Nichala Davidson, LPC, CCM.
Kingwood,TX
Summary
Behavioral Health Navigator collaborates with members of health care team to develop appropriate care for patient population. Strong clinical skills, judgment, empathy, and compassion are required for interactions with physicians, , patients and families. More than 10 years of clinical experience, as well as experience in utilization review and discharge planning expertise aid with making critical decisions. Trained in providing crisis intervention services in addition to routine care and support. Conducts assessments, sets goals and improves patient quality of life with hands-on assistance. Experienced case manager professional arranging services, collaborating with families and providing ongoing counseling and support. Excellent communication, planning and conflict resolution skills. Current Texas license. Capable Licensed Professional Counselor well-versed in educating patients, coordinating treatment plans and setting up program referrals. Knowledgeable about documentation, record keeping and insurance requirements.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Navigator
Saint Joseph Medical Center
1501 Saint Joseph Parkway
04.2023 - Current
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
- Developed individual treatment plans and provided counseling to patients.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to expand services and referrals.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.
- Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Maintained confidential health information according to state and federal regulations.
- Identified gaps in care and assisted in closure of gaps.
- Assisted members with social determinants of health and linked to appropriate community resources.
- Consulted with medical staff and ancillary department to eliminate barriers to delivery of care and identified service delivery problems and potential for patient management intervention.
- Participated in regular team meetings, huddles, staff meetings and quality improvement projects to improve patient care.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
- Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.
- Preserved and prepared reports and treatment records.
Licensed Mental Health
CVS Minute Clinic
Porter, TX
04.2022 - Current
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Behavioral Health Navigator
Saint Joseph Medical Center
Houston, TX
06.2017 - 04.2022
- Complete Initial patient assessments in Emergency Department to determine appropriate levels of care.
- Complete Psychosocial Assessment and Initial Discharge Plan for patients in Behavioral Health ED Intake.
- Consult with Emergency Department Doctor, Behavioral Health Psychiatrist and Intake nurse regarding patient care.
- Complete Psych Consultation for patients on medical unit needing psychiatric evaluations at both hospital locations.
- Respond to Crisis Codes involving patients requiring De-escalation in all areas of hospital.
- Manage safe discharge plan, which includes providing outpatient referrals, social service resources and transportation for patients in ED/Intake who do not meet criteria for inpatient.
- Arrange transfer to other Psychiatric Facilities and Substance Abuse Treatment Centers for patient.
- Conduct Individual therapy with patients in Intake department as well as on medical floors.
- Work with Substance Abuse patient in ED who are in need of detox and substance abuse treatment program.
- Work closely with HOT team regarding assistance of homeless patients in need of placement.
- Work closely with Harris County Sheriff’s department Human Trafficking and Sex Crime division to aid with placing patient.
- Work with various Domestic Violence Shelters for placement of hospital patients in need of assistance.
- Work closely with various police departments who have psychiatric patients requiring admit to unit.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications
Clinical Care Advocate
United Health Group
12.2015 - 11.2016
- Focus providing authorizations on initial inpatient admission or extension of stay for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients.
- Review patient assessments and determining appropriate levels of care.
- Obtain information from providers on outpatient requests for treatment.
- Determine if additional clinical treatment sessions are needed and administer benefits and review treatment plans.
- Manage inpatient and outpatient mental health cases throughout entire treatment plan.
- Identify ways to add value to treatment plans and consulting with facility staff or outpatient care providers on those ideas.
- Provided Individual Therapy to members in crisis.
- Worked with police organizations around United States for assistance with member Well Fare checks during crisis call.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Licensed Professional Counselor
Cornerstone Counseling
02.2015 - 08.2015
- Private practice therapist focused on diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders ranging from Depression to Schizophrenia.
- Interview patients, conduct tests, provide Family Psychotherapy, Individual Therapy
- Conducted Intake Assessments, Psychosocial Assessments and Behavioral Approach to emotional problems with children and adolescents.
- Implemented and developed Master Treatment Plans.
- Directly participated in Discharge Planning and Chart Reviews.
- Utilized CBT, Expressive Arts, Cinema Therapy, Play Therapy Techniques.
- Conducted Therapeutic Individual and Family Therapy Sessions.
- Lead CPS Parenting Class for those mandated by CPS to complete course.
- Conducted Anger Management Class.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Kingwood Pines Hospital
06.2013 - 11.2014
- Treated clients with Emotional, Behavioral, Substance, and Mental Disorders by observing and monitoring client behavior, Psychosocial Assessments and responses to treatment.
- Conducted Individual, Family and Group Therapeutic Counseling sessions.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating and developing Treatment Plans.
- Monitored client census by using Daily Movement Report and recording admissions, discharges, doctor appointments.
- Developed and implemented goal-oriented Psycho Educational and Activity Therapy groups to improve patient's level of function.
- Presented case history material to review and discussion with other staff members.
- Facilitated Group Therapy on Child, Adolescent, Adult, and PICU Units.
- Facilitated Chemical Dependency Groups on Adolescent and Adult Units.
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings
Behavior Therapist
Facilitated PHP Chemical Dependency Group, Heartwood Children's Behavior Center of Texas
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Provided counseling services to children presenting with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Asperger's Disorder.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior.
- Successfully provided therapy and solution focused brief therapy.
- Conducted behavior management and reinforcement programming as written, adapting to frequent program modifications.
- Ran individual and family therapy sessions for children ages 5 to 12.
- Led summer day treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues.
Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern
Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center
08.2010 - 06.2013
- Provided counseling services to individuals who are victims of crime, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
- Facilitated adult anger management and girls sexual abuse group sessions.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Clay Therapy.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement in therapy setting
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX2010
Bachelor of Arts - Communication-Media Production
University of Houston
Houston, TX2008
Skills
- Assessing needs
- Admitting processes
- Goal Setting
- Social history intake procedures
- Planning and Coordination
Accomplishments
Certified Case Manager
Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society
212 Recipient at Saint Joseph Medical Center
Affiliations
- Association of Play Therapy
- American Counseling Association
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Timeline
Behavioral Health Navigator
Saint Joseph Medical Center
04.2023 - Current
Licensed Mental Health
CVS Minute Clinic
04.2022 - Current
Behavioral Health Navigator
Saint Joseph Medical Center
06.2017 - 04.2022
Clinical Care Advocate
United Health Group
12.2015 - 11.2016
Licensed Professional Counselor
Cornerstone Counseling
02.2015 - 08.2015
Licensed Professional Counselor
Kingwood Pines Hospital
06.2013 - 11.2014
Behavior Therapist
Facilitated PHP Chemical Dependency Group, Heartwood Children's Behavior Center of Texas
06.2013 - 08.2013
Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern
Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center
08.2010 - 06.2013
Master of Arts - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication-Media Production
University of Houston