethics and Corporate Compliance
- Psychopharmacology Basics for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Incident Reporting in Behavioral Health
Timeline
Behavioral Health Therapist
Wakulla Correctional Institution
07.2024 - Current
Substance Abuse Counselor
Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Cen
04.2023 - 07.2024
Mental Health Technician
Florida State Hospital
03.2020 - 02.2024
Behavioral Health Technician
Apalachee Center
11.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Florida State University
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