Nichole Hairston-Purvis
Clinician
Suffolk,Virginia
Summary
Intensive In-Home/Mental Health Counselor with skill in leading situation-specific counseling sessions. Compassionate, solutions-oriented, and dedicated to providing exceptional care while devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents and adults dealing with substance abuse issues. Motivated, charismatic leader who seeks responsibility and accomplishes tasks in a professional manner. Persistent work habits and "can do" attitude that is unsurpassed. A self-starter, equally comfortable working alone or in a team setting while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills. Quick to adapt to new and mentally challenging environments. Highly effective in promoting a positive and productive work environment by applying attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, utilizing administrative and communication abilities, setting priorities, and displaying an enthusiastic approach to each goal. Experienced crisis response professional knowledgeable about strategies for reintroducing calm to emotionally-charged crisis situations. Skilled in reflective listening, relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving. Dedicated to offering meaningful assistance and influencing callers.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adult/Youth Mobile Crisis Clinician II
City Of Virginia Beach Behavioral Health Services
01.2024 - Current
- Provided psychoeducation on mental health issues for families, enhancing their understanding and involvement in treatment processes.
- Increased community awareness of mental health resources by conducting outreach programs and presentations.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Improved client engagement by utilizing strengths-based approaches in therapy sessions.
- Implemented targeted interventions to reduce self-harm behaviors among high-risk individuals experiencing crises.
- Reduced hospitalization rates through effective assessment, intervention, and referral of clients in crisis situations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel during psychiatric emergencies to de-escalate volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
- Counseled and helped to stabilize consumers and caregivers in crisis situations.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
Outpatient Clinician
Rock Landing Psychological Group
11.2023 - Current
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic practices in individual and group sessions.
- Facilitated psychoeducational workshops for patients and families to promote understanding of mental health conditions and coping strategies.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of treatment effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to optimize patient progress towards goals.
- Maintained accurate documentation for all clinical activities, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Developed strong rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural competence in all interactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with thorough assessments, personalized treatment plans, and empathetic communication.
- Diagnosed and treated patients suffering from chronic conditions.
Emergency Services, Certified Pre-Screener
Comprehensive Community Mental Health
09.2020 - Current
- Evaluates crisis telephone calls and determines the type of response needed including crisis intervention, phone counseling, information, follow-up, pre-admission screening, and/or referral
- Provides phone counseling in the office; face-to-face crisis counseling in the office and in the community (e.g., hospital emergency rooms, agency offices, residences)
- Completes pre-admission screening evaluations and facilitates obtaining Temporary Detention Orders in accordance with mental health services policies
- Provides expert testimony to the Norfolk Courts for assigned commitment cases regarding the client's history, behavior, and least restrictive treatment alternatives
- Initiates, completes, and maintains program records and documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
Program Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Case Manager
City of Norfolk Community Service Board
03.2016 - Current
- Work with clients who have forensic involvement that includes but not limited to, individuals being released from local and regional jails and those residing in a state hospital who are ready for discharge, e.g., individuals who are not guilty because of insanity (NGRI), receiving competency restoration services, or under an emergency treatment order
- Responsible for providing intensive community treatment and community-based services to consumers diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders
- Accountable for completing complex assessments, treatment planning, consultation, and coordination of discharge plans
- Provides assertive care coordination and a variety of support services in community settings to improve clinical outcomes for forensic clients
- Finalizes and completes clinical documentation that meets regulatory standards and supports billing.
Outpatient Clinician
Rock Landing Psychological Group
12.2022 - 09.2023
Intensive In-home/Mental Health Support Counselor
Virginia Support Services
08.2013 - 03.2020
- Performed therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions
- Developed and implemented treatment plans and modified when needed
- Connected clients with community service and resource agencies
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting client and families to appropriate resources
- Presented case history material to review and discuss with other staff members
- Facilitated a smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout their transition
- Administered crisis intervention in applicable situations.
Mental Health Counseling Practicum
Esri Counseling Ministries
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Performed intake assessment including psychosocial and clinical interviews
- Performed alcohol and drug evaluation utilizing clinical interview, SASSI
- Consulted with clients when developing long term treatment plan goals and objectives
- Counseled clients to help them understand and overcome personal, social, and behavioral problems
- Conferred with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by the team leader.
Intellectual Developmental Disability Assessor
Ascend Management Innovations
12.2014 - 02.2016
- Contracted by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS) to provide assessment services by administering assessments with the citizens of VA who had been diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability
- Administered the Support Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment; this assessment tool is designed to measure the level of support services individuals need so that they may live as independently and successfully as possible, enhancing their quality of life
- Conducted screenings to make informed judgements, as an American Association on Intellectual Developmental Disability (AAIDD) endorsed interviewer, of the appropriate rating for each item based on the support needs described.
Family Centered Specialist
First Home Care
07.2012 - 08.2013
- Conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions
- Developed and implemented treatment plans and modified when needed
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent, and individualized intakes and assessments
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and the effect of employment and housing issues on mental health
- Aided parents in arranging medication evaluations and psychological testing.
Family Centered Specialist
Institute for Family Centered Services
10.2007 - 06.2012
- Provided intensive in-home services to persons with mental health diagnoses and intellectual disabilities and in the home utilizing the Family Centered Treatment Model
- Arranged services for adults and children with serious mental health illnesses such as Bipolar, Depression, Schizophrenia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental health diagnoses
- Implemented assessments, evaluations and interventions that are required and meet the needs of the children with intellectual disabilities and adult clients with serious mental health illnesses
- Developed and executed treatment plans for adults and children, including assisting guardians in arranging medication evaluations and psychological testing, followed-up by monitoring behaviors and responses to treatment
- Established and provided required contact/daily reporting data, court, initial, monthly, quarterly and discharge reports
- Supplied case management services and timely responses to referral agencies
- Facilitated a smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout their transitions
- Directed family-centered, strength-based, culturally competent, and individualized intakes and assessments
- Conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions
- Presented case history material for review and discussion with other staff members while utilizing required confidentiality regarding client case materials in compliance with Virginia Medicaid, HIPPAA, and IFCS standards
- Facilitated a variety of psycho-educational groups at local social service agencies, including parenting groups.
Therapeutic Foster Care Case Manager
Barry Robinson Center
01.2007 - 10.2007
- Recorded quarterly reports to referral sources and funding sources to provide an update of client progress
- Facilitated foster parents support groups to promote sharing ideas and provide support and encouragement
- Accountable for intervening with children and families and linking clients with community resources
- Provided preparatory counseling with children and families for placements and discharges
- Involved clients' family members in planning social service programs.
Residential Support Manager
Community Services of Virginia
04.2003 - 01.2007
- Assisted children and adults with physical disabilities in completing therapeutic specific strengthening exercises
- Completed a comprehensive individual service plan for adults and children with Intellectual Development Disabilities (IDD)
- Administrated medication to children and adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
- Scheduled staff rotation as well as completed staff performance evaluations
- Coordinated clients medical care and medication management appointments
- Ensured the house meet licensure regulations for residential facilities and collaborated with local community service board case managers.
Direct Care Staff
Community Services of Virginia
04.2003 - 01.2004
- Provided counseling to children and families within an individual as well as group settings on a regularly scheduled basis
- Maintained assigned case files and thoroughly documented counseling sessions
- Contacted related agencies and referred the patient to appropriate external resources.
Education
M.A. Mental Health Counseling -
Capella University
01.2018
M.A. Special Education and Severe Disabilities -
Norfolk State University
01.2008
B.S. Kinesiotherapy -
Norfolk State University
01.2004
Skills
- Clinical Assessment and Evaluations
- Accessibility to Community Resources
- Family Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counsel
- Crisis Intervention and Support
- Refined Leadership Skills
- Integrating with Care Team
- Customer Service
- Written and Oral Communicative skills
- Effective Decision Making
- Teamwork
- Family Resource and Education
- Child Advocacy
- Proficient in MAC operating systems and Windows operating Systems, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Email Communication
- Working knowledge of social media outlets
- Internet Explorer and Google Chrome
- Terminal/printer operations
- Telehealth Proficiency
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Substance abuse awareness
- Client Advocacy
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Anger Management Strategies
Certification
- Resident in Counseling, The Virginia Board of Counseling, Richmond, Virginia
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, The Virginia Board of Counseling, Richmond Virginia
- First Aid, Adult and Infant CPR, and AED Certification, American Red Cross, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 03/2024
- Certified Pre-Screener, Dept. of Behavioral Health Services, Richmond, Virginia, 09/2022
Timeline
Adult/Youth Mobile Crisis Clinician II
City Of Virginia Beach Behavioral Health Services
01.2024 - Current
Outpatient Clinician
Rock Landing Psychological Group
11.2023 - Current
Outpatient Clinician
Rock Landing Psychological Group
12.2022 - 09.2023
Emergency Services, Certified Pre-Screener
Comprehensive Community Mental Health
09.2020 - Current
Mental Health Counseling Practicum
Esri Counseling Ministries
07.2017 - 06.2018
Program Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Case Manager
City of Norfolk Community Service Board
03.2016 - Current
Intellectual Developmental Disability Assessor
Ascend Management Innovations
12.2014 - 02.2016
Intensive In-home/Mental Health Support Counselor
Virginia Support Services
08.2013 - 03.2020
Family Centered Specialist
First Home Care
07.2012 - 08.2013
Family Centered Specialist
Institute for Family Centered Services
10.2007 - 06.2012
Therapeutic Foster Care Case Manager
Barry Robinson Center
01.2007 - 10.2007
Residential Support Manager
Community Services of Virginia
04.2003 - 01.2007
Direct Care Staff
Community Services of Virginia
04.2003 - 01.2004
M.A. Mental Health Counseling -
Capella University
M.A. Special Education and Severe Disabilities -
Norfolk State University
B.S. Kinesiotherapy -
Norfolk State University
- Resident in Counseling, The Virginia Board of Counseling, Richmond, Virginia
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, The Virginia Board of Counseling, Richmond Virginia
- First Aid, Adult and Infant CPR, and AED Certification, American Red Cross, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 03/2024
- Certified Pre-Screener, Dept. of Behavioral Health Services, Richmond, Virginia, 09/2022
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