Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nikki Thornton, LCSW

Pine Bluff,AR

Summary

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

CEO/Mental Health Therapist

Mind Over Matter Counseling LLC.
01.2022 - Current

· Completes comprehensive psycho -social histories and Intake Assessments as assigned

· Determine mental health diagnosis

· Completes all compliance documentation, including but not limited to: Diagnostic Evaluations, Plan of care, create

· and review Master Treatment Plans based on determined diagnosis, Suicide and Crisis Assessments and

· Planning

· Urgent Coordination Notes

· Mental Health Professional Progress notes and other documentation as required in EMR.

· Provides direct services, includes individual therapy, group therapy, Collateral Intervention,

· Implementing different patient centered treatment modalities during Individual therapy, Family therapy, and Crisis situations

· Stabilization/Intervention, Professional Intervention, and Diagnostic Interpretation

· Initiates and Coordinates emergency hospitalization as required and coordination of follow-up care.

· Professional follows therapeutic guidelines stipulated by the primary therapist on the Plan of Care

· Provides resources to food banks, Department of Human Services, and the Housing Authority

· Work with clients and their families with diverse cultural, ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds

· demonstrating relevant skills that lead to effective and appropriate communication.

· Mandated reporter

Full Time Instructor

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
01.2021 - Current

· Establishing key objectives for classes

· Creating curriculum that accomplishes the set objectives

· Developing a syllabus that outlines topics that will be explored and listing due dates for assignments and exams

· Making lesson plans that describe how information will be presented

· Giving lectures and organizing activities to present material and deepen understanding of coursework

· Writing, administering and grading examinations that test students’ knowledge

· Answering students’ questions and providing support to help them succeed

· Recording students’ attendance and grades

Mental Health Counselor

Pinnacle Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health
01.2020 - 10.2022
  • Improved patient treatment outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing customized treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care for patients with mental health disorders.
  • Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
  • Strengthened family support systems by providing psychoeducation and facilitating open communication between patients and their loved ones.
  • Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
  • Developed individualized goal-setting tools to empower patients in taking ownership of their progress towards improved mental health.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
  • Partnered with local schools to deliver mental health counseling services to students experiencing stress, anxiety, or other challenges impacting academic performance.
  • Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
  • Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
  • Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
  • Served as an advocate for clients within various systems including healthcare providers, insurance companies, educational institutions.
  • Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
  • Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kindred Healthcare Inc.
04.2017 - 02.2022
  • Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
  • Enhanced collaborative care for clients by coordinating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through providing empathetic and compassionate counseling services.
  • Assisted clients in developing and achieving realistic goals, leading to improved overall wellbeing.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting positive peer support and mutual learning experiences.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients experiencing acute symptoms or distress.
  • Developed psychoeducational materials to educate clients on mental health topics, promoting self-awareness and understanding.
  • Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients change negative thought patterns and improve their coping strategies.
  • Enabled smoother transitions between levels of care by effectively communicating with referring providers about client progress and treatment recommendations.
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
  • Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.

Director of Social Services

Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Inc
10.2018 - 01.2020
  • Improved community outreach by developing and implementing innovative social service programs.
  • Enhanced staff performance through comprehensive training and professional development initiatives.
  • Increased client satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and providing timely resolutions.
  • Streamlined internal processes for more efficient delivery of social services to clients in need.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement among staff members, inspiring them to consistently raise the bar in their work.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by diligently monitoring policies and procedures within the department.
  • Facilitated open communication between staff members, promoting teamwork and collaborative problem-solving approaches to challenges faced by clients.
  • Provided crisis intervention support when needed; demonstrating empathy, compassion and resourcefulness to serve clients in times of distress.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
  • Referred families to shelters, legal resources, and educational programs.
  • Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.

Intern

VA MHICM Clinic
09.2013 - 04.2014
  • Shadow case managers to observe day to day job duties
  • Lead case management visits with/without supervision
  • Complete case notes in CPRS on assigned veterans
  • Complete treatment plans/assessments with supervision of case manager
  • Attend administrative staff meetings to discuss case loads
  • Collaborated effectively with team members across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to accomplishing shared objectives.
  • Actively participated in team meetings, offering insightful suggestions that led to innovative problem-solving strategies.
  • Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.

Intern

Springwoods Behavioral Health
01.2013 - 05.2013
  • Supported clients in overcoming personal challenges by employing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients.
  • Increased client engagement through skillful application of active listening and communication techniques.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs, leading to more targeted interventions and improved outcomes.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating tense situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
  • Maintained timely and accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and best practices in mental health counseling.
  • Built rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity in all interactions.
  • Maintained client confidentiality in all communications, adhering to ethical guidelines and protecting the privacy of sensitive information.

Licensed Social Worker

Fayetteville Veterans Home
08.2008 - 06.2012
  • Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing personalized treatment plans.
  • Enhanced community support networks for clients by connecting them with appropriate resources and services.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and optimal outcomes for clients.
  • Provided crisis intervention, de-escalating volatile situations and connecting individuals with emergency services when necessary.
  • Conducts individual, group, & family counseling sessions to aid resident's social, emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing
  • Supervise activities staff
  • Develops program plans by determining goals and objectives, assessing programs, and making recommendations for policy and procedure changes

Family Service Worker, Family Support Specialist

State Of Arkansas
10.2001 - 08.2008
  • Assisting families in developing and implementing a case plan
  • Conduct home visits and facilitate visitations between parent and child
  • Monitor parent/child interaction, monitor child placement and address foster parent needs
  • Provide after hour on-call services
  • Conduct staffing’s, prepare affidavits, complete court reports, prepare for and attend court hearings, present court testimony, complete social histories, input data in CHRIS
  • Develop and maintain case files
  • Attend required trainings and meetings
  • Interviews clients to determine eligibility for DWS programs and services
  • Contacts employers/clients by telephone or correspondence to discuss job orders for potential job applicants
  • Performs job placement activities by researching files and selecting position openings compatible with clients' employment profile, schedules interviews for clients.
  • Administers aptitude and job skills assessments to job applicants by monitoring assessments, scoring and recording results and scheduling assessments.
  • Counsels clients by explaining program eligibility, program benefits, and employment opportunities.
  • Case Management, analyze, gather, organize and enter data through technical support using State and Federal Policy

Skills

  • Licensed Certified Social Worker #5913-C Expires 3/31/25
  • Licensed Mastered Social Worker #5913-M Expired 3/16/21
  • Licensed Social Worker Expired 8/2012
  • Master of Social Work 2014 U of A Fayetteville
  • Masters in Public Administration 2011 Webster University
  • Bachelor of Arts Social Work 1997 University of AR Pine Bluff

Timeline

CEO/Mental Health Therapist

Mind Over Matter Counseling LLC.
01.2022 - Current

Full Time Instructor

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
01.2021 - Current

Mental Health Counselor

Pinnacle Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health
01.2020 - 10.2022

Director of Social Services

Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Inc
10.2018 - 01.2020

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kindred Healthcare Inc.
04.2017 - 02.2022

Intern

VA MHICM Clinic
09.2013 - 04.2014

Intern

Springwoods Behavioral Health
01.2013 - 05.2013

Licensed Social Worker

Fayetteville Veterans Home
08.2008 - 06.2012

Family Service Worker, Family Support Specialist

State Of Arkansas
10.2001 - 08.2008
Nikki Thornton, LCSW