NIKOLAS JONES
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Licensed CA Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in direct therapy and program development in public sector settings. Expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy, mental health assessment, and crisis intervention. Successful in creating effective treatment plans for diverse populations and improving programs through quality assurance. Focused on enhancing mental health outcomes and supporting the development of new clinicians.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Behavioral Health Therapist
Nevada County Behavioral Health
Grass Valley, CA
05.2023 - Current
- Currently serving as the Quality Assurance Therapist in a small QA unit for a rural California county mental health program.
- Ensured adherence of mental health and SUD programs and contractors to CA state guidelines while identifying areas for improvement.
- Evaluated clinical documentation and conducted peer reviews for county clinicians, facilitating necessary changes.
- Collaborated on PIPs with county leadership team to gather data and enhance quality of behavioral health services for county clients.
- Review state or federal released information notices and ensure compliance with changes asked by the state of CA or CMS.
- Prep for and engage in multiple annual medi-cal mental health program audits.
Counselor & Coordinator of Student Athlete Mental Health
Sacramento State University
Sacramento, CA
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Provided on-going psychotherapy to diverse student body of over 30,000 students.
- Assessed student's mental health needs through consultation and formulated treatment plans / assessed level of care needs.
- Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team of mental health clinicians, M.D.s, nurses, and dietitians.
- Managed caseload and efficiently scheduled client appointments to optimize support.
- Provided group treatment and individual sessions, while covering urgent care and crisis intervention shifts.
- Under direction of CSUS Athletic Dept. Worked directly with student athletes at CSUS to address mental health challenges and sport performance concerns.
- Maintained client confidentiality during consultations with coaches' and athletic department's needs to foster a supportive environment.
- Coordinated mental health programming and presentations for student athletes as representative for D1 collegiate.
Mental Health Clinician
El Dorado County Behavioral Health
Diamond Springs, CA
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Facilitated group and individual psychotherapy for large county adult behavioral health caseload, enhancing client engagement and support.
- Developed goal-driven, billable treatment plans for county specialty mental health clients, ensuring tailored care and compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated directly with psychiatrists on site.
- Covered shifts in the local ED for crisis evaluations and inpatient hospitalizations.
- Led social and therapy groups for local high school population at school sites, promoting mental wellness and peer support among students.
Hospital Intervention Specialist
Turning Point Community Programs
Sacramento, CA
06.2016 - 12.2017
- Linked patients to outpatient and therapeutic services in community, contributing to reduction in hospital recidivism rates.
- Utilized brief therapy and mindfulness techniques with patients in hospital rooms, assessing safety concerns.
- Utilized strength based/client centered approach to case management and warm hand-off linkages.
- Collaborated with social workers, nurses, and case managers at Dignity Health hospitals to initiate cases with Navigation to Wellness program.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies
University of Nevada
Reno, NV05.2012
Skills
- Crisis intervention and case management
- Data entry and documentation
- Active listening
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Psychotherapy techniques
- Behavioral health expertise
- Compliance assessment
- Quality assurance experience
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Therapeutic supervision
References
References available upon request
Personal Information
License: LMFT #121037
Timeline
Quality Assurance Behavioral Health Therapist
Nevada County Behavioral Health
05.2023 - Current
Counselor & Coordinator of Student Athlete Mental Health
Sacramento State University
08.2019 - 05.2023
Mental Health Clinician
El Dorado County Behavioral Health
01.2018 - 08.2019
Hospital Intervention Specialist
Turning Point Community Programs
06.2016 - 12.2017
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies
University of Nevada