Nella Justal
Richmond,VA
Summary
Master of Social Work with clinical experience in substance use treatment, mental health, and community health services. Skilled in assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Committed to providing trauma informed care and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and wellness.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Counselor II
Pinnacle Treatment Centers- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT/MOUD)
North Chesterfield, VA
07.2025 - 09.2026
- Managed a 60+ person substance use disorder caseload at Opioid Treatment Program level of care
- Provide individual and family counseling services to patients participating in OTP/MAT.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review treatment plans; adjust treatment plans based on patient progress, and clinical needs.
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments and psychosocial evaluations to identify treatment needs and establish patient goals.
- Utilize evidence-based counseling interventions to address substance use, behavioral health concerns, relapse prevention, and recovery- related challenges.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalated situations, assessing patient needs and coordinating appropriate interventions.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members to coordinate integrated patient care.
Counselor
Mainspring Recovery
Dumfries, VA
01.2025 - 03.2025
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to enhance recovery, build coping skills, prevent relapse, and improve treatment engagement.
- Guided clients in identifying treatment goals and developing actionable strategies to overcome barriers to recovery.
- Assessed clients' psychological, social, and substance abuse needs to inform treatment planning and recommendations.
- Managed an 8-person substance use disorder caseload at Level 3.5 clinically managed high-intensity residential treatment
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, nurses, and other behavioral health professionals to ensure comprehensive support for clients' treatment needs and continuity of care.
- Connected clients with appropriate community resources and referrals for after-care.
- Completed all clinical documentation in accordance with accreditation standards, state licensing requirements, and billing guidelines in a timely and accurate manner.
- Completed supervision sessions with clinical management staff to enhance skills and knowledge in treatment practices. with the clinical management staff.
Associate Counselor
Pinnacle Treatment Center of Richmond
North Chesterfield, VA
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Facilitated individual, group, and family counseling sessions to assess barriers to recovery, strengthen coping skills, and promote progress toward individualized treatment goals.
- Completed initial assessment to examine biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to client challenges.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of client needs and developed individualized treatment goals based on findings.
- Managed 8-person caseload in 2.5 partial hospitalization program and low-intensity residential treatment, ensuring tailored support for each client.
- Performed crisis intervention services to de-escalate acute situations and promote a safe, supportive treatment environment.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care with physicians, nurses, and case managers to enhance collaboration and improve client treatment outcomes.
- Monitored and documented client progress throughout treatment to track effectiveness of interventions and adjust goals as needed.
Intern- Selected Family Interventions/SUD Outpatient Services
Disc Village, Inc
Tallahassee, FL
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Supported licensed mental health professionals in implementing family interventions and outpatient substance abuse treatment services, enhancing client care.
- Assisted in client assessments, identifying psychosocial needs and barriers to treatment to tailor support effectively.
- Participated in individual, family, and group sessions under clinical supervision.
- Observed and practiced evidence-based therapeutic interventions including Motivational interviewing, CBT, and trauma informed approaches.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to review and plan progress for individuals and families, ensuring coordinated care and treatment strategies.
Therapeutic Assistant
Disc Village, Inc
Tallahassee, FL
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Supported licensed therapists, counselors, and multidisciplinary mental health professionals in delivering effective therapeutic services to diverse client populations.
- Provided empathetic psychosocial support, building strong therapeutic rapport that enhanced client engagement and participation in recovery programs.
- Oversaw daily client care and safety protocols, managing medication distribution, drug screenings, visitations, and routine head counts to ensure a secure environment for clients.
- Transported clients safely to appointments and services.
- Upheld ethical standards and adhered to residential services guidelines, ensuring compliance with program policies and fostering a supportive environment.
Education
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work -
Virginia Board of Social Work
Richmond, VA09-2023
Master of Social Work -
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL08-2023
Bachelor of Social Work -
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL07-2022
Skills
- Clinical assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Psychosocial Evaluation
- Treatment planning
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Solution-focused counseling
- Discharge planning
- Case coordination
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Client needs assessment
- Therapeutic modalities
- Intake assessment
- Electronic records
- Substance use counseling
- relapse prevention
- Caseload management
Timeline
Counselor II
Pinnacle Treatment Centers- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT/MOUD)
07.2025 - 09.2026
Counselor
Mainspring Recovery
01.2025 - 03.2025
Associate Counselor
Pinnacle Treatment Center of Richmond
08.2023 - 10.2024
Intern- Selected Family Interventions/SUD Outpatient Services
Disc Village, Inc
05.2023 - 08.2023
Therapeutic Assistant
Disc Village, Inc
11.2021 - 07.2023
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work -
Virginia Board of Social Work
Master of Social Work -
Florida State University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Florida State University